From the New York Times: "The United States economy shrank at its fastest pace in a quarter century from October through December, the government reported on Friday, as consumer spending and business investment collapsed, signaling more economic contraction in the months ahead....
"The president also announced the first meeting of a Task Force on Middle-Class Working Families, which will seek to raise living standards of working families."
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has published new 4th quarter 2008 gross domestic product figures. The BEA also collects data on personal income, international trade, and more. This information and other key indicators are tracked on the EconomicIndicators.gov website.
The White House website posted information about the new Task Force on Middle-Class Working Families. The site includes information about the task force and a form for submitting your ideas.
Source: Healy, J., and Uchitelle, L. (30 January 2009). "Steep Slide in U.S. Economy as Unsold Goods Pile Up." New York Times.
Friday, January 30, 2009
More Details on Peanut Product Recall
From the Washington Post: "In one of the largest food recalls in history, the Food and Drug Administration asked retailers, manufacturers and consumers yesterday to throw out every product made in the past two years from peanuts processed by a Georgia plant at the heart of a deadly nationwide outbreak of salmonella illness."
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website has gathered large amounts of information on the recall of peanut products produced by the Peanut Corporation of America. This includes a searchable database of products subject to the recall, links to CDC information on salmonella, and much more. The FDA is a good site for recall information, and there is an additional, specialized website for other recall information: Recalls.gov.
Source: Layton, L. (29 January 2009). "Every Peanut Product From Ga. Plant Recalled: FDA: Toss Out Anything Made in 2007-08." Washington Post. A01.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website has gathered large amounts of information on the recall of peanut products produced by the Peanut Corporation of America. This includes a searchable database of products subject to the recall, links to CDC information on salmonella, and much more. The FDA is a good site for recall information, and there is an additional, specialized website for other recall information: Recalls.gov.
Source: Layton, L. (29 January 2009). "Every Peanut Product From Ga. Plant Recalled: FDA: Toss Out Anything Made in 2007-08." Washington Post. A01.
Senate Passes SCHIP Again
From the Washington Post: "The Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation yesterday to provide health insurance to 11 million low-income children, a bill that would for the first time spend federal money to cover children and pregnant women who are legal immigrants."
The Senate passed H.R.2, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, yesterday with roll call vote 31. The House passed the bill on January 14 with vote 16. Since there were differences between the versions of the bill upon which each chamber voted, a conference committee will meet to resolve the differences. Senator Baucus will be one of the members of that conference committee.
Source: Connolly, C. (30 January 2009). "Senate Passes Health Insurance Bill for Children: Immigrant Clause Opens Rift." Washington Post. A01.
The Senate passed H.R.2, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, yesterday with roll call vote 31. The House passed the bill on January 14 with vote 16. Since there were differences between the versions of the bill upon which each chamber voted, a conference committee will meet to resolve the differences. Senator Baucus will be one of the members of that conference committee.
Source: Connolly, C. (30 January 2009). "Senate Passes Health Insurance Bill for Children: Immigrant Clause Opens Rift." Washington Post. A01.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2008 State of the State
From the Missoulian: "Gov. Brian Schweitzer used his State of the State address Wednesday night to unveil a proposed $44 million-a-year tax on oil-and-gas production to fund higher teacher salaries in the state."
The Governor gave the State of the State address last night. The outline of his address has been posted on the State of Montana website. A related bill, HB 388, presents details of the oil and gas surtax for education funding plan. The LAWS database has the text of the bill.
Source: Dennison, M. (29 January 2009). "Governor proposes tax on oil, gas production." Missoulian. A1.
The Governor gave the State of the State address last night. The outline of his address has been posted on the State of Montana website. A related bill, HB 388, presents details of the oil and gas surtax for education funding plan. The LAWS database has the text of the bill.
Source: Dennison, M. (29 January 2009). "Governor proposes tax on oil, gas production." Missoulian. A1.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act
From New West: "The livestock industry considers bison 'livestock' and conservationists consider the species 'wildlife,' with the livestock definition ruling the day. As a result, the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) has responsibility for bison management.
"That fact is the focus of HB 253, co-sponsored by Mike Phillips (D-Bozeman) and Ted Washburn (R-Bozeman). The sure-to-be-controversial bill is, according to a flier distributed by its primary ball-carrier, the Gallatin Wildlife Association (GWA), 'a bi-partisan first step toward returning bison management to wildlife professionals, while respecting and protecting private property rights.'"
Information about HB 253, the "Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act," can be found on the Montana Legislature website in the LAWS database. The database includes the text of the bill and the related fiscal note.
Sources: Buffalo Field Campaign (27 January 2009). "NEWS: BFC Supports Wild Buffalo Recovery Bill." New West.
Schneider, B. (26 January 2009). "Are Bison Wildlife or Livestock?" New West.
"That fact is the focus of HB 253, co-sponsored by Mike Phillips (D-Bozeman) and Ted Washburn (R-Bozeman). The sure-to-be-controversial bill is, according to a flier distributed by its primary ball-carrier, the Gallatin Wildlife Association (GWA), 'a bi-partisan first step toward returning bison management to wildlife professionals, while respecting and protecting private property rights.'"
Information about HB 253, the "Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act," can be found on the Montana Legislature website in the LAWS database. The database includes the text of the bill and the related fiscal note.
Sources: Buffalo Field Campaign (27 January 2009). "NEWS: BFC Supports Wild Buffalo Recovery Bill." New West.
Schneider, B. (26 January 2009). "Are Bison Wildlife or Livestock?" New West.
Crawford v. Nashville
From the New York Times: "Employees fired after cooperating in sexual harassment investigations may sue for retaliation, the Supreme Court ruled Monday in a case concerning the scope of a federal law barring sex discrimination in the workplace."
Crawford v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson Cty.
Docket no. 06-1595
Questions presented
Supreme Court opinion
Transcript of oral arguments
Merits briefs
Lower court opinion (6th Circuit Court of Appeals, 05-5258)
Source: Liptak, D. (26 January 2009). "Court Expands Ability to Sue in Sexual Harassment Investigations." New York Times.
Crawford v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson Cty.
Source: Liptak, D. (26 January 2009). "Court Expands Ability to Sue in Sexual Harassment Investigations." New York Times.
Indian Health Funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
From the Missoulian: "The Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved a multibillion-dollar economic stimulus plan, including $2.8 billion for tribes - with the largest share directed toward Indian health services and buildings."
The Senate Appropriations Committee website has information about the vote to approve a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. You can find more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (H.R. 1) through THOMAS.
Source: Rave, J. (28 January 2009). "Package includes $2.8B for tribes." Missoulian. A1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee website has information about the vote to approve a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. You can find more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (H.R. 1) through THOMAS.
Source: Rave, J. (28 January 2009). "Package includes $2.8B for tribes." Missoulian. A1.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
CBO Report on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
From the Washington Post: "Approximately two-thirds of the spending and tax cuts contained in an economic stimulus package crafted by House Democrats would flow into the economy by the end of fiscal 2010, producing a "noticeable impact on economic growth and employment," congressional budget analysts said yesterday."
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produced the report on H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. You can find additional information on the bill through THOMAS.
Source: Montgomery, L. (27 January 2009). "House Plan Offers 'Noticeable Impact': CBO Sees 65% Spent by End of Fiscal 2010." Washington Post. A07.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produced the report on H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. You can find additional information on the bill through THOMAS.
Source: Montgomery, L. (27 January 2009). "House Plan Offers 'Noticeable Impact': CBO Sees 65% Spent by End of Fiscal 2010." Washington Post. A07.
Climate Change and Policy Directives
From the NOAA press release: "A new scientific study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reaches a powerful conclusion about the climate change caused by future increases of carbon dioxide: to a large extent, there’s no going back."
The new climate change report authored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. General information about the group's research is available on the Earth System Research Laboratory website.
The White House website provides information on the President's energy and environment policies. The site also includes the Presidential memos on fuel economy and the Clean Air Act.
Sources: Chaney, R. (27 January 2009). "Running: Action needed despite grim report." Misosulian.
Mufson, S., and Eilperin, J. (27 January 2009). "Obama Issues Orders Toward More Fuel-Efficient Cars." Washington Post. A04.
Branigin, W., Eilperin, J., and Mufson, S. (26 January 2009). "Obama Announces New Energy, Environmental Policies." Washington Post.
The new climate change report authored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. General information about the group's research is available on the Earth System Research Laboratory website.
The White House website provides information on the President's energy and environment policies. The site also includes the Presidential memos on fuel economy and the Clean Air Act.
Sources: Chaney, R. (27 January 2009). "Running: Action needed despite grim report." Misosulian.
Mufson, S., and Eilperin, J. (27 January 2009). "Obama Issues Orders Toward More Fuel-Efficient Cars." Washington Post. A04.
Branigin, W., Eilperin, J., and Mufson, S. (26 January 2009). "Obama Announces New Energy, Environmental Policies." Washington Post.
Stream Access Bill
From the Missoulian: "A bill that aims to clear up the four-year snag over bridge access got an overwhelming early endorsement Monday from the Montana House of Representatives."
You can read the text and fiscal note of House Bill 190, "Clarify bridge access law," through the LAWS database. The database also shows the progress of and roll call votes for the bill.
Source: McKee, J. (27 January 2009). "Legislature 2009: House supports stream access bill." Missoulian. B1.
You can read the text and fiscal note of House Bill 190, "Clarify bridge access law," through the LAWS database. The database also shows the progress of and roll call votes for the bill.
Source: McKee, J. (27 January 2009). "Legislature 2009: House supports stream access bill." Missoulian. B1.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
From the Washington Post: "President Obama pressed aggressively for his massive economic recovery plan yesterday, laying out the most detailed benchmarks to date of a stimulus package that would cost at least $820 billion and warning that the nation's economy could become dramatically worse without major federal investment."
The President discussed the economic recovery plan in his weekly address. The video and transcript have been posted on the White House blog. There is additional information about the plan on the White House economic agenda page.
Source: Rucker, P. (25 January 2009). "Obama Details Recovery Plan: An Aggressive Push Before Congress Considers Package." Washington Post. A01.
The President discussed the economic recovery plan in his weekly address. The video and transcript have been posted on the White House blog. There is additional information about the plan on the White House economic agenda page.
Source: Rucker, P. (25 January 2009). "Obama Details Recovery Plan: An Aggressive Push Before Congress Considers Package." Washington Post. A01.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Pit Bull Bill Tabled
From the Billings Gazette: "A bill to ban the breed died in committee late Thursday. The House Local Government Committee voted 17-1 against passing House Bill 191. Only the bill's sponsor, Rep. Robyn Driscoll, D-Billings, voted in favor of the bill."
You can find the text of House Bill 191 through the Montana Legislature LAWS database. The audio for the committee hearing has been archived and is available on the Montana Legislature website. You can read the text and track progress of other state legislature bills using the LAWS database.
Source: McKee, J. (23 January 2009). "Pit bull owners decry proposed ban, which dies in committee: More than 100 of the breed's supporters show up to oppose bill." Billings Gazette.
You can find the text of House Bill 191 through the Montana Legislature LAWS database. The audio for the committee hearing has been archived and is available on the Montana Legislature website. You can read the text and track progress of other state legislature bills using the LAWS database.
Source: McKee, J. (23 January 2009). "Pit bull owners decry proposed ban, which dies in committee: More than 100 of the breed's supporters show up to oppose bill." Billings Gazette.
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009
From the Washington Post: "A wage-discrimination bill that narrowly failed less than a year ago moved closer to becoming law last night, when the Senate passed the legislation and sent it back to the House for final consideration.
"The measure, approved 61 to 36, would overturn a Supreme Court decision to make it easier for women to sue employers for pay inequity, regardless of when the discrepancies took place. It may become the first legislation signed by President Obama, who campaigned in favor of it."
The Senate voted 61-36 to pass S. 181, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. The bill seeks to overturn the ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. A summary of this case was posted on May 30, 2007.
Source: Murray, S. (23 January 2009). "Fair-Wage Bill Clears The Senate: High Court Decision Would Be Overturned." Washington Post. A04.
"The measure, approved 61 to 36, would overturn a Supreme Court decision to make it easier for women to sue employers for pay inequity, regardless of when the discrepancies took place. It may become the first legislation signed by President Obama, who campaigned in favor of it."
The Senate voted 61-36 to pass S. 181, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. The bill seeks to overturn the ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. A summary of this case was posted on May 30, 2007.
Source: Murray, S. (23 January 2009). "Fair-Wage Bill Clears The Senate: High Court Decision Would Be Overturned." Washington Post. A04.
Financial Regulatory System Report
From the Washington Post: "The U.S. financial regulatory system is seriously outdated and needs urgent reform to avoid a further worsening of the economic crisis, concludes a report released yesterday by the Government Accountability Office."
An update to the "high-risk" series from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) was released yesterday. The GAO also produced testimony on the financial regulatory system recently: "Financial Regulation: A Framework for Crafting and Assessing Proposals to Modernize the Outdated U.S. Financial Regulatory System."
Source: Vogel, S. (23 January 2009). "Report Faults Financial Oversight." Washington Post. A13.
An update to the "high-risk" series from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) was released yesterday. The GAO also produced testimony on the financial regulatory system recently: "Financial Regulation: A Framework for Crafting and Assessing Proposals to Modernize the Outdated U.S. Financial Regulatory System."
Source: Vogel, S. (23 January 2009). "Report Faults Financial Oversight." Washington Post. A13.
Executive Orders on Guantanamo Bay and Detainees
From the Washington Post: "President Obama took dramatic steps yesterday to reverse Bush administration policies on the detention and interrogation of suspected terrorists, ordering the closure of the U.S. detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and banning the use of controversial CIA interrogation techniques. But he left open the question of how his administration will deal with any detainees it concludes are too dangerous to be released."
The latest Executive Orders from President Obama have been posted on the White House website:
Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and Closure of Detention Facilities
Review of Detention Policy Options
Ensuring Lawful Interrogations
The previous day, the President also issued Executive Orders pertaining to ethics and Presidential records.
Source: Warrick, J., and DeYoung, K. (23 January 2009). "Obama Reverses Bush Policies On Detention and Interrogation." Washington Post. A06.
The latest Executive Orders from President Obama have been posted on the White House website:
The previous day, the President also issued Executive Orders pertaining to ethics and Presidential records.
Source: Warrick, J., and DeYoung, K. (23 January 2009). "Obama Reverses Bush Policies On Detention and Interrogation." Washington Post. A06.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Seven Cabinet Nominations Confirmed
From the Washington Post: "The Senate approved seven of President Obama's Cabinet-level appointees yesterday but delayed a planned vote on Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's confirmation to be secretary of state because of objections from a Republican member."
As his first official act, President Obama formally nominated his choices for various Cabinet and executive branch positions. These nominations were transmitted to the Senate, and the Senate confirmed seven of the nominations in a voice vote. The action was recorded in the Congressional Record. A transcript of the inaugural ceremony is also included in the January 20 Congressional Record.
Source: Murray, S., and Kane, P. (21 Jan. 2009). "Obama Picks Confirmed, But Clinton Is on Hold: Her Husband's Foundation Remains an Issue." Washington Post. A22.
As his first official act, President Obama formally nominated his choices for various Cabinet and executive branch positions. These nominations were transmitted to the Senate, and the Senate confirmed seven of the nominations in a voice vote. The action was recorded in the Congressional Record. A transcript of the inaugural ceremony is also included in the January 20 Congressional Record.
Source: Murray, S., and Kane, P. (21 Jan. 2009). "Obama Picks Confirmed, But Clinton Is on Hold: Her Husband's Foundation Remains an Issue." Washington Post. A22.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
House Passes CHIP Reauthorization
From the Missoulian: "The U.S. House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill to expand the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, which should provide health coverage for up to 20,000 additional children in Montana.
"U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., voted for the measure, which passed on a 289-139 vote."
The text of the latest reauthorization bill, H.R. 2, is available through THOMAS. You can see how each member of the House voted in House roll call vote 16. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Source: Dennison, M. (15 Jan. 2009). "U.S. House votes to expand CHIP." Missoulian. A2.
"U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., voted for the measure, which passed on a 289-139 vote."
The text of the latest reauthorization bill, H.R. 2, is available through THOMAS. You can see how each member of the House voted in House roll call vote 16. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Source: Dennison, M. (15 Jan. 2009). "U.S. House votes to expand CHIP." Missoulian. A2.
Confirmation Hearing for EPA Nominee
From the Missoulian: " The change in White House administrations could mean more money for asbestos cleanup and health care in Libby, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may again consider an emergency declaration there.
"On Wednesday, Lisa Jackson - nominee to head EPA under an Obama presidency - told congressional lawmakers she would, if confirmed, visit Libby to meet with both EPA staffers and locals."
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a confirmation hearing for Lisa P. Jackson, nominated to be Administrator of the EPA, yesterday. The hearing webpage includes the prepared testimony of Jackson, an archived webcast of the hearing, and statements from committee members.
Source: Jamison, M. (15 Jan. 2009). "EPA may reconsider emergency declaration in Libby." Missoulian. A1.
"On Wednesday, Lisa Jackson - nominee to head EPA under an Obama presidency - told congressional lawmakers she would, if confirmed, visit Libby to meet with both EPA staffers and locals."
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a confirmation hearing for Lisa P. Jackson, nominated to be Administrator of the EPA, yesterday. The hearing webpage includes the prepared testimony of Jackson, an archived webcast of the hearing, and statements from committee members.
Source: Jamison, M. (15 Jan. 2009). "EPA may reconsider emergency declaration in Libby." Missoulian. A1.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Congress on YouTube
Doesn't it seem like everyone is on YouTube? The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have their own YouTube hubs. A Google-driven feature helps you find your senators' and representative's channel by clicking on a map.
Here are the available Montana shortcuts:
Senator Jon Tester
Representative Denny Rehberg
Here are the available Montana shortcuts:
Senator Jon Tester
Representative Denny Rehberg
Gray Wolf Delisting
From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) press release: "Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett announced today the removal of the western Great Lakes population and portions of the northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolves from protection under the Endangered Species Act. The success of gray wolf recovery efforts in these areas has contributed to expanding populations of wolves that no longer require the protection of the Act. However, gray wolves found within the borders of Wyoming will continue to be protected by the Act due to a lack of adequate regulatory mechanisms ensuring their protection under state law."
Additional information about the delisting has been posted on the FWS Mountain-Prairie Region website. The Western Gray Wolf webpage provides quick links to the new regulations and background information. The regional press release provides further details.
Source: Associated Press (14 Jan. 2009). "Government makes decision on gray wolf protection." Missoulian.
Additional information about the delisting has been posted on the FWS Mountain-Prairie Region website. The Western Gray Wolf webpage provides quick links to the new regulations and background information. The regional press release provides further details.
Source: Associated Press (14 Jan. 2009). "Government makes decision on gray wolf protection." Missoulian.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)