Education

Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2008 - Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) obtain an FBI background check on individuals prior to offering them employment as school employees; and (2) if the check identifies them as sexual predators, report their application to local law enforcement. Prohibits states or LEAs from hiring individuals as: (1) school employees if they have been convicted of a crime of violence or other felony; or (2) school bus drivers if they have been convicted of, or pled guilty to, drunk driving or a serious moving violation. Withholds funds available to states for planning and administration and to LEAs as subgrants under part A of title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, if they violate such prohibitions or fail to take such actions.

Healing Our Nation's Heroes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Healing Our Nation's Heroes Act of 2008 - Establishes a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other mental health disorders caused by military service. Requires the commission to: (1) oversee the monitoring and treatment of veterans and members with such disorders; and (2) conduct a study of the long-term adverse consequences of such disorders for such veterans and members. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to carry out a program, to be known as the Heroes-to-Healers Program, to assist veterans and members separating from service to: (1) obtain certification as mental health care providers; and (2) find employment with federal, state, and local agencies and nongovernmental organizations that provide mental health care to members, veterans, and their families. Requires participants, following certification, to work for at least five years in such mental health care capacity, but authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirement when considered appropriate. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to pay a bonus of up to $10,000 to a Program participant who agrees to such service. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish a program to award grants to encourage state and local mental health agencies and other entities to establish, expand, or enhance mental health provider recruitment and retention efforts. Requires participants who receive training through the program to serve at a high-need medical facility or agency for at least three years.

A bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to expand educational opportunities for recipients of temporary assistance for needy families.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to count 24 months of participation in post-secondary education toward work requirements.

National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to convene a Conference on Pain to: (1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem; (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain; (3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care; and (4) establish an agenda for action that will reduce such barriers and improve pain care research, education, and clinical care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Pain Consortium to: (1) establish a national agenda for research on the causes and effective treatments for pain; and (2) convene an annual conference of experts in pain research, treatment, and management to assess and make recommendations on NIH pain research activities and programs. Requires the Director of NIH to establish the National Pain Care Research Advisory Committee. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) collect protocols and evidence-based practices regarding pain care at all stages of life; and (2) disseminate such information to regulatory and enforcement agencies, health care programs, payor and providers, health professions schools, hospices, and the general public. Allows the Secretary to provide for the development and implementation of programs to educate and train health care professionals in pain care. Requires the Secretary to establish a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign.

SERV Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to regulate food, including by authorizing the Secretary to: (1) suspend the registration of a food facility; and (2) order a cessation on distribution or recall of food. Directs the Secretary to allocate resources based on the risk profile of food facilities or food. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare a National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist state, local, and tribal governments in preparing for, assessing, decontaminating, and recovering from an agriculture or food emergency. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assess fees on domestic food facilities and food importers; (2) promulgate regulations on sanitary transportation practices for food; and (3) develop a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) recognize accreditation bodies that accredit food testing laboratories; and (2) improve the capabilities to track and trace raw agricultural commodities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems. Provides for: (1) foreign supplier verification programs; (2) a voluntary qualified importer program; and (3) the inspection of foreign facilities registered to import food.

Consumer Health Education and Transparency Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Consumer Health Education and Transparency Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Consumer Health Education and Information to provide consumers of health care services and health insurance with information concerning personal health and wellness and health insurance coverage. Requires the Secretary to: (1) require the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop standards for use by health insurance issuers in compiling and providing to enrollees a summary of benefits explanation that accurately represents the benefits and coverage provided by the issuer under the applicable health insurance plan; and (2) promulgate regulations to apply such standards. Directs health insurance issuers and federal health care programs to provide such a summary of benefits explanation to individuals prior to the effective date of coverage. Provides that such standards preempt related state standards that provide less information to consumers. Subjects entities that willfully fail to provide such information to fines. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to establish and implement a consumer health education and outreach initiative. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of matters related to improved consumer education on end-of-life care decisions and spending; and (2) award grants to local education agencies to develop and implement a personal health and nutrition curriculum in elementary or secondary schools.

Improving Access to Mainstream Financial Institutions Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Improving Access to Mainstream Financial Institutions Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to award grants, including multi-year grants, to specified eligible entities to establish an account in a federally insured depository institution for low- and moderate-income individuals who currently do not have such an account. Includes among such eligible entities: (1) Alaska Native Corporations; (2) Native Hawaiian organizations; and (3) labor organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to award demonstration project grants to eligible entities to provide low-cost, small loans to consumers that will provide alternatives to more costly, predatory payday loans. Requires such entities to be: (1) tax-exempt charitable organizations; (2) federally insured depository institutions; (3) community development financial institutions; or (4) partnerships comprised of one or more of such entities. Requires grant recipients to offer financial literacy and education opportunities to each consumer provided with a loan pursuant to this Act.

GI Bill Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

GI Bill Fairness Act - Revises the amount payable to veterans for pursuit of a program of education under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to make such amount the highest amount charged by an institution of higher education in the appropriate state for tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students for full-time pursuit of such programs of education. Provides a monthly housing stipend for an individual pursuing a program of education through distance learning equal to the basic allowance for housing for a member residing in military housing in that area.

Student VOTER Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Student Voter Opportunity To Encourage Registration Act of 2008 or the Student VOTER Act of 2008 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require states to designate federally-funded institutions of higher education as agencies for the registration of voters in federal elections. Requires such schools to provide mail voter registration application forms to students registering to enroll in their courses.

A resolution supporting legislation promoting improved health care and access to health care for women.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Declares that the Senate commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all people of the United States and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health providers that ensures continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the needs of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs; (7) ensures affordable access to health care; (8) enhances quality and patient safety; (9) ensures a sufficient supply of qualified providers through expanded medical and public health education and adequate reimbursement; and (10) promotes administrative efficiency and is easy to utilize.

White Mountain Apache Tribe Rural Water System Loan Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

White Mountain Apache Tribe Rural Water System Loan Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide a loan to the White Mountain Apache Tribe to carry out planning, engineering, and design of the Miner Flat Project (defined as the White Mountain Apache Rural Water System) in Arizona. Requires the zero-interest, 10-year loan to be repaid with funds from the Lower Colorado River Development Fund. Directs the Secretary to offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Tribe for the planning, engineering, and design of the Project, which shall be in accordance with all federal environmental laws and subject to the requirements of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Health Security for All Americans Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Health Security for All Americans Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding: (1) the physician payment update; (2) geographic cost-of-practice indices (GPCI) floors; (3) annual physical examinations; (4) the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program; (5) the inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; and (6) proportional representation of rural area interests on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national public information campaign on initial preventive physical examinations for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to rules governing enhanced marketplace pools for small business health plans. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XXX (Health Care Insurance Marketplace Modernization) under which the Secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing minimum standards for health insurance premium variations and model small group rating rules. Provides for affordable plans and the harmonization of health insurance standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the qualified health insurance costs of individuals. Amends veterans benefits law to allow an enrolled veteran to elect to receive covered health services through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. Authorizes VA pharmacies to dispense medications to veterans on private practitioner prescriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program of child care assistance for individuals pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships of accredited nursing schools and hospitals or health facilities to establish projects to enable a hospital or health facility to retain its staff of experienced nurses while having these individuals become, through an accelerated nursing education program, faculty members of an accredited nursing school. Directs the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education that offer: (1) a Registered Nurse (RN) nursing program at the baccalaureate or associate degree level to enable the program to expand its faculty and facilities to accommodate additional RN nursing program students; or (2) a graduate-level nursing program to accommodate advanced practice degrees for RNs or to accommodate students enrolled in a graduate-level nursing program to provide teachers of nursing students. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs to increase the number of nurses within the armed forces. Prescribes requirements for determination of the effective date of active duty for members of a reserve component of the armed forces.

Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act - Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to limit the federal share of the cost of acquiring land for, or construction or expansion of, public target ranges in eligible states to 90% of such cost. Defines "eligible state" to mean a state that, since the most recent decennial census, has experienced: (1) at least a 2% growth in population; and (2) a reduction in the acreage of federal lands in such state where target practice and marksmanship training are permitted. Specifies that amounts made available and apportioned for grants that are provided to eligible states under the firearm and bow hunter education and safety program for acquiring land for, or construction or expansion of, public target ranges shall remain available until they are expended. Permits not more than 10% of the amounts apportioned to an eligible state under the Act for such state's wildlife conservation and restoration program to be used for acquiring land for, or construction or expansion of, public target ranges or for assisting a federal land-management agency with environmental remediation or other steps needed to allow for public target ranges on federal lands.

Midwest Schools Disaster Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Midwest Schools Disaster Recovery Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make payments to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin to enable such states to assist their local educational agencies (LEAs) in recovering from the severe storms and flooding that hit the Midwest during the months of May and June, 2008. Protects such LEAs, that serve major disaster areas due to those storms and floods, from experiencing a FY2009 reduction of school improvement funds under part A of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes the Secretary to waive or modify the application of maintenance of effort and cost-sharing conditions on the receipt of educational funding by entities in states affected by such disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) temporary emergency Impact Aid to states and, through them, to LEAs and Indian schools to enable such LEAs and schools to instruct students displaced by such disaster; and (2) assistance, consistent with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, to LEAs serving students rendered homeless by such disaster. Terminates this Act's programs on August 1, 2009.

Student VOTER Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Student Voter Opportunity To Encourage Registration Act of 2008 or the Student VOTER Act of 2008 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require states to designate federally-funded institutions of higher education as agencies for the registration of voters in federal elections. Requires such schools to provide mail voter registration application forms to students registering to enroll in their courses.

Preventing Student Loan Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Preventing Student Loan Discrimination Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program from receiving special allowance payments (made to such lenders to compensate them for the difference between FFEL interest rates and market rates) if they deny FFELs to eligible borrowers because of their education program length or attendance at a particular school participating in the FFEL program.

Renew Through Green Jobs Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Renew Through Green Jobs Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that certain renewable energy production facilities be placed in service before 2009 to qualify for the renewable electricity production credit. Directs the Secretary of Labor to award grants to institutions of higher education for sustainability workforce training and education in industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) green construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) green chemistry, nanotechnology, or technology; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agricultural and culinary practices.

Education Tax Deduction for All Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Education Tax Deduction for All Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow parents of children attending an elementary or secondary school a tax deduction equal to: (1) 25% of their state's average public education per pupil expenditure for each qualifying student attending public school; and (2) 100% of such expenditure for each student attending any other school, including a home school. Allows taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize their tax deductions to claim such deduction.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide outreach and training to certain college and university mental health centers relating to the mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a four-year pilot program to provide outreach and training services related to the mental health of veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to counseling centers, student health or wellness centers, or student services centers at colleges or universities with large enrollments of such veterans.

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.

Expressing the support of the Congress regarding the need to ensure health care for women and health care for all in national health care reform.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Declares that Congress commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health care providers to ensure continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the need of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs; (7) ensures affordable access to health care; (8) enhances quality and patient safety; (9) ensures a sufficient supply of qualified providers through expanded medical and public health education and adequate reimbursement; and (10) promotes administration efficiency and is easy to utilize.

Recognizing the important contributions of African-American doctors on the event of the apology of the American Medical Association to the National Medical Association, an association of African-American doctors, for over a century of racial prejudices and wrongdoings, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Recognizes: (1) the important contributions of African-American doctors on the event of the apology of American Medical Association (AMA) to the National Medical Association (NMA) for over a century of racial prejudices and wrongdoings; (2) the efforts of Dr. W. Montague Cobb, former president of the NMA, to break down the racial prejudices at the AMA that led to its full integration; and (3) Shaw University's Leonard Medical School and other historically black colleges and universities for their role in training African-American doctors. Encourages more African-Americans to work in medicine and become doctors, nurses, and researchers.

SECTORS Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success Act of 2008 or the SECTORS Act of 2008 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require the Secretary of Labor to award competitive industry or sector partnership grants to eligible entities to develop strategies that: (1) encourage growth and competitiveness through work with high road employers within a targeted industry cluster; (2) help workers move toward economic self-sufficiency and ensure that they have access to supportive services; (3) address the needs of firms with limited human resources or in-house training capacity, including small- and medium-sized firms; and (4) coordinate with entities that carry out state and local workforce investment, economic development, and education activities. Requires federal agency coordination with the Secretary in carrying out such program.

Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive, renewable, five-year grants to partnerships between low-income local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools offering graduate programs in school counseling, social work, or psychology to increase the number of program graduates employed by low-income LEAs. Defines "low-income LEAs" as those that: (1) serve students at least 20% of which are from low-income families; (2) have ratios of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to students that fall at least 10% below specified target ratios; and (3) have been identified as needing improvement or corrective action or include at least one school identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Allows the use of grant funds to: (1) provide program graduate students with field training at partnership LEA schools; (2) contribute to program graduates' salaries at such schools for up to three years after they graduate; (3) increase the number of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists per student in such schools; (4) enhance the capacity of partnership graduate schools to train such professionals; (5) develop course work designed to facilitate such graduates' service to low-income LEAs and at-risk students; and (6) provide tuition credits to such graduate students and student loan forgiveness to program graduates employed as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs for at least five years. Directs the Secretary to establish a program providing student loan forgiveness to non-participants in this Act's grant program who have been employed for at least five years as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs. Requires the Secretary to identify a formula for future use in designating regions as eligible for benefit programs because of having a shortage of such school personnel.

Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive, renewable, five-year grants to partnerships between low-income local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools offering graduate programs in school counseling, social work, or psychology to increase the number of program graduates employed by low-income LEAs. Defines "low-income LEAs" as those that: (1) serve students at least 20% of which are from low-income families; (2) have ratios of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to students that fall at least 10% below specified target ratios; and (3) have been identified as needing improvement or corrective action or include at least one school identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Allows the use of grant funds to: (1) provide program graduate students with field training at partnership LEA schools; (2) contribute to program graduates' salaries at such schools for up to three years after they graduate; (3) increase the number of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists per student in such schools; (4) enhance the capacity of partnership graduate schools to train such professionals; (5) develop course work designed to facilitate such graduates' service to low-income LEAs and at-risk students; and (6) provide tuition credits to such graduate students and student loan forgiveness to program graduates employed as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs for at least five consecutive years. Directs the Secretary to establish a program providing student loan forgiveness to non-participants in this Act's grant program who have been employed for at least five consecutive years as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs. Requires the Secretary to identify a formula for future use in designating regions as eligible for benefit programs because of having a shortage of such school personnel.

Alaska Timber Management Areas for Education Land Selection Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Alaska Timber Management Areas for Education Land Selection Act - Requires, if the state of Alaska elects to select and acquire from within the Tongass National Forest specified lands in order to fulfill a portion of Alaska's remaining statehood entitlement to certain public lands within the National Forest System, conveying to the state the selected lands. Requires the election to be in the form of a bill approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor that contains specified requirements, including that: (1) up to 50% of the annual harvest of timber in state timber management areas be offered as 10-year contracts and that timber sales meet the needs of all existing wood processing operations on the Tongass National Forest; and (2) specified state receipts be deposited into an account for state kindergarten and grade school education. Sets forth provisions governing the exchange-transition period and the post-transition period, including requiring that, in the post-transition period, conveyed portions of the Tongass National Forest shall be administered and managed primarily for timber production as state timber management areas.

Liberia SEEDS Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Liberia Stabilization, Economic Empowerment, Development and Security Act of 2008 or the Liberia SEEDS Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Liberia for the following: (1) roads and bridges; (2) rehabilitation of Monrovia Freeport; (3) water and sanitation; (4) the electricity sector; (5) vocational education programs for war-affected youth and ex-combatants; (6) establishment of a government employee training institute and enhancement of government accountability and effectiveness; (7) narcotics control and law enforcement; (8) educational exchanges; and (9) the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia.

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to enter into an agreement with eligible individuals for the repayment of education loans in exchange for working as a full-time member of the faculty of an accredited school of nursing.

Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Expressing support for the designation of a 4-H National Youth Science Day.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Supports the designation of a 4-H National Youth Science Day (October 8, 2008).

Rural Fuel for School Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Rural Fuel for School Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award triennial grants to rural local educational agencies (LEAs) in amounts equal to between 10% to 50% of each grantee's annual total transportation costs for the previous fiscal year. Makes rural LEAs eligible for such grants if they experience: (1) an increase in annual fuel costs of at least 20% for the fiscal year; (2) an increase in contract transportation costs of at least 20% for the fiscal year; or (3) extreme hardship, as certified by the Secretary, in providing transportation to elementary and secondary students due to increased fuel prices. Terminates the Secretary's authority to make such grants on December 31, 2013.

Filipino Veterans Assistance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Filipino Veterans Assistance Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the Republic of the Philippines to provide benefits to persons (and certain dependents thereof) who served: (1) before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, while in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States; or (2) in the Philippine Scouts. Includes within the benefits to be provided: (1) compensation for service-connected disabilities; (2) dependency and indemnity compensation; (3) medical care; (4) education benefits; and (5) death pensions.

Improving No Child Left Behind for All Students Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Improving No Child Left Behind for All Students Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to revise programs created or amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Allows states to revise their academic content and achievement standards so they are vertically aligned from grade to grade and with what students should know to be successful in postsecondary education and the workplace. Permits states to: (1) incorporate student academic growth into calculations of adequate yearly progress (AYP); (2) determine AYP for limited English proficient (LEP) students by excluding new arrivals and including former LEP students; and (3) use alternate academic achievement standards for disabled students. Requires local educational agencies' (LEAs) student achievement improvement plans to include strategies to coordinate with other agencies and community-based organizations to address nonacademic barriers facing students. Limits the designation of LEAs and schools as needing improvement to those that fail to make AYP for the same group of students in the same subject for two consecutive school years, but requires schools to draw up school improvement plans following their first year of failing to make AYP. Requires LEAs to designate such schools, based on their degree of failure, as either high priority or priority schools, with: (1) priority schools allowed to choose among specified remedies; and (2) high priority schools given high priority access to technical assistance and required to provide students with supplemental educational services, transfers, and extended learning time. Requires LEAs to impose specified redesign requirements on schools that fail to make AYP for two consecutive years after full implementation of their improvement plans. Makes redesign requirements more stringent for high priority schools. Requires states to develop longitudinal data systems tracking student and teacher performance over time. Sets forth the method by which states are to calculate graduation rates. Makes miscellaneous changes to the Reading First program which is designed to improve the reading skills of children in kindergarten through grade three. Revises the program of assistance to states for the education of migratory children, authorizing competitive grants to states that enter into consortia with other states or certain other entities to improve the delivery of services to migratory youth who are failing and whose education is disrupted. Turns the Advanced Placement programs into Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs providing competitive matching grants to states, LEAs, or partnerships between nonprofit organizations and such entities to increase the number of individuals teaching and enrolled in such courses at high-need schools. Allows states to require the use of adaptive assessments of student progress toward state academic performance standards that accurately assess student achievement above and below grade level while also measuring grade-level performance. Establishes the Striving Readers grant program providing funds to states and LEAs for programs to improve reading instruction and learning in grades four through twelve. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Teach For America, Inc. to provide and train teachers for LEAs that serve a substantial percentage of impoverished students. Allows Troops-to-Teachers program participants, if a high-need LEA or public charter school is not located within 50 miles of their residence, to teach within certain LEAs or at public charter schools experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers. Reauthorizes the Civic Education program and moves it from title II to title V of the Act. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to reauthorize and make miscellaneous revisions to the program providing grants to states and, through them, subgrants to LEAs for activities facilitating the access of homeless youth to the same free, appropriate public education, including preschool education, as is provided to other youth. Requires homeless students to be provided the same access to extracurricular activities and before and after school programs as other students.

Put School Counselors Where They're Needed Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2008

Put School Counselors Where They're Needed Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to implement a demonstration project providing competitive, four-year grants to at least 10 secondary schools that have a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate of 60% or lower, for the provision of additional school counselors and counselor resources. Expresses the sense of Congress that grantees should provide one additional counselor for every 250 students at risk. Requires the additional school counselors to serve primarily students identified as being at risk of not graduating in four years. Makes grantees that demonstrate progress in improving their graduation rates eligible for subsequent grants.

A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2008

Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through August 15, 2008.

An original bill to amend chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, to clarify and improve authorities relating to the availability of post-9/11 veterans educational assistance, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2008

Revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program of educational assistance for veterans who have served in the Armed Forces since September 11, 2001, to provide the maximum rates to be paid to individuals pursuing programs of education outside the United States at branches of educational institutions: (1) based in the United States; and (2) not based in the United States. Allows only public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education to participate in a VA program of public-private contributions for additional educational assistance for such veterans. Requires participating colleges and universities to: (1) report to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the manner in which the college or university would provide such additional assistance, and the amount provided to each participant; and (2) provide the same amount of additional assistance to all veterans receiving assistance at such college or university. Requires the VA to ensure that the Post-9/11 educational assistance program can be implemented by August 1, 2009. Provides authority for interim regulations.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of Disability Pride Day and recognizing that all people, including people living with disabilities, have the right, responsibility, and ability to be active, contributing members of society and fully engaged as citizens of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2008

Supports the goals and ideals of Disability Pride Day. Invites the citizens of the United States to join in celebrating the pride, the power, and the potential of people with disabilities by celebrating Disability Pride Day. Urges public officials and the general public to honor Americans with disabilities by educating themselves on ways to support and encourage understanding of persons with disabilities in schools, within the diverse workforce, as well as in our communities.

THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION FOR OUR NATION'S CHILDREN

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 July 2008

Pathways to College Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Pathways to College Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year grants to local educational agencies that serve mostly high-need secondary schools for programs to increase the number of students from low-income families who attend college. Defines "high-need secondary schools" as those where at least one-half of the students are from low-income families. Requires grantees to use such funds to: (1) train teachers and counselors to provide students with advice concerning postsecondary education; (2) ensure that each student receives postsecondary information and planning assistance before the end of their first semester of secondary school; (3) inform students and parents regarding the benefits, expenses, and financing of higher education; and (4) ensure that their schools develop comprehensive, school-wide plans of action to strengthen their college-going culture. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees in calculating and analyzing their college-going rates and adopting best practices for elevating such rates. Requires grantees to measure externally verified school-wide college enrollment, track data that leads to increased college-going, and evaluate the success of their grant activities.

Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the tax credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit for solar energy and the residential energy efficient property tax credit through 2016. Extends the energy tax credits for fuel cell and microturbine property through 2017. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Provides funding for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance electricity production from certain renewable resources and for qualified energy conservation bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects. Allows accelerated depreciation for certain property used to produce cellulosic biofuel. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Exempts from the heavy truck excise tax idling reduction devices and certain insulation. Excludes from gross income reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation for smart electric meters, electric grid systems, and certain reuse and recycling property. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects. Extends through 2008: (1) the increased exemption amounts for the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and related AMT provisions; (2) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (3) the tax deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses and for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (4) tax rules for treatment of stock and dividends of regulated investment companies and for qualified investment entities; (5) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (6) the tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. Extends through 2008 various business-related tax provisions, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) the tax credits for Indian employment and railroad track maintenance; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for improvements to retail space, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (4) the expensing allowance for environmental remediation costs; (5) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (6) the special rule for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (7) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (10) the special rule for charitable contributions of food and book inventories; (11) the increased tax deduction for corporate contributions of computer equipment and technology for educational purposes; (12) the special rule for the reduction in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions of property; (13) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2008); (14) increases in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (15) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Extends through 2009: (1) the new markets tax credit; (2) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; (3) the expensing allowance for advanced mine safety equipment; (4) the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operations overseas; (5) special rules for the tax treatment of payments between related controlled foreign corporations; and (6) expensing of costs of certain film and television productions. Extends through 2014: (1) the suspension of tariff duties on certain wool products; and (2) the Wool Research Trust Fund. Makes permanent the authorities for: (1) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disclosure of tax information relating to terrorist activities; and (2) IRS undercover operations. Lowers in 2008 the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. 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. Allows an excise tax exemption for certain wooden arrow shafts. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health insurance plans to provide equal benefits for mental health or substance use disorders. Modifies criteria for penalties on tax return preparers who understate tax liabilities. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend such Act through FY2011. Transfers from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund. Provides special tax benefits for individuals and businesses in federally-declared disaster areas, including: (1) expensing of business-related disaster expenses; (2) extended net operating loss carryover periods; (3) waiver of certain requirements for mortgage revenue bond eligibility; (4) income averaging; (5) additional tax exemptions for providing housing for individuals displaced by disasters; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) extension of the replacement period for nonrecognition of gain for property; and (8) suspension of limitations on the tax deduction for charitable contributions; and (9) increased mileage rates for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable purposes. Revises the program of tax incentives for investment in the New York Liberty Zone. Sets forth revenue provisions relating to: (1) the inclusion in gross income of deferred compensation paid by certain foreign entities; and (2) increases in estimated tax payments of certain large corporations. Requires brokers who are required to report gross proceeds from the sale of any publicly-traded security to report the holder's adjusted basis in such security and whether any gain or loss with respect to such security is long or short term. Delays until 2019 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit.

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (the Act) to allow state leadership activities grants to be used to: (1) provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations desiring grants under the Act; and (2) study the effectiveness of distance learning or self-study programs for English language learners. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Makes such programs eligible for assistance under the Secretary of Education's national leadership activities program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states for integrated English literacy and civics education programs, with each state's grant amount tied to the size and growth of their recent immigrant population. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations for the Even Start Family Literacy program. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Literacy to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the Even Start program and research into the components of successful family literacy services. Directs the Secretary to award matching grants to states and, through them, matching, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for high quality expanded learning time programs that provide additional language and civics education to middle and secondary school students who are English language learners. Amends the Act and ESEA to replace references to individuals of limited English proficiency with references to English language learners. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners; (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers; and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy, or include adult education if a center for adult literacy has already been established. Renames the Office of Citizenship within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (the Office). Includes among its functions, furthering the integration of immigrants into their communities. Authorizes the Chief of the Office to provide grants to states to: (1) form State New American Councils to develop and implement comprehensive immigrant integration plans; and (2) award subgrants, through such Councils, to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants into communities pursuant to such plans.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Council for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM Council) as a federally chartered corporation composed of stakeholders in effective STEM education. Directs the STEM Council to: (1) identify critical deficiencies in STEM education systems and propose collaborative strategies that will allow Council members to address such deficiencies; (2) serve as an informational resource for the Department of Education (Department) and, through it, state and local educational agencies on effective STEM education practices; (3) promote STEM fields and the value of a STEM education to the public; and (4) maintain a public database on federal STEM scholarship and fellowship opportunities and other STEM and relevant non-STEM programs. Establishes, within the Council, a standing committee on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education (STEM Committee) composed of representatives from all federal departments and agencies involved in STEM education. Requires the STEM Committee to coordinate all federally funded or administered STEM education efforts and harmonize them with state and local efforts through the STEM Council. Directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Department's STEM education programs.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 7, 2008, as "National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week".

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Designates the week beginning September 7, 2008, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.

Gas Price Relief for Schools Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Gas Price Relief for Schools Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to a state or local government unit responsible for providing school bus transportation to a public school system to assist it in offsetting increases in school bus transportation operating costs due to higher fuel prices.

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to: (1) eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Provides for cost-sharing with workers' compensation and health insurance plans, but not with eligible individuals. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) review the program's health care expenditures to detect fraudulent or duplicate billing and payment for inappropriate services; (3) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (4) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (5) institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program; and (6) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish similar programs with respect to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Requires the administrator to conduct or support research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Requires the administrator to extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to provide, under certain circumstances, for an extension of time for filing claims under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.

Improving Dental Access in Underserved Communities Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Improving Dental Access in Underserved Communities Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reserve a portion of such funds for scholarships to individuals who are accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a course of study or program that leads to a degree in dentistry. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for grants and contracts to: (1) assist schools in supporting programs of excellence in health professionals education for underrepresented minority individuals; and (2) assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake education to enter a health profession.

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (the Act) to allow state leadership activities grants to be used to: (1) provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations desiring grants under the Act; and (2) study the effectiveness of distance learning or self-study programs for English language learners. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Makes such programs eligible for assistance under the Secretary of Education's national leadership activities program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states for integrated English literacy and civics education programs, with each state's grant amount tied to the size and growth of their recent immigrant population. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations for the Even Start Family Literacy program. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Literacy to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the Even Start program and research into the components of successful family literacy services. Directs the Secretary to award matching grants to states and, through them, matching, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for high quality expanded learning time programs that provide additional language and civics education to middle and secondary school students who are English language learners. Amends the Act and ESEA to replace references to individuals of limited English proficiency with references to English language learners. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners; (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers; and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy, or include adult education if a center for adult literacy has already been established. Renames the Office of Citizenship within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (the Office). Includes among its functions, furthering the integration of immigrants into their communities. Authorizes the Chief of the Office to provide grants to states to: (1) form State New American Councils to develop and implement comprehensive immigrant integration plans; and (2) award subgrants, through such Councils, to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants into communities pursuant to such plans.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Okeechobee Hurricane of September 1928 and its associated tragic loss of life.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Memorializes the loss of more than 4,000 lives due to the Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928. Recognizes: (1) the importance of hurricane preparedness measures, enhanced evacuation, emergency plans, and disaster response training in economically disadvantaged communities to prevent a disproportionate impact of natural disasters and disparities in disaster response; and (2) the role of relevant federal agencies, research institutes, universities, and disaster response organizations in such activities to better prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of storms and hurricanes. Expresses support for initiatives to enhance our understanding of mitigation impacts on physical structures. Urges the federal, state, and local governments to: (1) commemorate the 80th anniversary of Okeechobee Hurricane; (2) recognize mass graves of the victims; (3) act to quickly repair and rehabilitate dikes, water management systems, and other infrastructure in hurricane-prone regions designated by the Army Corps of Engineers with Class I "urgent and compelling" vulnerability and to encourage hurricane and disaster preparedness, education, response, and mitigation; and (4) support programs that promote disaster preparedness, education, response, and mitigation in economically disadvantaged and migrant communities. Recommits to hurricane preparedness, safety education, response, and mitigation for all communities.

David H. McIntyre, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years, vice Mark Falcoff, term expiring.

United States · United States Senate · 23 July 2008