Census Gathering Via the Internet?

Oklahoma Republican Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. is pushing for the Census Bureau to gather responses for the 2010 census via the Internet. For more information, read his July 17th press release, a July 18th release from the Federal Times, and a July 18th report in FCW.com .

Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary

July 26, 2007 marked the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A July 27 press release entitled Fact Sheet: Six Years of Progress Under the President's New Freedom Initiative details the efforts President Bush's New Freedom Initiative for People with Disabilities has made to improve conditions for those with disabilities. The full report is also available.

Pakistan's Impact and Future

On July 25, 2007, R. Nicholas Burns, the State Department's Under Secretary for Political Affairs, reassured the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that our government is committed "to ensure that the substantial resources the American people provide to Pakistan are utilized efficiently, effectively, and to support what all of us want: Pakistan’s transformation into a more stable, open, and secure nation where its people can, in the future, live peacefully." His testimony includes background information about Pakistan, its efforts as a counter-terror partner with the United States, and its crucial role in maintaining stability in South Asia.

US-Mexico Border 2012 Program

The EPA announced a new website for the US-Mexico Border 2012 Program, a US/Mexico collaboration to improve the environment and address public health needs along the border. The Program's first report, State of the Border Region 2005, includes data on water, air, land, emergency preparedness and response, and enforcement and compliance.

Federal Budget News

According to economic updates in the Mid-Session Review, the Federal budget deficit is estimated at $205 billion in 2007, a reduction of $43 billion (18%) from last year. Additionally, higher than expected tax receipts have kept this estimate $39 billion lower than the February budget estimate.

How to Find Medical Information

Are you needing to find medical information, but don't know where to start? The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has a free guide, "How to Find Medical Information." The guide shows you how to use resources on the Internet and at your local library to track down the information you need. It even includes a list of popular medical reference sources for your home library.

One Million for Wearable Power Supply

The Department of Defense is offering a $1,000,000 prize to the inventor(s) (individual or teams) of a wearable power supply for soldiers that will provide 96 hours of equipment operation and weigh 4kg or less.The contest includes a $500,000 2nd place prize and a $250,000 3rd place prize. Rules of the contest are available at http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize/rules_doc.html. Registration for the contest ends Nov. 30, 2007.

Immigration

Determining how to address immigration in the United States is a thorny problem with opposing sides both having logical arguments. To gain an idea of the scope of the debate, enter the word "immigration" in the "search bill" box of The Library of Congress Thomas database. Almost 400 entries will show House and Senate hearings related to immigration ranging from personal issues identified by people's names to the broader issue of comprehensive immigration reform.

Minimum Wage Increase July 24

Starting July 24, 2007 the minimum wage will increase from $5.15/hr. to $5.85/hr. except in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands which have their own transition schedules. First appearing as The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, the act was signed into law on May 25, 2007 as part of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007.

The act raises wages in three increments:

• to $5.85/hr. on July 24, 2007
  
• to $6.55/hr. on July 24, 2008
  
• to $7.25/hr. on July 24, 2009.

According to the Department of Labor (DOL), if federal and state minimum wage rates conflict, the higher standard applies. Consult DOL's Minimum Wage Laws in the States - April 30, 2007 to view state rates. For posters and further information, access DOL's minimum wage page.