Macroeconomic Schools' Response to the Economic Crisis

The November 2009 issue of Liber 8, a newsletter from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, contains a brief article entitled "How Would Modern Macroeconomic Schools of Thought Respond to the Recent Economic Crisis?"  Written by Michelle T. Armesto, Senior Research Associate,  the article examines how three modern schools of economic thought (the New Keynesian, the Monetarist, and the New Classical) might approach the current economic crisis. Armesto also provides an online bibliography of recent articles and further resources about schools of economic thought.

Tracking the Stimulus and Economic Recovery

While the 2009 Economic Stimulus package continues to be controversial and its effectiveness endlessly debated, obtaining information on how the stimulus package is being implemented continues to be an important part of the democratic process. Accessing this information plays an important role in allowing individuals to both participate in the program, as well as monitor its development.


The government created a website to provide information about how stimulus money is being spent and track the effectiveness of stimulus programs. Users can find information on how money has been allocated, report jobs that have been saved, apply for funds, and report fraud or abuse of stimulus funding.

                                     

 

Learn more at: Recovery.gov

Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

The American Council on Education unveiled a new Web site on Nov.9, 2009 "designed to assist service members and veterans by providing clear yet comprehensive guidance on the steps to making the most out of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits." Entitled Today's GI Bill, the site posts stories from veterans about how they are using the GI Bill and discusses why higher education is important, how to determine eligibility, how to get benefits, and how to choose a field and career path.

Young People Ineligible for Military Service

Mission: Readiness, a group of retired senior military leaders, has released a publication reporting that 75% of America's young people aged 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service principally for three reasons: failure to graduate high school, having a criminal record, or lack of physical fitness/obesity. Entitled "Ready, Willing and Unable to Serve," the report stresses that high quality early education is the key to helping young people graduate from high school, avoid crime, and achieve success in life.

Veterans' Day Celebrations

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a Veterans' Day (November 11, 2009) page filled with resources and information about ceremonies, observances, initiatives, proclamations, and resources to honor our nation's veterans. The National Ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

In Houston festivities are arranged around the theme Houston Salutes American Heroes. Activities start at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, 901 Bagby. After an 11th hour ceremony, a Veteran's Day Parade will commence at 11:45 a.m. at Smith Street between Texas and Lamar. Free parking will be available for Veteran's Day activities between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Theatre District parking.

Veterans at Rice will be honored at 11 a.m. with a ceremony in the Ray Courtyard of the Rice Memorial Center. Selected because of his outstanding contributions to Rice University and his military service, Dr. George Bennett from Biochemistry and Cell Biology will be this year's special honoree . Presidential Visiting Fellow Colonel Daniel Ragsdale and ROTC member Josh Kirlin will give remarks. The Shepherd School's Brenton Ryan will sing the national anthem, and the MOB will provide music.

2009 Survey of the Afghan People

The Asia Foundation recently released its fifth survey of the Afghan people based on fieldwork conducted in June and July before the August 20 elections. The 2009 Survey of the Afghan People discusses "national perceptions of security, economy, governance, democratic values, and women and society." Surveys for 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 are also available.

Election Quick Links

Candidates and Issues

• League of Women Voters Guides for Harris County in English or Spanish and for Fort Bend County.
  
• Houston Chronicle Elections and Politics 
  Includes sample ballots for Houston-area counties.

Polling Places

• Can I Vote (for anywhere in the United States). Created by state election officials to help eligible voters check their registration status and determine how and where to vote.
  
• Harris County Voter Registration - Find your information by entering your name (last name first name with no punctuation between), your address (leave off street, drive, etc.), or your certificate number (just numbers, no dashes).
  
• Harris County - Find Your Election Day Poll and View Voter Specific Ballot - Choose this link listed right under November 3, 2009 Joint Election. Enter information as suggested immediately above.
  
• Frequently Asked Questions about Voter Registration Status

Election Results

• Harris County Election Results
  
• Ft. Bend County Election Results
  

For more information see Fondren's Election/Voting Resources page.