Education

Fast Track to College Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008

Fast Track to College Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching six-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish or support dual enrollment programs, such as early college high schools, that allow high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward a high school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate. Gives grant priority to applicants: (1) that propose to establish or support a dual enrollment program for a student body at least 40% of which is impoverished; and (2) from states that provide assistance to dual enrollment programs, such as assistance defraying the costs of higher education. Requires applicants to make assurances that students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses, and that those courses will be taught by faculty that meet their partner IHE's normal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to award six-year grants to states to: (1) plan and implement statewide strategies to make dual enrollment programs more accessible to students who are underrepresented in postsecondary education; and (2) provide technical assistance to local dual enrollment programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract for an independent evaluation of this Act's programs; and (2) provide technical assistance to LEAs and their partners, and disseminate information concerning best practices in dual enrollment programs.

Fast Track to College Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008

Fast Track to College Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching six-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish or support dual enrollment programs, such as early college high schools, that allow high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward a high school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate. Gives grant priority to applicants: (1) that propose to establish or support a dual enrollment program for a student body at least 40% of which is impoverished; and (2) from states that provide assistance to dual enrollment programs, such as assistance defraying the costs of higher education. Requires applicants to make assurances that students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses, and that those courses will be taught by faculty that meet their partner IHE's normal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to award six-year grants to states to: (1) plan and implement statewide strategies to make dual enrollment programs more accessible to students who are underrepresented in postsecondary education; and (2) provide technical assistance to local dual enrollment programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract for an independent evaluation of this Act's programs; and (2) provide technical assistance to LEAs and their partners, and disseminate information concerning best practices in dual enrollment programs.

ASPIRE

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008

After School Partnerships Improve Results in Education Act or ASPIRE - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to partnerships, composed of a state or local educational agency and at least one college or nonprofit, community, tribal, business, labor, or career technical student organization, for the development of national model after-school interdisciplinary education programs for secondary school students. Directs the Secretary to allot grants to states for matching subgrants to other partnerships, composed of such entities, for the development of after-school interdisciplinary education programs for secondary school students. Gives grant and subgrant priority to programs targeting a high percentage of impoverished, struggling, or rural students and their families. Requires each partnership grantee and subgrantee to include in its program: (1) at least one activity involving mathematics and science education, language arts, writing, and reading, or history, geography, or social studies; and (2) at least one activity involving career technical education, business and entrepreneurial education, health and wellness, the environment and conservation, or arts and music education. Allows program activities to take place after school, before school, or at any other time that the school is not in session. Directs the Secretary to carry out national activities, such as providing technical assistance to grantees and subgrantees, and conducting a national evaluation of such programs.

A concurrent resolution honoring the University of Nebraska at Omaha for its 100 years of commitment to higher education.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008

Congratulates the University of Nebraska at Omaha for 100 years of outstanding service in fulfilling its mission of providing sound learning and education.

Expressing the importance of swimming lessons and recognizing the danger of drowning in the United States, especially among minority children.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008

Declares the importance of access to swimming lessons for all U.S. communities. Condemns the persistent high rates of drowning fatalities among children. Celebrates the passage of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and the work of initiatives to educate parents and caregivers on water safety and drowning prevention messages. Encourages funding to support initiatives that provide all children access to swimming education.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3036) to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding environmental education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3036) to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding environmental education.

Incentive to Serve Tax Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Incentive to Serve Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for 25% of wages paid to employees while such employees are performing certain services (e.g., services advancing the improvement of education, health care access, energy conservation, economic opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, and disaster preparedness and response) for charitable organizations and community agencies. Limits the amount of wages eligible for such credit to $100,000 per employee.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress on the need for a national AIDS strategy.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Calls on: (1) the President to develop a national AIDS strategy; (2) the federal government to partner with African-American communities to develop strategies to reduce and reverse the impact of the epidemic; (3) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase education and outreach regarding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment; and (4) the people of the United States to educate themselves about HIV infection and the ways in which they can protect themselves.

Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act - Prohibits oil and gas preleasing or leasing of any area of the Outer Continental Shelf that was not available for oil and gas leasing as of July 1, 2008, unless that action is expressly authorized by this Act or a statute enacted by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes oil and gas leasing, under certain conditions, for any area that: (1) is in any Outer Continental Shelf Planning Area in the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean that is located farther than 50 miles from the coastline; and (2) was not otherwise available for oil and gas leasing, preleasing, and other related activities as of July 1, 2008. Requires approval of the adjacent state for oil or gas leasing in any area located within 100 miles from its coastline and within its seaward lateral boundaries. Prohibits such leasing in certain areas. Royalty Relief for American Consumers Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to agree to any lessee request to amend any oil and gas lease issued for any Gulf of Mexico tract during 1998-1999 to incorporate specified price thresholds applicable to royalty suspensions. Reaffirms authority of such Secretary to vary the suspension of royalties under certain leases, based on the price of production. Prescribes eligibility requirements for new leases and the transfer of lease Establishes a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve. Prescribes conditions for: (1) federal receipt of oil or gas as royalties in-kind; and (2) royalty-in kind ethics. Empowers the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to use subpoenas to pursue any investigation involving property leases from the United States through the Minerals Management Services for purposes of oil and mineral extraction. Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to revise requirements governing: (1) interest; (2) obligation period; (3) tolling agreements and subpoenas; and (4) liability for royalty payments. Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008 - Amends the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to provide for acceleration of lease sales for national petroleum reserve in Alaska. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to facilitate construction of pipelines to transport oil and natural gas from or through the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska. Bans the export of Alaskan oil. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the ban on: (1) final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands; and (2) oil shale lease sales. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require state approval of federal oil shale leasing in the state. Consumer Energy Supply Act of 2008 - Prescribes conditions for the sale and replacement of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 - Provides for: (1) grants to improve public transportation services; (2) vanpool demonstration projects; and (2) a national consumer awareness program on public transportation alternatives. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise requirements for the updating of state building energy codes. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe a federal renewable electricity standard. Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008, or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Prescribes requirements for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and activities relating to energy efficiency, including standards and energy efficient mortgages. Directs the Secretary of Energy to award a competitive grant to one consortium of institutions of higher education to establish a National Energy Center of Excellence. Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth incentives and credits relating, in part, to: (1) clean renewable energy bonds; (2) advanced coal project investments; (3) transportation and domestic fuel security; and (4) energy conservation and efficiency.

Health-e Information Technology Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Health-e Information Technology Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; and (2) an HIT Advisory Committee. Requires the National Coordinator to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center and to recommend health information technology standards for adoption by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs agencies to utilize, where available, health information technology systems and products that meet adopted standards. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) to test adopted standards to assure the efficient implementation and use of such standards. Amends XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for incentive payments to physicians and inpatient hospitals that meaningfully use a certified health information technology system. Authorizes the National Coordinator to award grants to purchase qualified health information technology and to implement regional or local health information plans. Provides for grants to develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology in the clinical education of health professionals. Revises provisions governing the privacy and security of health information, including to: (1) extend requirements to business associates of a covered entity; (2) require notification in the event of a breach of protected health information; (3) limit disclosure of such information to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose; and (4) revise penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to appoint a Chief Privacy Officer of the Office of National Coordinator to assist in carrying out duties related to the privacy and security of health information.

H.I.V. Education and Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

H.I.V. Education and Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to expand provisions for abstinence education to allow states to provide other sex education. Defines the term "sex education" to mean education about the functional, structural, or behavioral aspects of human reproduction and education about abstinence or contraception. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a pilot program to make grants to public and nonprofit entities to provide: (1) substance abuse treatment services in the form of long-term counseling; (2) substance abuse prevention services to individuals who are less than 21 years of age; and (3) services that facilitate interaction between individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse and individuals receiving prevention services in a manner that enhances both such services.

To extend the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under section 105 of subtitle A of title IV of division B of Public Law 109-148, relating to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Amends the Hurricane Education Recovery Act, title IV of division B of the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006, with respect to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief. Extends through FY2009 the authority of the Secretary of Education, in providing any grant or other assistance to an entity in a state which in 2005 suffered a major disaster related to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, to waive or modify, in order to ease fiscal burdens, any elementary and secondary education assistance requirement relating to: (1) maintenance of effort; (2) use of federal funds to supplement, not supplant, non-federal funds; or (3) any non-federal share or capital contribution required to match federal funds.

To extend the authority of the Secretary of Education to purchase guaranteed student loans for an additional year, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend by one year, from July 2009 to July 2010, the Secretary of Education's authority to purchase, or enter into forward commitments to purchase, Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) from lenders upon the determination that there is an inadequate availability of loan capital to meet the demand for such loans. Extends by one year, from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010, the authority of institutions of higher education (IHEs), with the Secretary's approval, to participate in the FFEL lender-of-last-resort program for borrowers otherwise unable to obtain such loans; thereby requiring guaranty agencies serving as lenders-of-last-resort to make FFELs to student and parent borrowers of such IHEs, until such date, regardless of their ability to otherwise obtain such loans.

Meth Free Families and Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Meth Free Families and Communities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to collaborate with professionals in the addiction field and primary health care providers to raise awareness about how to: (1) recognize the signs of a substance abuse disorder; and (2) apply evidence-based practices for screening and treating individuals with, or at-risk for developing, an addiction. Revises provisions governing a grant program for substance abuse residential treatment for pregnant and parenting women (currently, for postpartum women), to: (1) include treatment for addiction to methamphetamine, outpatient treatment services, and referrals for dental services; and (2) require programs to be accessible to pregnant and parenting women in low-income households and in health disparity populations. Requires the Director to give grant priority to a program serving an area that: (1) is a rural area, an area with a shortage of mental health professionals, or an area with a shortage of family-based substance abuse treatment options; and (2) has high rates of addiction to methamphetamine or other drugs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate efforts to provide pregnant and parenting women treatment for addiction to methamphetamine or other drugs. Requires the Director of the Office for Substance Abuse Prevention to develop a clearinghouse that provides information and educational materials to employers and employers about drug testing policies and programs. Authorizes amounts made available for methamphetamine or inhalant prevention programs in schools and communities to be used to develop a student-driven methamphetamine awareness project.

Expressing the sense of Congress on the need for a national AIDS strategy.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Calls on: (1) the President to develop a national AIDS strategy; (2) the federal government to partner with African-American communities to develop strategies to reduce and reverse the impact of the epidemic; (3) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase education and outreach regarding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment; and (4) the people of the United States to educate themselves about HIV infection and the ways in which they can protect themselves.

Serve America Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2008

Serve America Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create two new service-learning programs: (1) a Youth Engagement Zones to Strengthen Communities program, providing competitive grants to partnerships between local educational agencies that serve high-need, low-income communities and certain community-based or state entities to engage students and out-of-school youth in service-learning addressing specific challenges faced by their communities; and (2) a Campus of Service program, which annually grants up to 30 institutions of higher education (IHEs) with exemplary service-learning programs the funds to assist their students' pursuit of public service careers, and the right to nominate additional individuals for ServeAmerica Fellowships. Directs the Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation) to contract for a 10-year, longitudinal service-learning impact study. Establishes the Commission on Cross-Sector Solutions to America's Problems to study ways in which the federal government and businesses can more effectively collaborate with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to address pressing national and local challenges. Creates a Community Solutions Funds Pilot program awarding competitive matching grants to grantmaking institutions or partnerships between such institutions and state or local governmental entities which will use the grants to provide competitive matching subgrants to community organizations for use in replicating or expanding proven solutions to specifically identified community challenges. Establishes an Innovation Fellowships Pilot program awarding competitive grants to individuals who are veterans, or have completed at least one period of national service, to establish innovative nonprofit organizations that address national and local challenges. Creates a ServeAmerica Corps program providing formula grants to states and awarding competitive grants to states and nonprofit organizations to fund national service in low-income communities by: (1) Clean Energy Service Corps that improve certain clean energy indicators, including energy efficiency and conservation measures; (2) Education Corps that improve certain education indicators, including student engagement, achievement, and graduation; (3) Healthy Futures Corps that improve certain health indicators, including health care access; (4) Opportunity Corps that improve certain opportunity indicators, including financial literacy and access to housing, and employment-related services; and (5) Encore programs designed to take advantage of the skills of participants age 50 and older. Creates additional incentives for national service participation by individuals age 50 and older. Makes ServeAmerica Corps participants eligible for national service educational awards. Directs the Corporation to create a Civic Health Index enabling states and communities to assess their civic health. Establishes the ServeAmerica and Encore Fellowships program providing ServeAmerica Fellowships to IHE-nominated individuals and Encore Fellowships to individuals age 50 or older who agree to be placed with nonprofit organizations to carry out projects in specified areas of national need. Makes ServeAmerica fellows eligible for national service educational awards. Creates a Volunteer Generation Fund program awarding competitive matching grants to states and nonprofit organizations to increase the availability and capacity of volunteers to address state priorities with regard to areas of national need or work with nonprofit civic entities, including faith-based organizations, to address such needs. Establishes a National Service Reserve Corps of individuals who have completed a term of national service to respond to national disasters and other emergencies. Directs the Corporation, within 180 days of this Act's enactment, to conduct a nationwide Call to Service Campaign. Requires the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement a VfPServe program providing skilled professionals with fixed-amount stipends to offset their costs of volunteering abroad to address specified VfP objectives aimed at ameliorating living conditions in developing countries.

Energy Independence and Investment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Energy Independence and Investment Act of 2008 - Amends and extends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to energy production, transportation and domestic fuel security, energy conservation and efficiency, and nuclear power. Extends through 2011 the tax credit for production of electricity from specified renewable resources, including wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, refined coal, and hydropower. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Allows a residential energy efficient tax credit for 30% of expenditures for wind turbines used to generate electricity in a residence and for geothermal heat pumps. Allows a new tax credit for investment in new clean renewable energy bonds for capital expenditures for renewable energy facilities. Allows an energy tax credit for wind turbines to generate electricity and for geothermal heat pumps. Allows a 30% investment tax credit rate for advanced coal-based generation technology projects and increases the maximum credit amount allocable for such projects to $3.3 billion. Increases to 30% the investment tax credit rate for coal gasification projects. Extends the excise tax on coal until the earlier of December 31, 2018, or the day after the first December 31st after December 31, 2007, on which there is no balance of repayable advances made to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund and no unpaid interest on such advances. Sets forth a special rule for refund claims of coal excise tax by certain coal producers and exporters. Allows a new tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to undertake a comprehensive review of Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to provide an estimate of the magnitude of such effects. Includes cellulosic biofuel within the definition of "biomass ethanol plant property" for purposes of bonus depreciation. Extends through 2011 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel. Increases the rates of such credits. Disqualifies foreign-produced fuel that is used or sold for use outside the United States from the income and excise tax credits for alcohol, biodiesel, and alternative fuel production. Allows a new tax credit for the production of qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Extends the tax credits for investment in alternative motor vehicles and alternative fuel. Allows an exclusion from the heavy truck excise tax for idling reduction devices and advanced insulation used in certain heavy trucks and trailers. Extends through 2012 the tax credit for alternative fuel refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2011 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel. Allows a new tax credit for small fossil free alcohol production. Extends through 2013 the election to expense the cost of certain refinery property. Extends through 2010: (1) the suspension of the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties; and (2) the tax credit for new energy efficient homes. Allows a tax credit for investment in qualified energy conservation bonds for capital expenditures for energy conservation projects. Extends the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures through 2008. Includes energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves as property eligible for such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Modifies tax credit amounts for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation of qualified smart electric meters and smart electric grid systems and reuse and recycling property. Modifies requirements for the tax credit for production from advanced nuclear power facilities. Allows individuals who receive a settlement from Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation to average any settlement or judgment-related income over a three-year period or contribute such income to a tax-exempt retirement account. Provides for revenue enhancements by: (1) limiting the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities for taxpayers with gross receipts derived from oil, gas, or any primary products thereof; (2) imposing an excise tax on crude oil and natural gas produced from the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico; (3) conforming the tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (4) requiring investment brokers to report information relating to customer basis in securities transactions; and (5) increasing and extending through 2017 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to modify and extend such Act through FY2011. Modifies the definition of "qualifying child" for purposes of the income tax exemption for dependents.

Semester of Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Semester of Service Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to award competitive matching grants to local educational agencies or their nonprofit partners and, through them, competitive subgrants to schools or their nonprofit partners for Semester of Service programs that allow high school juniors and seniors to earn academic credit for service-learning that meets unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs in their communities. Gives grant priority to applicants that propose to direct subgrants toward programs at schools that receive school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires Semester of Service programs to engage youth in service-learning for a minimum of 70 hours over a minimum of 12 weeks and have: (1) a weekly classroom-based component that is integrated into schools' regular curricula and aligned with applicable state academic content standards; and (2) a field-based component covering at least 24 of the minimum 70 hours. Directs the Chief Executive Officer to reserve funds for: (1) competitive grants to Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands for such programs; (2) technical assistance and training to grantees and subgrantees, and program outreach activities; and (3) independent evaluations of the programs.

National Commission to Study the Establishment of the National Museum of the American People Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

National Commission to Study the Establishment of the National Museum of the American People Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Commission to Study the Establishment of the National Museum of the American People to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of establishing a National Museum of the American People in Washington, D.C. that tells the story of the making of the American people. Specifies a summary of issues of which the Commission shall examine and report on, including the following possible components for the Museum: (1) a Center for Advanced Studies of the American People; (2) a National Genealogical Center; (3) a National Archives and Library of American Migration and Immigration; (4) an Education Resource Center; and (5) a Peopling of America Center.

SEAT Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Secure Education for Americans Today Act of 2008 or the SEAT Act of 2008 - Prohibits the provision of federal funds to institutions of higher education that admit illegal aliens. Prohibits such provision from being construed as denying federal student assistance to students attending such schools.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the employees of the Department of Homeland Security, their partners at all levels of government, and the millions of emergency response providers and law enforcement agents nationwide should be commended for their dedicated service on the Nation's front lines in the war against acts of terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Commends the public servants of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies for their outstanding contributions to our nation's homeland security. Salutes the dedication of state, local, territorial, and tribal government officials, the private sector, and citizens across the country for their efforts to enhance the nation's ability to prevent, deter, protect against, and prepare to respond to potential acts of terrorism. Expresses the nation's appreciation for the sacrifices and commitment of our law enforcement and emergency response personnel in preventing and preparing to respond to acts of terrorism. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month as they relate to the threat of terrorism. Urges the federal government, states, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe National Preparedness Month with appropriate events and activities that promote citizen and community preparedness to respond to acts of terrorism.

Job Access and Reverse Commute Program Improvements Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Job Access and Reverse Commute Program Improvements Act of 2008 - Revises the job access and reverse commute (JARC) program to authorize a state to accept a single combined application for a project funded from at least two of the following programs that provide individuals with transportation to and from a job: (1) the JARC program; (2) the elderly and disabled specialized transit program; (3) the new freedom program (for disabled workers); and (4) any other program the Secretary deems appropriate. Makes eligible for JARC formula grant funding the subsidizing of costs associated with the transportation of low income high school students and young adults to career or technical education, job training, or apprenticeship programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, at state request, to waive or streamline JARC program reporting and certification requirements, provided program goals are met. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of eliminating, revising, or reducing frequency of collection for any reporting or certification requirements relating to the JARC formula grant program, particularly examining the burden on and needs of nonprofit organizations that receive funding and are unaccustomed to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a grant pilot program to: (1) improve education and employment related transportation activities for eligible teens and young adults; (2) evaluate streamlined reporting and certification requirements; and (3) support more comprehensive projects integrated with other federal, state, and local transportation and human service programs, while ensuring the paperwork burden is minimized. Requires the Secretary to continue and expand JARC technical assistance activities so that the Department of Transportation supports various specified efforts, including those that act as an information clearinghouse and information network.

Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from denying provider-operated status for a nursing and allied education program that substantially meets certain requirements pertaining to the cost of approved activities for such programs, in effect as of October 1, 2006, on the basis of an organizational structure, contractual arrangements, or legal structure of the program, or a change in such a structure or arrangement, so long as a hospital, hospitals, or health system continues to substantially control the nursing or allied program. Prohibits denial of payments for the costs of approved educational activities for a nursing or allied health education program. Requires restoration to a hospital of any recoupment or denial effected for a previous cost reporting year.

Ready to Compete Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Ready to Compete Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new Ready to Learn program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award a grant to a public broadcasting entity to provide a coordinated Ready to Learn television service by awarding subgrants and contracts to public television stations and producers or distributors of educational programming for the operation of Ready to Learn programs for preschool and elementary school children. Requires such service to include programming that: (1) is aligned with state academic and early learning standards; (2) addresses specific community and school needs, ascertained via ongoing community outreach programs; and (3) is in reading and social and emotional development. Specifies that public broadcasting entities are eligible for Ready to Teach grants to improve teaching in core curriculum areas by using high-tech platforms to deliver integrated educational content and services and teacher training. Requires grantees to direct a significant portion of such services to schools that have failed for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Alters the Digital Educational Programming Grants program by authorizing competitive five-year (currently, three-year) grants to public television stations that partner with certain other entities to develop, and train teachers in the use of, innovative educational tools and digital content for core curriculum content areas, particularly math, science, and technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for such revamped programs through FY2014. Directs the Secretary to award ten-year grants to television public broadcasting entities to develop and operate a national on-demand digital education media service available to teachers, parents, educational entities, and the public at low or no cost. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to create a Ready to Earn program authorizing the Secretary to award competitive grants to public television stations that partner with states, state workforce investment boards, or institutions of higher education to develop, disseminate, and provide on-line and on-air education and training services for adults.

CHALLENGES FACING BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION SCHOOLS IN IMPROVING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 September 2008

Jerry Gayle Bridges, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Education, vice John Portman Higgins, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 9 September 2008

Connecting Education and Emerging Professions Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Connecting Education and Emerging Professions Act of 2008 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a Connecting Education and Emerging Professions Demonstration Grant program awarding competitive matching grants to states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with businesses, postsecondary institutions, workforce investment boards, labor organizations, or nonprofit community organizations. Requires such grants to be used to: (1) assess emerging industry pathways and the academic skills needed to succeed in such pathways; (2) develop school- and work-based curricula or programs to teach such skills; (3) implement the new curricula or programs in schools where at least 30% of the students are impoverished, that have graduation rates below their state's average, and whose community is experiencing significant or increased unemployment; and (4) evaluate best practices from such curricula or programs and disseminate them to other educational entities. Requires such curricula or programs to: (1) meet challenging state academic content standards; and (2) prepare students for both direct entry into careers with emerging industries in their communities and success in postsecondary education.

Community Protection and Response Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Community Protection and Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include a terrorist attack, dispersion of radioactive or other contaminants, dispersion of hazardous substances, or other catastrophic event as a "major disaster" eligible for relief under the Act. Includes as a "public facility" for purposes of damages coverage in a major disaster private for-profit telecommunications, phone services, and utilities when losses occur during a homeland security event and are not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President, at the request of a state governor, to declare that a major disaster constitutes a homeland security event and is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capacity of the affected state and local government. Provides specified federal assistance under the Act upon such a declaration, including reimbursement and grant assistance for lost compensation, sustained losses, and required repairs. Includes as critical services under the Act education systems, providers of counseling, and providers of assistance to the homeless. Removes the $5 million limit on community disaster loans provided under the Act. Requires or provides for: (1) standards for reporting information concerning disasters involving homeland security events; (2) a special commission to review air quality following a homeland security event; (3) guidelines concerning health risks associated with the release of materials following a homeland security event and associated monitoring and analysis; and (4) grants for data collection during public health emergencies, research on assisting victims, advance preparation for public health emergencies, and disaster relief for local educational agencies.

Patrick J. Wolf, of Arkansas, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring March 15, 2012, vice Craig T. Ramey, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

John L. Winn, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012, vice Gerald Lee, term expiring.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

Paul E. Peterson, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2011, vice Herbert John Walberg, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

Elizabeth Ann Bryan, of Texas, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

Douglas J. Besharov, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2011, vice Richard James Milgram, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

Robert C. Granger, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

Lynn S. Fuchs, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012, vice Joseph K. Torgesen, term expiring.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

Caroline M. Hoxby, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2008

CAMPUS Safety Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2008, or the CAMPUS Safety Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety. Tasks the Center with strengthening the safety and security of institutions of higher education (IHEs) by: (1) training IHE public safety agencies and their collaborative partners; (2) fostering relevant research; (3) collecting, coordinating, and disseminating information and best practices regarding campus safety; (4) developing protocols to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from, natural and man-made emergencies that threaten the campus community; and (5) increasing cooperation between IHEs and the law enforcement, mental health, and other agencies and jurisdictions that serve them. Authorizes the Director to award grants to IHEs and other nonprofit organizations for activities that will assist the Center in performing its functions.

Honoring Dr. Michael DeBakey for his lifetime of accomplishments.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Honors Dr. Michael DeBakey for his lifetime of accomplishments and recognizes his contributions to medicine, education, and humanity.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary schools and public secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary and secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, in a clear and conspicuous location.

Recreational Performance Outerwear Apparel Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Recreational Performance Outerwear Apparel Act of 2008 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain recreational performance outerwear. Establishes the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research Fund (STAR Fund). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) impose and collect, with specified exceptions, a fee of 1.5% of the appraised value of imported recreational performance outerwear and to deposit amounts collected into the STAR Fund; and (2) make quarterly distributions from the STAR Fund to one or more appropriate organizations to conduct applied research, development, and education activities to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. businesses in clean, eco-friendly apparel, other textile and apparel products, and sewn-product design and manufacturing.

Time for Innovation Matters in Education Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Time for Innovation Matters in Education Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to states to enable them to award competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and other public or nonprofit entities to plan and implement expanded learning time initiatives at high-need schools that they serve. Requires such initiatives to: (1) increase the total number of school hours each year at participant schools by at least 30%, compared to the school hours per year that are standard for comparable schools in their school district; and (2) expand learning time for all students in all grade levels in such schools, except in high schools where expanded learning time must apply to at least one entire grade level. Directs states to give subgrant priority to LEAs that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families and partnerships that include a community-based organization, institution of higher education, community learning center, or entity carrying out an after-school program. Permits the Secretary to: (1) award planning and implementation grants directly to a partnership that serves more than one area in more than one state; and (2) provide technical assistance to grantees and subgrantees in developing and implementing expanded learning time initiatives. Requires: (1) grantees to establish measures for assessing the success of their expanded learning time initiatives; and (2) the Secretary to contract with an independent organization with expertise in school improvement, program evaluation, and measurement to evaluate this Act's program and provide technical assistance to grantees and subgrantees in collecting data and evaluating their programs.

A bill to reauthorize the National Oilheat Reliance Alliance Act of 2000, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to adjust its focus upon oilheat to a focus upon oilheat fuel. Defines "oilheat fuel" as distillate liquid used as a fuel for nonindustrial commercial or residential space or hot water heating. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises the membership of the National Oilheat Research Alliance. Provides that, other than the public members of the Alliance, members shall be full-time managerial owners or employees of members of the oilheat fuel industry. Revises assessment requirements. States that the assessment rate for calendar years 2008 and 2009 shall be equal to two-tenths of 1% per gallon of distillate liquid (currently, No. 1 distillate and No. 2 dyed distillate). Declares that, beginning with calendar year 2010, the annual assessment rate shall be sufficient to cover the costs of the plans and programs developed by the Alliance. Sets forth: (1) a maximum assessment rate; and (2) limitations on any assessment increase. Prohibits any consumer education activity undertaken with funds derived from Alliance assessments from including a direct reference to a competing product. Repeals the termination date for the Act (thus making it permanent).

Presidential Commission to Study the Culture and Glorification of Violence in America Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Presidential Commission to Study the Culture and Glorification of Violence in America Act - Establishes the Presidential Commission to Study the Culture and Glorification of Violence in America. Sets forth the duties of such Commission, including an examination of: (1) the glorification of violence in the United States; (2) the relationship between psychological factors and increased violence; (3) the role of media; (4) the correlation between economic frustration and increased violence; (5) the correlation between ease of access to firearms and increased violence; and (6) the role of the schools in preventing violent behaviors and identifying potential perpetrators of violence.

David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow victims of hate crimes to claim unemployment insurance for loss of employment directly resulting from their experience as victims of such crimes. Prohibits health care insurers from taking into account whether a person is or has been a victim of a hate crime when making a determination as to eligibility for insurance coverage, the rate or premium of an insurance plan or policy, and the amount of insurance coverage provided. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow a victim of a hate crime to take family and medical leave. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to provide housing to victims of a hate crime, homeless individuals who require housing assistance as a result of being a victim of a hate crime, and individuals for whom emergency shelter services are unavailable or insufficient. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to: (1) provide counseling and related assistance to victims of hate crimes and their dependents; (2) establish and operate a national clearinghouse and resource center for information and statistics relating to the incidence and prevention of hate crimes; and (3) establish and operate a national, toll-free telephone hotline and a website to provide information and assistance to victims of hate crimes. Requires the head of each federal agency to establish prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services relating to hate crimes for employees. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies and institutions of higher education to improve and provide programs relating to hate crimes.

To provide for grants to assist municipalities to facilitate the ability of local farmers to grow food crops and certain livestock to be sold locally, grants to enable local nongovernmental farming associations to support the formation of community-supported agricultural projects, and grants to provide start-up funds to farmers who must diversify their operations in order to participate in the projects, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to: (1) municipalities to facilitate the ability of local farmers to grow food crops or raise livestock for local community sale; (2) local nongovernmental farming associations that promote community-based farming or to qualified farmers to provide technical, advisory, and other assistance for a municipally-based agricultural project; and (3) provide startup funding to agricultural producers who must diversify in order to participate in a community-supported agricultural project. Directs the Secretary to provide marketing assistance to a participating farmer who has received a lease or loan guarantee that has not been terminated to assist the farmer in marketing to community institutions, including schools, child care centers, and senior centers.

SEA Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Security and Energy for America Act of 2008 or the SEA Act of 2008 - Secure Rural Schools and Counties Act of 2008 - Amends federal law governing payment for certain federal lands (entitlement land) to prescribe: (1) a transitional funding schedule for payments in lieu of taxes; and (2) transitional payments to states and counties previously entitled to payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act of 2000. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) amounts made available by a state to certain counties to support public schools should be in addition to, and not in lieu of, general state funds to support such schools; and (2) a state should not adjust education funding allocations to reflect specified receipts. State Enhanced Authority for Coastal and Ocean Resources Act of 2008 or SEACOR - Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) to: (1) revise the seaward boundaries of states; and (2) except from confirmation and establishment of states' title, power, and rights any oil and gas mineral rights located within the revised seaward boundaries. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Sets forth procedures for the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to grant and administer oil and natural gas leases on the OCS. Revises provisions concerning oil and gas leases. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund Act of 2008 - Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund to monitor and manage wildlife and fish and other natural resources related to energy and minerals development on federal lands. Declares without force or effect existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds to: (1) conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities, or to issue a lease for any OCS; or (2) issue final commercial leasing regulations or any other function related to oil shale and tar sands. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting construction or operation of any facility, or from designating or maintaining a restricted transportation corridor or operating area, on either federal OCS or state waters that will be incompatible with oil, gas, or natural gas leasing, and with exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulations governing onshore surface-disturbing activities. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends OCSLA to prescribe procedures to use decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms and other facilities for artificial reef and scientific research. Establishes the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act Fund to enable maintenance and restoration of existing and historic petroleum and mining engineering programs. Redesignates the Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act as the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act. Instructs the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters for the Atlantic OCS Region and the Pacific OCS Region. Freedom Fuels Act - Establishes the Freedom Fuels Fund, to be used for specified programs including: (1) geologic and geophysical programs; (2) geothermal and geopressure energy renewable resource management; (3) unconventional energy resources management; and (4) renewable energy management. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for production of: (1) liquid fuels from strategic unconventional resources; and (2) oil and gas resources using advanced CO2 enhanced recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program, among other purposes, for: (1) geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy production; (2) FEED grants for projects for coal-to-liquids, petroleum coke-to-liquids, oil shale, tar sands, and Alaska natural gas-to-liquids and the production of low-rank coal water fuel; and (3) production of renewable energy from designated resources. Amends the OCSLA to: (1) repeal the Coastal Impact Assistance program; and (2) revise royalty-in-kind requirements. Amends the the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) prescribe default requirements if the Secretary of Energy does not issue regulations governing payments for research, development, and demonstration leases, and for commercial leases for oil shale and tar sands; (2) require the Secretary to grant royalty relief for natural gas production from gas hydrates; (3) direct the Secretary to reduce royalties for certain federal oil and gas leases; and (4) instruct the Secretary of the Interior to use specified estimates and considerations when compiling oil and gas resource assessments. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish specified fees for conservation resources; (2) require that OCS oil and gas exploration utilize technology to minimize air emissions and discharges into the water; (3) establish Federal OCS Joint Regional Permitting Offices; and (4) develop, upon lessee request, oil spill response plans for each OCS Planning area. Exempts certain oil and gas leasing and exploration from federal agency coordination requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delegate to the Minerals Management Service permitting and enforcement authority for specified federal OCS activities.

Energy for Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Energy for Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) state educational agencies (SEAs) in order to award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to assist public schools with the increased costs of fuel for school buses and energy for public school buildings; and (2) LEAs that do not receive a subgrant from an SEA.

Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement Act of 2008 - Prohibits state or local educational agencies from requiring or permitting the Pledge of Allegiance or national anthem to be recited or sung in any language other than English in any elementary or secondary school under their jurisdiction. Withholds federal funds from state or local educational agencies that violate such prohibition, unless the funds are specifically appropriated to such agencies after they have been found to be violating the prohibition. Establishes a private right of action for persons injured by violations of such prohibition.

MEGA

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Metro Economies Green Act or MEGA - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a metro area green zone grant program to make grants to local government units to support and establish green job programs that: (1) target low-income, difficult-to-employ, and formerly incarcerated persons; and (2) involve local business, academia, trade associations, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in energy-efficient economic development and green job training and creation. Authorizes the Secretary also to establish competitive programs to make grants to local government units to support and establish: (1) a similar mini-metro green program that engages smaller communities in green economic and workforce development; and (2) an alternative green academies program that provides green job training, employment opportunities, and other life skills to high school dropouts, formerly incarcerated youth, and individuals unable to attend traditional institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to select one unit of general local government or nonprofit organization designated by such a unit to establish and operate a Metro Area Green Institute to serve as a national resource center to support municipally based, green economic and workforce development efforts.

Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to award grants or contracts for: (1) the development and production of educational materials concerning the evidence available on the relative safety, effectiveness, and cost of prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and nondrug interventions for treating selected conditions, to be distributed and presented to health care providers who prescribe such drugs and their patients; and (2) the development and implementation of a program to appropriately train and deploy health professionals to distribute such materials to, and otherwise educate, physicians and other drug prescribers concerning such drugs and interventions. Requires that grantees receive no support from any entity that manufactures products used to treat the medical conditions discussed.