Jocelyn Shaw: Government Document News

From GovGab

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:11:30 GMT

Interest Free Credit Card for Everyday Purchases

Do you have issues with credit card debt?

If you're anything like many of my friends, you're being smothered by debt you started accumulating in college and it has since just snowballed.

Trying to combat this somewhat is a new type of credit card. The new card has a feature called "Blueprint" that allows consumers to avoid paying interest on everyday purchases, such as groceries. Borrowers get to keep an interest-free grace period for everyday items as long as they choose those categories in advance and pay them in full each month. Card holders are still charged interest on the other items charged to the account.

I think it's a great idea, not only for groceries, but gasoline as well.

Would you apply for this kind of credit card? Would it be helpful to you?

- Colleen [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

Moving!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:02:35 GMT

Moving Day

Just a reminder...this blog is moving tomorrow! Update your bookmarks to Hackley's Blog.

From GovGab

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:43:24 GMT

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

Last night I hardly slept because my little one is sick. She was snuffling and snorting, tossing and turning, moaning and groaning and it certainly didn't help that her darn unicorn was poking its horn into my side.

Ah, the joys of parenthood. My kids are just starting their third week of school and you know what that means - it's time to catch a cold. It never fails. Send them to the germ factory, I mean elementary school, for a week or so and they're bound to come home sniffling and coughing.

This year everyone's on edge about the swine flu, so it's more important than ever to know what we're dealing with, and what to do when we get sick. So how do you know if it's a cold or the flu?

The truth is, it can be hard to tell because the symptoms are so similar. Both commonly cause a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and coughing, but the flu is generally worse and usually causes exhaustion, high fever and body aches. It can also lead to complications and can be so serious that it leads to thousands and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year.

The best we can do is try to prevent colds and flu, take care of ourselves when we do get sick, and seek medical advice when we need it.

- Joanne [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

From GovGab

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:31:19 GMT

Cash for Appliances

The Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 program has ended, but later this year a similar program for appliances will begin. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funded a $300 million program that will offer rebates to buyers of energy-efficient appliances and other products that carry the Energy Star label.

Consumers can expect between $50 and $200 in rebates towards the purchase of refrigerators, dishwashers, furnaces, air conditioners and other appliances. You won't have to trade in your old appliance like people did with their automobiles. Of course there are some states with separate programs that pick up old appliances and give the owner $25-$50 for it.

Each state will write its own rules for the rebate program and the Department of Energy will start reviewing rules in October. Money from the programs could start flowing to the public in November. Again this will be handled on a state by state basis, so check with your state energy office for details.

What do you think of the cash for appliances program?

- Jake [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

Constitution Monday

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:13:40 GMT

Constitution Monday

Article III.

Section. 1.

The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section. 2.

The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;-- between a State and Citizens of another State,--between Citizens of different States,--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.

In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section. 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

From the Red Tape Blog:

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:12:22 GMT

Save the Library of Michigan.

The Library of Michigan traces its lineage back to 1828, when a young Michigan government established its first library at the capital which was then in Detroit. Since its inception over 180 years ago, the library has survived many economic crises and even a severe fire in 1951 to become one of the best institutions of its kind in the country. Unfortunately, it looks like it may not survive the administration of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

The governor has decided to break up the Library and disperse its contents in an effort to reduce expenditures. To sell this idea the collection has largely been portrayed as an assemblage of materials relating to family history, and indeed it is a great repository for genealogical inquiry.

However, the Library of Michigan is also the largest collection of printed Michigania in the world. It is safe to say that the authors of practically every article and book written about some facet of Michigan's history have visited the State Library and/or State Archives in the course of researching their publications.

But the Library of Michigan represents more than just a rich harvest of printed materials from and about our state. It is also the only institution in Michigan that attempts to comprehensively gather a complete set of U.S. government publications. When and if this collection is broken up, there will no longer exist within our borders a full federal documents depository.

The Library of Michigan has these impressive textual and cartographic assets because it was created, in part, to be an informational resource for the benefit of state government. One of its main purposes is to serve as a conveniently-located treasury of data and wisdom that judges, legislators and state employees can draw upon when needed in the course of doing their respective jobs. To now disassemble this storehouse of knowledge and facts is surely one of the most ill-advised decisions ever made by a chief executive of this state.

The governor's attempt to dismantle the Library of Michigan can be reversed by the Legislature if action is taken in the very near future. Fortunately, a measure to undo this shortsighted cost-cutting effort was recently approved by the Senate. If the Democratically-controlled House of Representatives can be convinced to do the same, the center of enlightenment for state government can yet be saved.

This pruning or scattering of state government's accrued intellectual assets and preserved documentary memory is mainly supported by individuals who are members of the governor's political party. People who disagree with their views as to the future of the State Library should ask these lawmakers to change their minds now before it is too late to protect an essential part of Michigan's cultural heritage.

For the full letter, see Le Roy Barnett, "Still time to save library", Lansing State Journal, September 9, 2009.

[Red Tape Blog]

From the Free Government Information Blog

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:27:19 GMT

Gov 2.0 Expo and the Apps for America 2 Challenge Winners.

The Sunlight Foundation announced the winners of their "Apps for America 2: The Data.gov Challenge" at the O'Reilly/techweb Gov 2.0 Expo Showcase in DC yesterday. The web applications were to be built with data available from the U.S. Data.gov site. And the prizes go to...

First prize: DataMasher.org. Combine and compare government data at the state level.

Second prize: GovPulse. Making Federal Register access easier.

Third prize: ThisWeKnow.org. Find government info by zip code.

Prize for best data visualization: QuakeSpotter.org. Global view of earthquakes with links to quake-related tweets.

Get complete information from Sunlight's press release.

The one-day Gov 2.0 Expo is over, and the two-day Gov 2.0 Summit (with bold face names) is in progress. They are tweeting up a storm over at the Hyatt, using the hashtag #gov2s.
[Update: They are using the #g2s tag, too.]

I will blog more later on how the Gov 2.0 Expo went.

[Free Government Information (FGI) blogs]

From GovGab:

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:47:10 GMT

Do Not Call List

The condo I'm currently renting is for sale. Usually, whenever my phone rings with a number I don't recognize, I don't answer. But now, I get calls from randoms all the time telling me that they're coming to look at the apartment, thus inconveniencing my roomate and me and threatening to leave us homeless. But I'm not bitter or anything.

It seems I'm not the only one getting unwanted calls lately. Statistics show that complaints about unwanted phone calls are up 11% over the past year. And these are from people already registered on the "do-not-call list."

The current economy is to blame for the increase. Beware of callers claiming to have solutions for housing foreclosure and credit card debt.

If you've not yet registered for the do-not-call list, you can do it online at DoNotCall.gov.

Solicitors- back off. Same to anyone who wants to buy my apartment.

- Colleen [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

United States Constitution

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:03:48 GMT

Constitution Monday

Article. II.

Section. 1.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.

The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Section. 2.

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Section. 3.

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

Section. 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

From the RedTape Blog

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:56:34 GMT

Traverse City Record Eagle Thinks Scattering Library of Michigan Collections A Poor Idea.

A lot happens in Michigan's state and local libraries, much of which apparently is taken for granted, undervalued and misunderstood by state leaders.

It's the only way to explain Gov. Jennifer Granholm's misguided Executive Order 2009-36 that would irreparably damage the Library of Michigan and its invaluable historical collections forever in an attempt to save $2 million and start a more "entrepreneurial" and "modern" Center for Innovation and Redesign.

The people of Michigan stand to lose their public libraries as they know them if the state House votes next week to approve Granholm's July 13 executive order without making very clear that they must remain whole and intact.

The order calls for eliminating the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, and relocating the state library and its holdings from the Library of Michigan building in downtown Lansing to Michigan State University and other locations. The order also establishes a board to examine establishing the new center.

The order ignited loud protest from genealogists, researchers and library advocates.

Granholm has since issued an executive directive to reassure library advocates that electronic databases, the state's electronic library and catalogue system and historical collection would remain open and accessible statewide. She also said the role of the state librarian would be "respected" and that librarians, historians and archivists would be sought to serve on the Michigan Center for Innovation and Reinvention Board.

It is yet unclear, however, whether the Library of Michigan's collections will remain whole and intact. The Center for Innovation and Reinvention proposal also needs more public scrutiny before the library is relocated. The Senate voted last week to disapprove the executive order and to keep the collections intact, but library advocates fear that won't stand up.

The center, at present, is little more than a lofty proposal prepared for Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon by the Liberty Science Center, which opened New Jersey's first major state science museum in 1993 in Jersey City. The 42-page report contains little detail about cost and who will pay for it, but it does include redesign drawings of the Library of Michigan building.

Indeed, the proposal makes the executive order look more like a ploy to find a home for the center than to save the state $2 million.

The state library and its collections are a state treasure. The Library of Michigan was founded in 1828 when Michigan was still a territory. It plays an important role today in assisting public libraries in outstate communities, colleges and schools. This role has become increasingly important in the age of the Internet, chainsawed state budgets and high unemployment.

Trading it in for a new model still in the design process would be a tragic move.

For the full article, see "Editorial: Library move misguided", Traverse City Record Eagle, September 4, 2009.

[Red Tape Blog]

From GovGab:

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:53:48 GMT

Trampoline (un)Safety

Each year tens of thousands of people (mostly children) are seen in emergency rooms for injuries they suffer as a result of trampoline accidents. This year, I'm one of them.

You see, the accident happened weeks ago while I was having a little fun with my daughter on a trampoline. It's important that children are supervised on trampolines, and besides, I think they can be fun to bounce around on too.

We were having a grand time bouncing around, until I turned my ankle on a landing. I knew it was hurt pretty badly, and it showed all the signs of a serious sprain. I didn't go to the doctor right away (mistake) because I was certain that I didn't break a bone (wrong). The ankle seemed to be healing well, until suddenly it became very painful and swollen again. A sensible friend who is a nursing student shuffled me off to the emergency room for an x-ray.

So here I sit with my ankle elevated and in a splint. I have an avulsion fracture.

There are a few lessons I take away from this:

Practice trampoline safety especially not having too many people on a trampoline.
If you have a trampoline at home, you may want to consider changing your insurance in case someone hurts themselves on your trampoline and decides to sue you.
I'll never avoid a doctor visit when I have a serious ankle injury again.
My mom is right - trampolines are dangerous!

- Joanne [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

From GovGab

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:42:54 GMT

Are You Prepared for a Major Emergency?

"There's smoke coming from the Pentagon!" one of my coworkers shouted. I ran to his office window where we worked at the top of the Old Post Office Building in downtown Washington, DC, to witness black ribbons flowing from the Department of Defense building. This, after just watching the Internet's news about the attack on the World Trade Centers that morning, September 11, 2001.

We were allowed to leave work-but I was at a loss as to how to get home since I had heard that the subway was closed. I had just moved from DC to a suburb in Maryland, and didn't know an alternate way to get home. I ended up stuck on a gridlocked bus for four hours because I didn't have another plan.

Are you prepared for a natural disaster, potential terrorist attack, or other major crisis? September is the sixth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The companion website, Ready.gov, gives you tips on what to include in a basic emergency supply kit, and suggests ways to contact and regroup with family members in an emergency. It also offers information on a variety of emergency situations, such as influenza pandemics, wildfires, chemical threats, and winter storms, and recommends preparations for businesses as well.

Interactive features help you personalize a family emergency plan, and links take you to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. You also can follow Ready.gov on Twitter, or take the Readiness Quotient quiz.

USA.gov offers information on preparing for emergencies for specific groups, including people with disabilities, kids, and pets, and links to federal information on disasters and emergencies.

Since 9/11, I've maintained an emergency supply kit and made it a point to learn a variety of ways to get home. Do you have an emergency kit and plan?

- Stephanie [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

From GovGab

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:17:44 GMT

How to file a complaint This past month my Internet service provider has been the bane of my existence. My service has been fickle, at best. More often than not, it will work for a few hours and then stop. And then I'll spend another hour on the phone with customer service trying to troubleshoot.

They've sent a technician once to fix the problem, and our service worked for a week or two, but then last week it went out again. I wasted more time on hold and talking to very nice and very helpful customer service agents. (That's not sarcasm, the people I spoke with this time around tried to do the best they could.)

But alas, my service still goes out every couple hours and then stays out for several more.

I finally had to file a complaint against the company. I've never had to do that before so I turned to ConsumerAction.gov for advice on what to do.

My first instinct was to call up my Better Business Bureau, but ConsumerAction.gov advised that I try to contact someone higher up at the company first. So I hunted around on the company Web site until I found a contact name and email for the Vice President of customer relations.

Then I followed some of the suggestions from one of the sample complaint letters and read about next steps to take. I decided I'd wait a week before contacting the BBB to see if the company could resolve the problem. Earlier this week I got a phone call from the company telling me they were trying to get the problem fixed as soon as possible and I have another technician coming out this week.

I really hope this solves the whole problem. I hate paying so much for service and then not having it and I'd really rather not have to file a complaint with the BBB.

Have any of you ever had problems with a company that you had to file a complaint against? What was the process like? Was it easy or tough and did you get the results you wanted?

- Jess [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

From the RedTape Blog.

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:12:09 GMT

A Better Michigan Future Calls for Tax Reform & Increased Taxation to Cover Deficit.

A newly formed coalition of education, labor and social service agencies calling itself A Better Michigan Future said this morning the state should reform its tax structure and raise nearly $3 billion a year in new revenue rather than relying on spending cuts to balance the budget.

The group said Michigan's tax code is antiquated and unsustainable, leading to revenue shortfalls that are doing irreparable harm to public schools, health programs and aid to senior citizens.

It called on Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature to:

• Close tax loopholes for business to raise $600 million.

• Impose sales tax on what the group's leaders called "luxury and nonessential" services (like entertainment, recreation, landscaping and spa treatments), raising $1.65 billion.

• Reinstate inheritance taxes to raise $100 million.

• And seek voter approval for a graduated income tax that would raise about $600 million a year in new revenue.

The graduated income tax would have a top rate of 6.9% for high wage earners, with others paying the current rate of 4.35%, and lower income earners paying 3.9%.

Sharon Parks, director of the Michigan League for Human Services, said, "The handwriting is on the wall. We've got a tax structure that just doesn't work for the 21st Century."

Other members of the coalition said Michigan schoolchildren will be left behind in the global economy and that vital health programs will be lost if elected officials choose, instead, to cut programs rather than raise taxes.

While program cuts may provide short-term savings, Michiganders will suffer in the long run if they are less healthy and less well-educated, said Ken Fletcher, of the Michigan Nurses Association.

Granholm and top lawmakers are scheduled to meet again this week in an attempt to resolve differences over how to address a potential $1.8-billion state budget deficit in 2010.

Although some elected officials, including Granholm, have expressed interest in eliminating some business tax exemptions, none of the top leaders has endorsed any broad-based tax increases.

For the full article, see Dawson Bell, "Granholm urged to raise taxes to balance budget; Group says tax structure is outdated", Detroit Free Press, September 2, 2009.

[Red Tape Blog]

From Free Government Information: Tracking Congress

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:54:53 GMT

Tracking Congress 2.0.

Peggy Garvin has an excellent overview of new tools and sources for following Congress.

The Government Domain: Tracking Congress 2.0, by Peggy Garvin, LLRX (August 31, 2009).

[Free Government Information (FGI) blogs]

From the Red Tape Blog: Library of Michigan

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:54:25 GMT

Statewide Lobbying Efforts Paying Off for Library of Michigan.

Vigorous advocacy by library supporters in Michigan has pushed Gov. Jennifer Granholm to modify her July 13 Executive Order with a directive prioritizing continued support and funding for the statewide library book and electronic material sharing programs, Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat), as well as ensuring that a State Librarian position remains, even if the job is no longer a political appointment.

While the Michigan Library Association (MLA) has withdrawn its opposition to the Executive Order and applauded Granholm’s response, the MLA is still holding a rally September 10 to protest proposed legislative cuts in state support for the programs Granholm agreed to prioritize: interlibrary loans and online databases.

Rally coming

“The Senate recently passed a budget that cuts library funding from $10 million to $7.5 million–less than half of what is statutorily required,” said Gretchen Couraud, MLA executive director. “If this budget is enacted, the entire statewide resource sharing and interlibrary loan system could collapse.”

The budget is supposed to be passed by the end of September. According to a new web site established by MLA, Michigan Libraries for the Future, llibraries across the state could be forced to reduce hours and services. A rally will be held at 10 a.m. on September 10 at the State Capitol in Lansing.

Library vendor Gale, part of Cengage Learning, is providing free bus service from Gale headquarters in Farmington Hills, and from Otsego County Library in Gaylord.

"With our headquarters located in Michigan, we see first hand how our state is experiencing some of the highest unemployment in the nation," said John Barnes, Gale’s executive VP of strategic marketing and business development. "This is not the time to cut vital library services, as more Michigan residents than ever are relying on the resources of their libraries for job-searching, skills development and life resources."

Library of Michigan changes

Beyond that, MLA and library advocates, Couraud said, “will work with the legislature and the governor to keep the Library of Michigan whole, and within state government.” Granholm’s Executive Order would eliminate the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries (HAL) and transfer most Library of Michigan functions to the Department of Education.

“The MLA is not opposed to the elimination of HAL, we are realistic about the difficult economic times facing Michigan," said Larry Neal, MLA president. "What we do not understand is breaking up the Library of Michigan without any proposed cost savings or the lack of discussion about its central role in providing cost effective services that citizens value."

“The MLA also would like to commend Senator Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Township) for his strong leadership efforts to preserve the Library of Michigan,” MLA said in a statement.

In July, the governor announced a “conceptual plan” for a Michigan Center for Innovation and Reinvention in downtown Lansing that would include “a transformed Michigan Library and Historical Center through a partnership with Michigan State University, the city of Lansing and other appropriate public and private partners.” There was no funding, however, attached to it.

State Librarian

Granholm last week requested that the Superintendent of Public Instruction designate a qualified Department of Education employee to serve as the state librarian effective October 1 or soon thereafter.

“While the Order eliminates the politically-appointed position of state librarian, maintaining a state librarian position is important for the influence and stature of the library community within state government and recognizes the value of library resources to the People of the State of Michigan,” the governor said.

For the full article, see Norman Oder, "Michigan Governor Agrees To Prioritize Support for Two Programs, Revise State Librarian Position; Library advocates still plan rally to fight proposed budget cuts", Library Journal, August 31, 2009.

[Red Tape Blog]

From GovGab: Government may owe you money

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:45:37 GMT

Government May Owe You Money

I just read that my State Treasurer is holding onto 1.5 billion dollars in unclaimed money. That's right - all the states are holding unclaimed money, and if they've got some for you, all you have to do is step up and claim it.

States end up with valuable things like abandoned bank accounts, forgotten stocks, uncashed checks, certificates of deposit, life insurance policies, safe deposit box contents, and recovered stolen property.

When I did a search I didn't find any records that the state has money for me, but I did find a record that looks like there's money waiting for my brother-in-law. Lucky him!

The federal government is also holding money for people. Pension funds, FHA mortgage refunds and federal tax refunds from the IRS are all piling up because the government doesn't have your correct address. Searching for unclaimed property from the federal government is a little bit more difficult because you have to check with each agency individually, but USA.gov can help you determine if the government owes you money.

Times are tough, so don't overlook this opportunity to collect money owed to you.

- Joanne [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

Constitution Monday

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:09:38 GMT

Constitution Monday

Article. I.

Section. 1.

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section. 2.

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section. 3.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section. 4.

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section. 5.

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

Section. 6.

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

Section. 7.

All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section. 8.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section. 9.

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Section. 10.

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Consumers Energy and DTE Energy Rolling Out Energy Rebate, Recycling, and Discount Programs

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:41:29 GMT

Consumers Energy and DTE Energy Rolling Out Energy Rebate, Recycling, and Discount Programs: From the RedTape Blog:

Consumers hit by new 'energy optimization' surcharges now have a chance to get back some of the money they are paying to utilities -- and cut their monthly bills in the process.

Consumers Energy and DTE Energy and its MichCon unit recently began rolling out rebate, recycling and discount programs to be financed by the surcharge that began appearing on bills in June.

Offers range from 99-cent energy-saving light bulbs to a $350 rebate for installing a high-efficiency furnace.

Coupled with federal tax credits, running up to $1,500 on high-efficiency windows, air conditioners, furnaces and other items, the savings can cover more than 30 percent of a homeowner's investment.

Opinions on the programs vary.

'We think that they are very meaningful programs,' said James Clift, policy director for the Lansing-based Michigan Environmental Council. 'Not only will they have the intended consequence if the utilities do it right, we'll even get a bigger bang for our buck out of these programs.'

Michael Holcomb, owner of Byron Township-based Home Inspector General and a certified energy auditor, said he is not a fan of the programs or fees customers are forced to pay -- even though the program could mean more work for his business.

Michael Holcomb sets up a pressure door to test a newly built house's airflow. Holcomb said the fees will have few direct benefits for many, since the most lucrative rebates require spending thousands of dollars on systems such as furnaces and air conditioning.

'I think everybody ought to optimize their energy,' he said. 'I don't think they ought to allow the utilities to tax consumers to their profit.'

'I don't feel good about the program,' he added. 'I don't think it was well thought out when it was passed.'

The most straightforward of the incentives are 99-cent compact fluorescent lightbulbs sold at stores such as Meijer, Menard's and Home Depot.

But most of the rebates and discounts won't come without some leg work.

The programs are run independently by the utilities, potentially leading to confusing, overlapping rebates and paperwork.

Customers also will need to understand some incentives may come from their electricity provider while another may come from their heating fuel company, each of which require separate rebate forms.

'You'll need to read each bill insert individually and understand the gas program is separate from the electric,' said Judy Palnau, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Clearing up confusion

Officials from DTE Energy and Consumers, which provide gas and/or electricity to much of the state, said they are working on streamlining the programs to help alleviate confusion.

The utilities also said they are working with contractors so they can help customers complete paperwork when they install something such as a furnace or air conditioner.

'We've been trying to work together to make things as similar as we can for our customers, make it easier for customers and our allies,' said Terry Mierzwa, Consumers manager of marketing, energy efficiency and research.

TIP SHEET
Get rebate forms and details about energy optimization programs online or by phone:

Consumers Energy: consumersenergy.com/eeprograms (866) 234-0445

DTE Energy/MichCon: yourenergysavings.com (866)796-0512

Inconsistencies between utilities are a result of ramping up the programs quickly, they said.

'We did work with Consumers to compare notes when we were designing the program,' said Emmett Romine, DTE manager of energy optimization.

'They're taking a different approach with how they're rolling things out because of their demographics and geographic service area.'

Utilities from around the state will gather Tuesday in Lansing to go over their programs and explore what is working and what needs improvement.

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy began rolling out their programs in July as part of a state-mandated program to encourage more efficiency. It was included among a slew of reforms passed last year.

The state authorized Consumers Energy to implement monthly surcharges averaging 71 cents for electric customers and $1.72 for gas customers. DTE expects gas customers to pay $1.20 a month with electric customers paying an average of 85 cents per month.

Avoiding construction

The idea behind energy optimization is to delay the need to construct new power-generation facilities, which saves customers from bearing the building costs.

Certain pieces of the programs still are being developed.

Consumers Energy, for example, expects to offer rebates on items such as replacement windows and insulation, but not until the spring. DTE's rebate program for such products is in place.

Consumers' program that pays electric customers $30 and offers to pick up old energy-sucking refrigerators and freezers is available in Flint, Saginaw, Jackson, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, but won't be in Grand Rapids or many rural areas until 2010.

'We're right now just getting our program rolling,' Mierzwa said. 'So we're starting smaller. We expect to offer appliance recycling in the Grand Rapids area in early spring of 2010.'

DTE's Detroit Edison offers electric customers a $50 payment for old refrigerators and free pickup, but its electric service area is concentrated in the Detroit area.

DTE's program offers higher rebates when combined with a thorough energy audit. Consumers' energy audit program is in development.

A comprehensive energy audit from Holcomb's company may cost $600, he said. DTE will rebate up to $300 of the cost, but only if a customer also implements what could be very expensive recommended energy savings measures within a year.

'We expect there's going to be some bumps to begin with -- some small inequities -- but we're hoping, after we get this first year under our belt, we'll see what works best,' said Clift, of the Michigan Environmental Council.

Palnau and the utilities said there has not been much feedback from customers yet, though the MPSC said it has been receiving a steady flow of calls from customers questioning the purpose of the surcharge.

The state reforms that brought the energy optimization charges included allowing a separate 'Renewable Energy Plan' fee beginning in September not tied to the rebate programs.

Beginning in September, DTE residential electric customers will be charged an additional $3 per month. Consumers electric customers will see a $2.50 per month fee.

That fee provides a separate stream of funding to help utilities pay to improve efficiency at power generation plants and make investments in new clean energy projects such as wind farms.

Clift said groups such as the Michigan Environmental Council will be watching closely to see whether the energy optimization programs are meeting their goals.

'The worst case scenario is you're spending the money but you're not realizing a reduction in your use of energy,' he said.

For the full article, see Chris Knape, 'For Michigan consumers, will navigating utilities' complex energy savings plans be a win or waste?', Grand Rapids Press via MLive, August 30, 2009.

From GovGab: Homeschooling

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:59:25 GMT

Homeschooling

Around the country most kids have, or are about to, return to school. But my friend's kids are getting ready to return to the dining room table. One of my old high school friends homeschools her children. I find this idea interesting because homeschooling seems like such a tremendously scary responsibility, and apparently it can be, but it also has some wonderful rewards.

Originally, their family pursued the traditional route for educating the kids through enrollment in public schools. They were mostly happy with that traditional route, until they had to move to another part of the country. They enrolled the kids in the new school district, but very quickly they determined that the school curriculum was lacking in challenge. The kids had already covered the material and were bored.

Furthermore, her kids were being bullied by some students. When my friend discussed the academic and social situations with the teachers and school officials, she repeatedly felt they offered no solutions and were dismissive to her concerns.

She researched their state's homeschooling laws. My friend, who had been a teacher for years, researched state educational requirements and located resources that were available to parents for purposes of homeschooling. At that point, they decided to take the leap, and they pulled their kids out of school. My friend set up school in her own home. That was years ago and it works very well for them.

She follows state guidelines and curriculum, but incorporates a variety of field trips to museums, libraries, state parks, and a host of other educational activities. Homeschooled kids are allowed to participate in local school sports and other activities, so her kids get plenty of social interaction. They take the same standardized tests as nonhomeschooled kids.

I asked my friend if she enjoyed “relearning” things as she goes through the lessons with her kids. She confessed that when she was young, she didn't have much interest in some subjects. She is learning new things right along with her kids and she loves that aspect of teaching them. I find that really cool and appealing. I confess, I want to enroll in my friend's home school. She'd probably have to start me back at the 3^rd grade level.

Anyway, here are some federal resources that may be of interest to folks considering homeschooling:

National Center for Educational Statistics compiles statistics on the number of kids that are schooled at home, the characteristics of homeschooled vs. nonhomeschooled kids, and why parents choose to homeschool.
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
Online Educational Resource Information

Since homeschooling is considered a matter handled by each state, your best bet is to work with your local school district to locate curriculum and guidelines. Most states have homeschool coordinators to help parents who wish to school their children at home. Remember, you pay taxes, therefore your kids are allowed access to the same resources that are available to public school children.

- Ginger [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

From the RedTape Blog: Library of Michigan

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:46:18 GMT

Michigan Library Association Lobbies on Behalf of the Library of Michigan.

The Library of Michigan is more than a building. It is the visionary leader of the library community. It is the visual representation of how libraries have collaborated to become more efficient and cost effective. But these successes are being ignored by the Michigan Senate in its budget and by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm in her executive order.

Under the tremendous vision and leadership of the State Library of Michigan, the library community - universities, community colleges, public, private, K-12, special libraries - all joined together to do what government only dreams about. They united to achieve statewide group purchasing and resource sharing, saving millions of dollars for libraries across the state benefiting all Michigan residents.

They created the MeLibrary (MeL.org) - rich online research tools for faculty, small business, and job seekers , MeL Tests and Tutorials - filled with online AP, GED, police, fire and nursing certification tests and more, and MeLCat , a statewide interlibrary loan system.

The Senate budget calls for slashing library funding to $7.5 million, even though state law calls for it to be funded at approximately $15.4 million. If this budget is enacted, the entire statewide resource sharing and interlibrary loan system could collapse, eliminating the savings realized through group purchasing.

This system gives every Michigan resident access to expensive resources from their home, office or library at tremendous cost savings to the taxpayers - $72 million a year. This system enables libraries to share books, CDs, DVDs and more from other communities. This model should be replicated for collaboration, cost savings and efficiencies - not broken up.

The Michigan Library Association did not oppose the elimination of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. We understand the difficult economic times facing Michigan and know $2 million can be saved through this step. However, we oppose the executive order because it goes much further and calls for breaking up the Library of Michigan without any defined cost savings or an alternative plan.

This diminishes the position, influence and stature of the library community and the State Library of Michigan. It does not respect the valuable role libraries play in preserving our history and giving citizens access to vital information critical in a knowledge-based economy.

At a time when libraries are under tremendous public demand as citizens use libraries to hunt for jobs, file for unemployment and access the internet when their services are cut off, library funding and support is being eroded at every level.

We urge the legislature to protect library funding and retain access to these valuable resources. Michigan residents cannot continue to move forward in a knowledge-based economy if our state moves backward.

Gretchen Couraud is executive director of the Michigan Library Association in Lansing.

For the full article, see Gretchen Couraud, "Library cuts mean losses, not savings, for Michigan", Lansing State Journal, August 26, 2009.

[Red Tape Blog]

From the RedTape Blog: Helping Hands

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:45:22 GMT

Michigan Helping Hand Unleashed.

Michigan residents who need help with unemployment, food stamps, foreclosure and health care now can go to one Web site to sign up for assistance.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm today unveiled a new one-stop resource at http://www.michigan.gov/helpinghand.

The site will allow residents to answer questions to find out if they qualify for state assistance and in many cases let them apply online. Those without access to computers can call 2-1-1 call centers to get their questions answered. Some of the services also can be applied for over the phone.

The state is working with the Michigan Association of United Ways and the Michigan Community Action Agency Association, which will help people access the new options if they can't on their own.

For the full article, see "Granholm unveils resource for needy Mich. residents", Lansing State Journal midday update, August 26, 2009.

[Red Tape Blog]

US Constitution

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:42:06 GMT

United States Constitution

Most people haven't read the entire Constitution, but here's your chance. I will be posting one Article each week, which should give you plenty of time to read and digest it, rather than trying to read the entire document at one sitting. I am taking the text from the National Archives Site. Today, the Preamble!

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

From GovGab: Energy

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:56:55 GMT

What Do You Know About Energy?

Our guest blogger today is Colleen Blessing, who works on the energy statistics website at the Energy Information Administration.

We all think a little about gasoline, because that's a type of energy we actually buy, but many of us probably don't understand much about gas prices except that they go up and down a lot.

Do you know which country we get the biggest share of our oil imports
from? Answer: It's Canada, and almost half of our oil imports come from the Western Hemisphere. You're not alone if you got the wrong answer: More than half of the people we surveyed recently either didn't know or guessed Saudi Arabia or Iraq.

When you click the remote and the TV comes on, do you ever think about the electricity you're buying to make it work or even where that electricity comes from? If you're like me, energy is sort of just there. It's on the stove and in the plug, but I don't really think about it until there's a power outage or until my bills are really high. But where does electricity come from? About half of the electricity in the United States is generated by burning coal!

So, seeing as how it's back-to-school time for kids, maybe some of us adults could also learn an interesting fact or two!

And have I got a source of energy information for you! In the category of "wow, I didn't know the government did that," at my high school reunion (I won't mention which one), I amazed people by telling them I work at a government statistical agency that produces policy neutral energy data-independent of spin or advocacy. They thought the government should do that, but they didn't know that it actually did! The Energy Information Administration prides itself on collecting and giving the public facts about energy that they can believe in.

Biofuels mostly refers to ethanol and biodiesel, liquid fuels used for transportation. They are made from things like corn and animal fat. Did you know that Henry Ford's original automobile, the Model T, could run on either gasoline or ethanol?

Renewable energy sources include water, the sun, geothermal, biomass and wind. Did you know that most renewable energy is used to produce electricity? China leads the world in renewable energy use for electricity production, but the United States is in second place.

Do you think yellow cake is just to eat? In fact, the term also is another name for uranium oxide, the fuel used by nuclear power plants. Fun and Games can help you learn more energy terms. If you're ready to graduate to data and analysis, you can find lots of information on the Energy Information Administration website.

Start learning about energy!

- Editor [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog]

NARA Blog

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:46:56 GMT

NARA blog

from Free Government Information (FGI) blogs by jajacobs

The National Archives has started a blog, NARAtions, because, "we are hoping to talk with you about online public access to the records held by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)."

(Hat tip to Kate!)