The Ferguson Group Blog

STEM education bill targeting Women, Minorities and Economically Disadvantaged Students

Earlier this month, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressmen Mike Honda (D-CA) and Joe Kennedy (D-MA) introduced, the STEM Gateways Act (S. 1796), that would create a grant program targeting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for women, minorities and economically disadvantaged students. The legislation would provide funding through the U.S. Department of Education for classroom activities, extra-curricular and after-school learning, summer programs, student tutoring and mentoring, and professional development for educators.

It has been reported that minorities account for only three out of 10 professionals in the STEM fields. Additionally, students from economically disadvantaged communities struggle to access STEM opportunities, with a large majority of federal resources going to higher education institutions where these populations are significantly underrepresented.

According to Senator Gillibrand, “If we’re going to compete and win in the global economy, we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future. That starts with getting more talented young women, minorities, and students in high-need communities into the STEM pipeline. We are relying on our children today to be the innovators of tomorrow. It’s our job to make sure they are prepared.”

The bill text can be found at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s1796is/pdf/BILLS-113s1796is.pdf.

 

The Future of National Parks

Now here’s an idea worth repeating: educate future adults about some of the things the federal government makes possible in American life.  The National Park Service (NPS) is doing just that.  The agency recently launched a state-of-the-art education initiative just for kids. NPS has created a web portal where teachers can search for lesson plans and plan for field trips.  To really grab their student’s attention, teachers can now use the latest distance technology learning programs to enable their students to interact, in real time, with park rangers in world class national parks thousands of miles away.  Students can directly ask the park rangers questions and see the nation’s great parks in a way that makes them feel like they are there.  This program seems destined to nurture a future generation of adults with an increased level of appreciation for our great American park system.    

 

Click here to see the NPS website for teachers.

House-Passed Education Bill Takes Hands Off Approach

On July 19, 2013, the House passed H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. The measure is intended to overhaul the No Child Left Behind law (P.L. 107-110) which expired in 2007, and reduce the federal government's role in the public education system.

The bill would: 

• ·  Eliminate the current accountability system, which requires all students to be 100 percent proficient  in reading and math for their grade level by 2014. It would instead allow states to develop their own academic standards in reading, math and science and leave to their discretion whether to set standards for other subjects;
• Allow states to identify their poorest-performing schools and let local districts develop their own strategies for improving those schools;
• Consolidate several K-12 education programs into a new Local Academic Flexible Grant, which would allow states and school districts to support their own priorities. Also, it allows states to use Title II funds, currently provided for teacher development, to assist teachers in meeting the needs of students with different learning styles, particularly English learners, gifted students and students with disabilities;
• Require states and school districts to create teacher and principal evaluation systems based on several parameters, including student achievement and teacher performance; and 
• Allow federal monies to follow a student if s/he changes public schools, including charter schools.

The Senate is working on an alternative to the House-passed bill. President Obama has announced that he would veto the House bill because it sharply reduces federal authority to set education standards, and allows the states too much power in determining how to spend federal education funding.

Wednesday News Roundup

Every Wednesday, The Ferguson Group blog will be posting a series of articles published over the previous week that discuss topics of interest to local governments.  Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!

Some States are Pushing Back on the Common Core Standards for Reading, Writing and Math

Nine of the forty-five states that adopted the Common Core reading, math and writing standards, are seeking to slow or repeal their implementation.  Each of these 9 states are handling the situation uniquely, and with many differing opinions, it may just be the beginning for states making changes to Common Core legislation.  Read More…

Senate Democrats Plan June 10 Start on Immigration Bill

After the week-long Memorial recess, Congress plans to complete work on the farm bill, then will move on to tackle immigration reform the week on June 10^th.  Senate Democrats hope to pass immigration legislation before July 4^th.  Read More…

House Panel Posts Medicare Doc Pay Fix Draft

Last week the House Energy and Commerce Committee posted a discussion draft that looks to reform the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and Medicare payments for physicians.  As the SRG system continues to be controversial to physicians and other health care providers, lawmakers are looking make reforms to mitigate their issues.  Read More…

Senators Fight to Cut More Farm Bill Spending

The massive $955 billion farm bill will become a target for amendments looking to further cut subsidies payments after the Memorial Day recess.  Some Senators have faith that the original language and purpose have remained intact, and will remain so after the Senate votes next week.  Read More…

Many Don’t Know How Much They Pay for Roads, Survey Finds

In a nation where many taxpayers do not know how much money they put into the bridges, roads and public transit they use every day, lawmakers are faced with selling Americans on new ways to fund transportation infrastructure projects.  By educating both Congress and the American taxpayer, leaders hope to show that more revenue is needed to invest in vital highway and transit projects.  Read More…

(Belated) Wednesday News Roundup

Every Wednesday, and in this case Thursday,  The Ferguson Group blog will be posting a series of articles published over the previous week that discuss topics of interest to local governments. Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!

Business and Education Organizations Call for National STEM Fund to Improve Education in Florida

Floridian business and education organizations, like STEM Florida and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, are pushing for a more robust STEM fund in the immigration reform bill currently being drafted in Congress.  Similar to many other states, Florida is struggling to not only get students to enter STEM fields, but keep the students that do in the state.  Read More… 

Jeanne Shaheen, Rob Portman Have High Hopes for Energy Efficiency Bill

Senator Shaheen and Senator Portman are hopeful that their bipartisan energy efficiency bill, introduced April 18^th, will have strong support in Congress from both sides of the aisle.  Although it is not likely a broad energy bill will be produced, experts say the focus on energy efficiency has the potential to cut greenhouse gases and curb energy costs in the short term.  With the backing of major organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Concerned Scientists, Shaheen and Portman are confident the work they put into the bill will pay off on the floor.  Read More…

Lines Drawn on Debate over Cyber Security Bill (CISPA)

Major tech companies and small businesses have differing opinions on the new Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection bill (CISPA) expected to be on the Senate floor soon.  Companies like IBM and Intel support the legislation because it would free the company from liability if they gave information about a cyber attack on their firm to the government. Small businesses argue that CISPA would allow major corporations to share any information with the government.  Read More…

2014 Budget Debate Begins in U.S. Senate 

From student loan interest rates to the collegiate Race to the Top program, the Senate is beginning to delve into budget talks for the Department of Education.  Education Secretary Arne Duncan told the Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday that an investment in higher education would help states deal with budget cuts, promote college completion, and allow greater access to higher education.  Read More…

The Scales of the President’s Budget

How does the President’s FY 2014 budget compare to the proposed budgets from Republicans and Democrats? To the current law? To the Bush and Clinton administrations?  This interactive chart and related article will help clear the fog surrounding this year’s budget proposals.  Read More…

Wednesday News Roundup

Every Wednesday, The Ferguson Group blog will be posting a series of articles published over the previous week that discuss topics of interest to local governments. Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!

Do Clean Energy Innovation Clusters Work?

As President Obama begins his push for the “National Network for Manufacturing Innovation” initiative outlined in this year’s State of the Union, there are differing opinions on whether or not funding $1 billion into selected regional innovation clusters is the most efficient way to spur clean energy growth.  As some argue that the clusters fill the needed gap between clean energy and universities, industry and business, while others believe the theory behind innovation clusters is outdated and that they “artificially ferment innovation.”  Read More…

Critics Find Cracks in ‘Infrastructure Crisis’

With recent reports about Americas “crumbling” infrastructure, critics say the situation is not as dire as some believe.  Statistics show that highway and bridge conditions have improved in recent years, and even if the infrastructure ratings are good, there will always be the need for improvement.  Read More…

The Case for Strengthening Personal Networks in California Local Government

The capacity for local governments to create innovative policies, practices and programs are often undervalued and overlooked.  This study shows how the personal connections between local leaders spur innovative approaches to government, and outlines the obstacles they have in their quest to implement new initiatives.  Read More…

Investments in Education May Be Misdirected

If the goal of education in America is to equalize inequality and improve the success of disadvantaged children, many critics say the nation’s education system is severely missing the mark.  Studies show that early education at the infant and toddler stages are the most important to lifelong learning and academic success, yet three times more funding pours into higher education than the preschool level.  Read More…

Flood-Prone Cities Undertake Disaster Planning On Their Own

Experts from around the globe are coming up with ideas on how to protect the eastern seaboard from the growing wave of extreme natural disasters from railway innovations to vast multi-billion dollar seawalls.  However, local leaders have concerns for the integrity of their municipalities in the midst of these grand plans, and are creating their own solutions.  Read More…

School Safety Enhancements Act of 2013

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to markup several gun-violence related measures, including the School Safety Enhancement Act of 2013 (S. 146).

The School Safety Enhancement Act was introduced by Senator Boxer in response to the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut late last year. This bill would expand upon and strengthen the Department of Justice’s COPS Secure our Schools grant program that was last funded in Fiscal Year 2011.

The new and improved competitive grant program would be authorized at $100 million and could be used by schools for the installation of surveillance equipment and the establishment of hotlines or tiplines for the reporting of potentially dangerous students and situations.

In addition, Senator Boxer’s bill would allow the Department of Justice to reduce the local cost-share for the COPS Secure our Schools program from 50 percent to 20 percent. The bill also creates a joint task force between the Justice Department and the Department of Education to develop new school safety guideline.

The additional gun-violence related measures being considered on Thursday include, S.150, Assault Weapons Ban of 2013; S.54, Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013; and S.374, Protecting Responsible Gun Sellers Act of 2013.

Wednesday News Roundup

Every Wednesday, the Ferguson Group blog will be posting a series of articles published over the previous week that discuss topics of interest to local governments.  Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!

Speech Gives Climate Goals Center Stage

In his second Inaugural Address, the President made addressing climate change his most prominent policy commitment.  The President plans to avoid one of his first term mistakes, congressional fights, by avoiding a confrontation with Congress.  Instead, he intends to administratively reduce emissions from power plants, increase the efficiency of home appliances, and have the federal government produce less carbon.  Read more . . .

Moran to introduce updated high-skill immigration bill this month

Sen. Moran (R-KS) said he plans to introduce an updated version of the Startup Act 2.0 this month.  This Act includes a provision that would create a new visa allowing foreign students who graduate with a master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, science, or math fields from a U.S. university to get a green card.  Read more . . .

Washington: Local Government Organizations Commend EPA’s Memorandum Concerning Financial Capability for Clear Water Act Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will work with local governments to clarify how the financial capability of a community will be considered when developing schedules for municipal projects necessary to meet Clean Water Act (CWA) obligations.  Local governments have raised questions about complying with several CWA requirements—notably wet weather overflows and storm water management.  Read more . . .

Muni Bond Market a Political Pawn in 2013

Although the tax exemption for municipal tax bonds remained untouched during the fiscal cliff negotiations, there is still some question as to whether Congress will remove the tax free status of municipal bond interest in 2013.  The exemption allows state and localities to issue bonds at a lower interest rate, making it cheaper to borrow money for infrastructure projects.  Read more . . .  

Amazon Fails to Collect New Georgia Tax

Amazon has not been complying with a new Georgia law to pay sales tax.  The new law expands the definition of physical presence so that online retailers, like Amazon, have to pay a tax because it gets some customer traffic from other sites that have physical operations in Georgia.  Amazon has not been charging its customers this tax and this has set up a possible future constitutional challenge to the law.  Read more . . .

Many Medicaid Patients Could Face Higher Fees Under a Proposed Federal Policy

The Obama administration has told state Medicaid officials that they can charge high co-payments and premiums for doctors’ services, prescription drugs, and selective types of hospital care (including “nonemergency use” of emergency rooms).  State officials have long asked for more leeway to impose such charges.  Read more . . .

House to Vote Wednesday on Plan to Suspend Debt Limit until May

House Republicans are moving forward on a plan to suspend enforcement of the federal debt limit through May 18.  This would lift the threat of a government default.  The White House has said that it “would not oppose” this temporary suspension.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) also welcomed the proposal.  Read more . . .

Senate Votes Down Funding for Teachers and First Responders

Following the defeat of President Obama's American Jobs Act in the Senate last week, Senate Democrats have begun splitting the legislation up into several smaller parts and trying to pass these pieces individually. The first of these smaller jobs bills, the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011, failed to pass the Senate yesterday, with Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR), and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) joining with all 47 Senate Republicans to defeat the bill by a vote of 50-50. A total of 60 votes would have been needed to advance the bill past the Republican filibuster. The legislation included $30 billion for public schools to hire teachers, $4 billion for the COPS Hiring program to support hiring police officers, and $1 billion for the SAFER hiring program for firefighter hiring and retention. Democrats had proposed offsetting the $35 billion cost of the legislation by imposing a 0.5% tax increase on individual income over $1 million.

The next smaller jobs bill to recieve a vote will be a $60 billion transportation infrastructure proposal that would establish a National Infrastructure Bank capable of financing large transportation, water, and energy infrastructure, as well as providing additional funding for existing programs such as the TIGER grant program. It is not yet certain when a vote on this proposal will be scheduled in the Senate.

Guide to the American Jobs Act for Local Governments

Last week, President Obama addressed a Joint Session of Congress and outlined his strategy to help boost the economy and create more jobs in America.  On Monday, September 12th, he sent the American Jobs Act (AJA) to the Hill. In outlining his legislative proposal, the President declared that this bill would “provide a jolt to an economy that has stalled” and repeatedly urged Congress to “pass this jobs bill.”

Although Congress is unlikely to quickly pass the AJA in its entirety, several elements of the proposal have attracted preliminary support from House Republican leadership and it is possible that segments of the legislation will be considered by Congress in the coming months. To view an overview of how new federal funding might flow to local governments if the AJA is enacted, please visit our Guide to the American Jobs Act. Stay tuned to this blog to remain up-to-speed on the progress to enact the AJA.