WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Following the annual August recess and the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, members of Congress returned to Washington to spend September focused on fixing the meltdown of the financial markets and stabilizing the economy, tax issues, energy policy, and FY2009 appropriations measures.
Appropriations
and Budget –An update on the federal deficit, FY09 Defense funding, projected funding for NASA and the Department of Energy, and a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through March 2009.
Higher
Education –Recent developments on Senate interest in college endowments, public hearings on the recently enacted HEA reauthorization, student loans, Pell Grant program shortfalls, and recommendations to overhaul the federal student aid process.
Energy – A status report on the Yucca Mountain project to store nuclear waste and short summaries of basic energy research and climate change hearings in the House.
NASA –Several Senate members recommend extending the life of the Shuttle beyond 2010 and an unexpected postponement of the Hubble repair mission.
NIH – Updates on the agency’s financial conflict-of-interest compliance policy, changes in public access to NIH databases, policies on post-docs’ involvement in research projects, and NCRR’s recently released strategic plan.
National Science Foundation – Newest information on review of NSF cost-sharing policies.
Research –Developments on embryonic stem cell research and release of FY2007 data on investment in US R&D.
Presidential Campaigns – McCain and Obama campaigns release their respective technology agendas and respond to 14 science policy questions from “Science Debate 2008.”
Odds and Ends – Miscellaneous items of interest.
Comings
and Goings – Resignations, appointments, deaths.
Ohio 11th Congressional District November and Special Elections – Process identified for replacing Stephanie Tubbs Jones’ name on November ballot and for holding two special elections to select a successor to complete her unexpired term.
STATE
OF OHIO
The General Assembly remains in recess until after the November 4 elections but Columbus has been far from quiet.
Operating Budget Cuts – Governor Strickland announces $544 million in state operating budget cuts in addition to the $733 million budget reductions ordered in January.
Legislation – Representatives Josh Mandel and Jay Goyal introduce legislation that would provide income tax credits to college graduates who become employed in Ohio following graduation.
Prevailing Wage – Governor Strickland announces new prevailing wage guidelines effective October 15.
Economic Summit – Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher presides over a day-long conference on suggested strategies and policies that will revitalize the state’s economy.
November State Ballot Issues – A summary of the state issues that will appear on the November 4 ballot including payday lending and casino gambling.
Other States – Possible future trends in ballot issues from other states.
Comings
and Goings – Resignations, appointments, deaths.
Locally – Updates on Cuyahoga County government reform, changes on Cleveland City Council, and Cleveland City Charter amendments on the November ballot.
Remembering Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
Community - Center
for Community Partnerships
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