Education

Safe School Lunch Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Safe School Lunch Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to order an immediate halt to the distribution of meat, meat food products, poultry, or poultry products upon finding that they may cause a serious, adverse health consequence or be adulterated. Gives persons subject to such an order the opportunity for an informal hearing, within 10 days after the order's issuance, on the actions required by the order and on whether it should be amended to require a recall of the targeted items. Requires the Secretary to order the recall of such items upon affirming that the order should include a recall. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a program providing schools that participate in the school lunch or breakfast programs with training regarding the recall of meat, meat food products, poultry, and poultry products; (2) ensure that information on the Department of Agriculture's website concerning the inspection and recall of such items is current, clear, and accessible by school employees and parents; (3) promulgate regulations ensuring that all of such items inspected by the Secretary can be traced from slaughter to final distribution to schools participating in the school lunch or breakfast programs; and (4) review and evaluate the Department's inspection and recall procedures for such items.

A resolution designating May 2008 as "National Physical Fitness and Sports Month" and the week of May 1 through May 7, 2008, as "National Physical Education and Sports Week".

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Designates: (1) May 2008 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month; and (2) May 1-May 7, 2008, as National Physical Education and Sports Week.

A resolution designating May 5 through 9, 2008, as National Substitute Teacher Recognition Week.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Designates May 5-May 9, 2008, as the 7th annual National Substitute Teacher Recognition Week. Recognizes the vital role substitute teachers play in a child's education.

A resolution honoring the recipients of the El Dorado Promise scholarship.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Congratulates the recipients of the El Dorado Promise scholarship for choosing to further their education. Recognizes April 30, 2008, as the second Academic Signing Day for graduating El Dorado High School students receiving El Dorado Promise and other academic scholarships. Acknowledges the importance of the El Dorado Promise scholarship program in revitalizing southern Arkansas. Recognizes Murphy Oil Corporation for creating and funding the scholarship which enables all eligible high school graduates of the El Dorado Public School District in El Dorado, Arkansas, to attend college.

Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan on the coordination of current Department of Defense (DOD) educational assistance programs and the development of additional programs to enable members of the Armed Forces (members) to attain a bachelor's degree while pursuing a military career. Increases rates of educational assistance: (1) under the Montgomery GI Bill; (2) for members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) for Selected Reserve members with extended (more than 12 years) service who provide support for contingency operations and other operations. Provides an annual stipend for individuals receiving basic educational assistance and pursuing a program of education at an approved institution of higher education. Allows a member who has completed six years of service (current law allows only members who have completed six years of service and have a military skill designated as critical) to transfer to one or more dependents any unused portion of the member's educational assistance entitlement. Provides similar authority for members of the Selected Reserve. Authorizes a member on active duty and entitled to basic educational assistance to use all or a portion thereof to repay any outstanding federal student loan. Makes eligible for educational assistance an individual who, after September 30, 2009, receives a commission upon graduation of a service academy or completion of Senior Reserve Officers' Training, and completes at least five years of continuous active duty. Makes eligible for enrollment under the Montgomery GI Bill certain retired personnel originally enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a supplemental educational grant program under which a participating institution of higher education provides certain veterans with the non-federal share of a percentage of such veteran's unmet educational financial need.

National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

National Nanotechnology Intiative Amendments Act of 2008 - Revises the 21st Century Nanotechology Research and Development Act with regard to strategic plans developed pursuant to the National Nanotechnology Program. Requires agencies participating in the Program to support the setting of standards for nanotechnology. Sets forth a new funding requirement with respect to the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. Requires the Office to be supported by funds from each agency participating in the Program. Sets forth annual reporting requirements regarding the Office. Makes the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel a distinct entity. Instructs the Panel to form a subpanel to enable it in assessing whether societal, ethical, legal, environmental, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program. Rewrites provisions for triennial external review of the Program. Provides for the designation of an associate director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy as the Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology. Requires the Coordinator to convene a panel to develop a research plan. Provides for one or more grants to establish Nanotechnology Education Partnerships. Establishes an Education Working Group. Requires agencies supporting nanotechnology research facilities to provide access to such facilities to assist companies in the development of prototypes of nanoscale products, devices, or processes. Sets forth requirements for the support of nanotechnology related projects under existing nanotechnology transfer programs. Establishes industry liaison groups. Requires coordination and leveraging of federal investments with states' nanotechnology initiatives. Requires the Program to include support for nanotechnology research and development in areas of national importance. Sets forth provisions regarding nanomanufacturing research, including green nanomanufacturing research. Requires specified reviews.

Returning Soldiers' Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Returning Soldiers' Bill of Rights Act - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Armed Forces or reserves who, on or after September 11, 2001, serves at least six months of active duty in support of a contingency operation and, after completion of such duty, is discharged or released under honorable conditions or for a service-connected disability, preexisting medical condition, hardship, or certain physical or mental conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Allows such assistance to be used for: (1) pursuit of a program of education while on active duty; (2) programs of education pursued on a less-than-half-time basis; (3) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (4) correspondence courses; (5) flight training; (6) tutorial assistance; and (7) licensure or certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to such assistance eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional service. Allows individuals entitled to such assistance to: (1) transfer such entitlement to a spouse, one or more children, or a combination thereof; or (2) apply such assistance to the repayment of federal student loans. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within twenty years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect one program for participation. Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide to each individual entitled to assistance under this Act a readjustment housing allowance of up to $6,000. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012: (1) for veterans' employment and training programs; and (2) to carry out the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act.

Congratulating charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the country for their ongoing contributions to education and the public school system. Supports the ninth annual National Charter Schools Week.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the necessity to improve public awareness in the United States among older individuals and their families and caregivers about the impending Digital Television Transition through the establishment of a Federal interagency taskforce between the Federal Communications Commission, the Administration on Aging, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the outside advice of appropriate members of the aging network and industry groups.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shall enter into a partnership with the Administration on Aging and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a comprehensive public education campaign for older individuals and aging support networks to ensure that older individuals receive uninterrupted television service during the transition to digital television and to mitigate related fraud targeting older individuals.

A bill to authorize funding for the National Advocacy Center.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2008

Authorizes the National District Attorneys Association to use the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, for a training program to improve the professional skills of state and local prosecutors and to enhance the ability of federal, state, and local prosecutors to work together. Authorizes the National Advocacy Center to provide comprehensive legal education in trial practice, provide substantive legal updates, and support staff training.

Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2008

Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2008 or the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Secretary) and the Secretary of Education, to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities to develop an autism navigator program to create a more efficient, effective, coordinated use of the health, housing, education, and social service systems for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Requires: (1) an eligible entity that receives a grant to develop an autism navigator program that will recruit, employ, train, assign, and supervise autism navigators; and (2) the HHS Secretary to provide for evaluations to determine the effects of navigator services. Directs the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop, demonstrate, and disseminate a standard curriculum for training first responders in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities and their families during emergencies; and (2) award grants to states and local governments to train first responders in providing assistance to such individuals in emergency situations. Requires the HUD Secretary to convene a task force to establish a housing demonstration grant program to award grants to entities to provide a program aimed at providing individualized housing and services to adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

Green Energy Production Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2008

Green Energy Production Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a green technology investment program to develop high-tech green research capabilities, promote green innovation and green energy investment, and increase scientific knowledge that may reveal the basis for new or enhanced products, equipment, or processes in target areas. Establishes in the Department of Energy the Green Technology Investment Corporation to allocate funds, provide grants, and carry out component programs for all phases of technology commercialization. Requires the Corporation to establish: (1) a green development loan program for green technology investment; (2) a green markets grant program; (3) a green redevelopment, opportunity, and workforce grant program; (4) a green energy manufacturing loan program; (5) a green energy community pilot program; (6) a green energy institution of higher education pilot program; (7) a National Guard base green energy grant pilot program; (8) a green energy technology internship program; and (9) a green energy technology apprenticeship program. Establishes in the Treasury the Green Technology Investment Fund to provide grants, loans, and assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish an energy efficiency grant program. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) a project's eligibility for grants, loans, and assistance; and (2) grant priorities.

Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan on the coordination of current Department of Defense (DOD) educational assistance programs and the development of additional programs to enable members of the Armed Forces (members) to attain a bachelor's degree while pursuing a military career. Increases rates of educational assistance: (1) under the Montgomery GI Bill; (2) for members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) for Selected Reserve members with extended (more than 12 years) service who provide support for contingency operations and other operations. Provides an annual stipend for individuals receiving basic educational assistance and pursuing a program of education at an approved institution of higher education. Allows a member who has completed six years of service (current law allows only members who have completed six years of service and have a military skill designated as critical) to transfer to one or more dependents any unused portion of the member's educational assistance entitlement. Provides similar authority for members of the Selected Reserve. Authorizes a member on active duty and entitled to basic educational assistance to use all or a portion thereof to repay any outstanding federal student loan. Makes eligible for educational assistance an individual who, after September 30, 2009, receives a commission upon graduation of a service academy or completion of Senior Reserve Officers' Training, and completes at least five years of continuous active duty. Makes eligible for enrollment under the Montgomery GI Bill certain retired personnel originally enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a supplemental educational grant program under which a participating institution of higher education provides certain veterans with the non-federal share of a percentage of such veteran's unmet educational financial need.

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

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through May 31, 2008.

Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act - Amends the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 to lift the numerical limitations for employment based immigrants (and accompanying family members) for nurses and physical therapists until September 30, 2011, subject to a cap. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to impose a fee upon each petitioning employer who uses such a visa to provide employment for an alien as a professional nurse. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Service (HHS), acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award a grant each fiscal year to each eligible nursing school that applies and meets specified requirements to increase the number of nursing faculty and students at the school. Establishes in the Treasury's general fund a Domestic Nursing Enhancement Account. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) direct the Secretary to allow an eligible alien (and spouse or child) to reside in a candidate country (defined to include a lower middle income country or one experiencing a natural disaster) during the period the alien is working there as a health care worker; and (2) make inadmissible an alien seeking entry into the United States to perform labor as a health care worker unless the alien attests that he or she does not have an outstanding obligation to the alien's government or country of residence, subject to a waiver. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a partnership program to award grants to eligible entities to carry out comprehensive programs to provide education to nurses and create a pipeline to nursing for incumbent ancillary health care workers who wish to advance their careers.

Student Loan Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Student Loan Access Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Federal Financing Bank, until July 1, 2009, to: (1) purchase guaranteed loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program of the Higher Education Act of 1965, or participation interests in such loans; (2) advance funds to eligible lenders for the purpose of originating or purchasing FFELs; and (3) invest in securities collateralized with FFELs. Prohibits such FFEL purchases from resulting in any net cost to the federal government. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the Bank's authority to take such actions beyond July 1, 2009, if economic conditions threaten timely, uninterrupted access to student loans.

New Bridging Industry and Government Through Hi-Tech Research on Energy Efficiency Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

New Bridging Industry and Government Through Hi-Tech Research on Energy Efficiency Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for making grants to National Laboratories and institutions of higher education for research, development, and demonstration of high-efficiency advanced battery technologies. Allows such grants to be used for: (1) exploratory research; (2) battery system development; (3) vehicle technology demonstration and validation; and (4) U.S. advanced battery production capability development. Defines "battery" to mean an electrochemical energy storage system powered directly by electrical current. Requires the Secretary to give priority consideration to National Laboratories and institutions of higher education that partner with original equipment manufacturers of vehicles that will use the technologies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and revise the credit for increasing research activities. Establishes an Interagency Working Group on Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards to ensure that federal agencies' work to research and develop advanced fuel technology is coordinated and concerted in order to increase vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with national and international standard setting organizations to harmonize standards for the production of biofuels from a variety of feedstocks and the blending of such fuels with petroleum-based fuels at various concentrations. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program for making grants with the goal of establishing at least 100 publicly available hydrogen fueling pumps at retail gas stations by 2013 in at least two selected regions. Authorizes funds to be appropriated to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for the acquisition of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for use by federal agencies for each of FY2012-FY2014.

Honoring the recipients of the El Dorado Promise scholarship.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Congratulates the recipients of the El Dorado Promise scholarship for choosing to further their education. Acknowledges the importance of the El Dorado Promise scholarship program in revitalizing southern Arkansas. Recognizes Murphy Oil Corporation for creating and funding the scholarship which enables all eligible high school graduates of the El Dorado Public School District in El Dorado, Arkansas, to attend college.

Supporting the goals and ideas of a National Child Care Worthy Wage Day.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

States that Congress supports the goals and ideas of National Child Care Worthy Wage Day, and urges public officials and the general public to honor early childhood care and education staff and programs in their communities, and to work together to resolve the early childhood care and education staff compensation crisis.

Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2008

Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal provisions concerning the establishment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities of nonprofit research and education corporations (NRECs) to allow an NREC to facilitate the conduct of research or education, or both, at more than one VA medical center. States that such an NREC shall be known as a multi-medical center research corporation (MCRC). Allows an NREC to act as a MCRC if: (1) the NREC board of directors approve a resolution permitting that NREC to act as a MCRC; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves the resolution. Requires each NREC and MCRC to be established in accordance with the nonprofit laws of the state in which the VA medical center which it supports is located. States that either such corporation shall not be considered to be owned by, or an agent or instrumentality of, the United States. Expands the authorized areas of experience or expertise with respect to non-VA members of boards of directors of NRECs and MCRCs. Increases authorized corporate powers of NRECs and MCRCs to include entering into contracts and setting fees for education and training facilitated through such corporation.

National Energy Efficiency Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2008

National Energy Efficiency Development Act - Establishes the National Energy Efficiency Development Administration, headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, to increase the efficiency of the production and use of energy in all sectors of the economy and reduce U.S. imports of oil by 50% by 2020. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Policy Advisory Committee; (2) an Office of Administration (to include an Energy Efficiency Economics Division, an Education Division, and the position of General Counsel); (3) an Office of Policy, Research, and Development; and (4) an Office of Market Transformation. Authorizes the Administrator to solicit the development of energy-efficient technologies.

A resolution recognizing April 28, 2008, as "National Healthy Schools Day".

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2008

Recognizes April 28, 2008, as National Healthy Schools Day.

Infant Immunization Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Infant Immunization Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize an immunization grantee to use funds from a preventive health services grant to provide, through participating Women, Infants and Children Program clinics: (1) recommended vaccines to eligible children aged 0 to 35 months; (2) for the coordination of care or immunization services; or (3) payment for the salary of an immunization coordinator. Requires: (1) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state administrators of such immunization program to consult with the Food and Nutrition Service in carrying out activities related to screening for appropriate immunization services; and (2) any recipient of such a grant that receives funding for an immunization information system to permit all clinics that participate in preventive health services projects and in the Special Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program to have access to the system. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director, to annually conduct an immunization awareness campaign and carry out immunization education and outreach activities to: (1) increase the awareness of parents of the benefits of age appropriate immunizations; (2) inform the general public concerning the efficacy of new vaccines and new vaccine schedules; and (3) disseminate information that emphasizes the benefits of recommended vaccines for the public good. Requires activities under this Act to target areas with the greatest immunization needs in the 0 to 35 month age group. Calls for the Secretary and the Director to work to improve the integration of immunization information systems with electronic medical records, other health information systems, and health information exchanges.

Citizen and Community Preparedness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Citizen and Community Preparedness Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish: (1) a Community Preparedness Division in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (2) a Citizen Corps Program in the Division, through which the Secretary of Homeland Security shall bring community and government leaders together to coordinate efforts to strengthen community involvement in emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery for acts of terrorism and natural disasters. Gives the Director of that Division primary responsibility within DHS for assisting the efforts of state, local, and tribal governments in preparing citizens for emergencies. Requires the Director to consider the unique preparedness challenges faced by specified underserved populations, including persons with disabilities and limited English proficiency, socially and economically disadvantaged households, the elderly, children, and individuals with pets. Directs the Secretary to make grants to states to: (1) form and sustain a state or local Citizen Corps Council; and (2) develop and implement educational programs for the public on terrorism and natural disaster preparedness and volunteer responsibilities. Conditions receipt of funds by states on outreach efforts to underserved populations, neighborhoods bordering critical infrastructure, and specified communities and community service organizations. Establishes in the Division: (1) a Community Emergency Response Team Program; (2) a Fire Corps Program; and (3) a National Citizen Corps Council. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a public affairs campaign; and (2) commence a pilot program to enhance citizen preparedness at primary and secondary schools and on university and college campuses.

Schools in Homeland Security Planning Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Schools in Homeland Security Planning Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to condition the receipt of certain state homeland security grants on a state including a representative of the state department of education in each homeland security decision-making body of the state that has authority to determine how such grants will be used.

GREEN Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Getting Youth Re-invested in Environmental Education Now Act, or the GREEN Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states and local educational agencies for the development of environmental justice curricula and co-op programs for middle and high school students at schools: (1) receiving school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (2) located in urban communities that may be disproportionately affected by climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues. Requires co-op programs to: (1) link students with career opportunities in the environmental field; (2) allow students to earn course or service learning credits during the summer through experiential learning; and (3) provide students with mentors to assist them in building the skills necessary for workforce success.

Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008

Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008 - Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one not operated by a governmental entity that for children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a 24-hour residential environment with specialized education or treatment, therapy, counseling, behavior modification, discipline, rehabilitation, emotional growth services, or related services; and (2) operates with a focus on serving children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders, or problems with alcohol or substance abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish a process for conducting unannounced site inspections of each covered program location to determine compliance with such standards; (2) implement an on-going review process for investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect; (3) establish a national toll-free telephone hotline to receive such complaints; (4) establish civil penalties for violations of standards; and (5) establish a process to ensure that complaints received by the hotline are promptly reviewed by persons with appropriate expertise. Requires the Assistant Secretary to refer any violation of such standards to the Attorney General for appropriate action. Authorizes the Attorney General to file such a complaint on his or her own initiative regardless of whether such a referral has been made. Authorizes a private right of action in a U.S. district court for harm caused by a violation of minimum standards. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to establish additional eligibility requirements for grants to states to prevent child abuse and neglect at residential programs. Require such states to develop policies and procedures to prevent child abuse and neglect at covered programs consistent with the standards specified by this Act.

Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008

Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs under which commissioned officers of the nurse corps: (1) serve as full-time faculty of accredited schools of nursing in exchange for additional service or in exchange for scholarships provided by the school to those accepting commissions in the nurse corps; (2) receive scholarships leading to a graduate degree in nursing in exchange for service as nursing school faculty and to undertake activities to encourage nurses to serve in the Armed Forces nurse corps; (3) receive nursing faculty career placement and continuing education assistance if they are retirement-eligible and have graduate degrees qualifying them as nurse instructors; or (4) receive, while serving after retirement as faculty at a nursing school, retired pay without reduction and a pay differential to ensure that compensation for faculty member service will not be less than the basic pay received before retirement. Requires: (1) any program established under this Act to last at least two years; and (2) the Secretary to assess each program to determine if it should be continued.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO PRESERVE OUR FUTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 April 2008

A resolution designating April 23, 2008, as "National Adopt a Library Day".

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008

Designates April 23, 2008, as National Adopt A Library Day. Honors organizations that help facilitate donations to schools and libraries. Urges all people in the United States who own unused books to donate them to local libraries.

FULFILLING THE PROMISE OF AN AFFORDABLE COLLEGE EDUCATION

United States · United States Senate · 21 April 2008

Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2008

Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions. Prohibits such lender from marketing loans in any way that implies the institution endorses the lender's private educational loans (co-branding). Prohibits an employee in the financial aid office of an educational institution who has responsibilities regarding financial aid, and also serves on an advisory group established by a lender, from receiving anything of value from such lender. States it is unlawful for a lender to impose a fee or penalty for early repayment or prepayment of any private educational loan. Sets forth mandatory terms and disclosures governing private educational loans. Requires the lender to disclose before the loan transaction is consummated the terms governing the interest rate and payments. Requires the appropriate federal financial supervisory agency to give a private educational lender credit toward meeting community credit needs, for purposes of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, for making low-cost private educational loans to low-income borrowers. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to engage in specified coordinated education efforts to enhance financial literacy among students at institutions of higher education. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact on borrowers of the inclusion of nonindividual factors, including cohort default rate, accreditation, and graduation rate at institutions of higher education, used in the underwriting criteria to determine the pricing of private educational loans.

PLUS Loan Borrower Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2008

PLUS Loan Borrower Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to eligibility for a PLUS Federal Family Education Loan, to specify an extenuating circumstance for purposes of determining if a borrower has an adverse credit history on the basis of a mortgage loan delinquency or foreclosure. Declares that an extenuating circumstance exists if, at any time from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2112, the borrower is 90 or more days delinquent on mortgage loan payments, or foreclosure proceedings have been initiated, with respect to the borrower's primary residence.

A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and supports the goals and ideals of such Month. Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, colleges and universities, and the media to promote, through such Month, awareness of sexual violence and strategies to decrease the incidence of sexual assault.

HALE Scouts Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Help to Access Land for the Education of Scouts or HALE Scouts Act - Requires the conveyance of specified National Forest System land in the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma to the Indian Nations Council, Inc., of the Boy Scouts of America.

Veterans Health Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Veterans Health Care Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract to provide specialized residential care and rehabilitation services to a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who suffers from a traumatic brain injury, has an accumulation of deficits in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living and, because of these deficits, would otherwise require nursing home admission even though such care would generally exceed the veteran's nursing needs. Directs the Secretary to provide full-time board-certified physicians and dentists the opportunity to continue their professional education through VA sponsored continuing education programs. Authorizes (currently, directs) the Secretary to reimburse such physicians or dentists up to $1,000 per year for continuing professional education not available through VA sources. Exempts hospice care from requirements to pay a copayment in connection with hospital or nursing home care or medical services. Repeals a provision that prohibits the Secretary from performing widespread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing but does allow voluntary testing of certain individuals. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose the name and address of present or former Armed Forces members and their dependents to collect charges for care or services provided for a non-service-connected disability. Removes provisions ending, on September 30, 2008, the Secretary's authority to obtain information from the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary to increase certain disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation amounts.

Teaching and Research Assistant Collective Bargaining Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Teaching and Research Assistant Collective Bargaining Rights Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide collective bargaining rights for students enrolled at a private institution of higher education who perform work for remuneration at the institution's direction, regardless of whether the work relates to their courses of study (teaching and research assistants).

A resolution designating May 16, 2008, as "Endangered Species Day".

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Designates May 16, 2008, as Endangered Species Day. Encourages: (1) schools to spend at least 30 minutes on such Day teaching and informing students about threats to, and efforts to restore, endangered species; (2) organizations, businesses, private landowners, and agencies with a shared interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate in developing educational information for use in schools; and (3) people to become educated about, and aware of, threats to species, success stories in species recovery, and opportunities to promote species conservation.

Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learners Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learners Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace the Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology program of part B of title II with the Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learners program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds, through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, to consortia of institutions of higher education, states or local educational agencies, and entities able to assist in the technology-related reform of teacher preparation programs, covering up to three-fourths of the costs of projects to: (1) develop long-term partnerships among consortium members that are focused on effective teaching with modern digital tools and content that connect pre-service teacher preparation with high-need schools; or (2) transform the way departments, schools, and colleges of education teach classroom technology integration to teacher candidates.

Teaching and Research Assistant Collective Bargaining Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Teaching and Research Assistant Collective Bargaining Rights Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide collective bargaining rights for students enrolled at a private institution of higher education who perform work for remuneration at the institution's direction, regardless of whether the work relates to their courses of study (teaching and research assistants).

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and supports the goals and ideals of such Month. Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, colleges and universities, and the media to promote, through such Month, awareness of sexual violence and strategies to decrease the incidence of sexual assault.

Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008

Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Enhancement Act of 2008 - Recodifies and revises under federal veterans' benefits law a current chapter under federal armed forces law concerning educational assistance for reserve personnel supporting contingency operations and certain other operations. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to carry out such assistance program. Directs the Secretary of each military department, and the Secretary of Homeland Security when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, to provide notice to individuals who meet program eligibility requirements. Revises educational assistance allowance rates based on periods of active duty service. Provides a ten-year limit after separation for the use of such assistance for a member of the Selected Reserve who completes a required period of service under other than dishonorable conditions. Requires the Secretary of Defense to transfer to the Secretary, by the beginning of FY2010, amounts provided or remaining in the Department of Defense Education Benefits Fund that are attributable to the reserve educational assistance program.

Veterans Mortgage Education Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008

Veterans Mortgage Education Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a program to advise members of the Armed Forces who are returning from active duty abroad on actions to prevent or forestall mortgage foreclosures, including credit counseling and home mortgage counseling.

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 April 2008

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work. Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, knowledge development, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements for providing services across state lines. Authorizes the Secretary to award various grants to eligible entities and individuals to support demonstration programs related to research, workplace improvements, education, training, and programs of excellence. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with a national social work research entity to serve as a coordinating center and clearinghouse for information on activities under the demonstration program; and (2) develop and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the social work profession. Designates March of 2008, and of each succeeding year, as National Social Work Awareness Month.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Amendments of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to declare that nothing in the Act prohibits a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other healthcare professional or paraprofessional from consulting with or disclosing treatment records on a student who is 18 years old or older or who is attending a postsecondary educational institution to a healthcare professional or paraprofessional outside the educational institution in connection with the provision of treatment to the student. Prohibits deeming the release by an educational institution of education records or related personally identifiable information, in the good faith belief that such release is necessary to protect against a threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons, to be a failure to comply with the Act regardless of whether it is subsequently determined that the specified conditions for such release did not exist. Allows the release of education records to appropriate persons in an emergency if the knowledge of that information is necessary, according to the good faith belief of the educational institution or persons to whom the disclosure is made, to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.

School Emergency Notification Deployment Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

School Emergency Notification Deployment Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish competitively neutral rules to permit universal service support to public and nonprofit elementary and secondary schools to be used for a communications service or system that can be used by school administrators and other public officials to deliver emergency messages to students and their parents, faculty, and staff, and their designated emergency contacts, via messages carried over telecommunications and information services, including those transmitted by providers of commercial mobile service.

Mentor-Mentee Teen Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

Mentor-Mentee Teen Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to local educational agencies or community-based organizations for the creation of school-based programs that provide mentoring to at-risk teenage girls to prevent and reduce teen pregnancy. Requires program mentors to be women who: (1) have received at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; (2) are mentoring no more than two program mentees; and (3) are trained and screened to encourage mentees to engage in responsible, goal-orientated behavior, delay their sexual activity, and increase their participation in school. Authorizes the Secretary to provide student loan forgiveness, under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, or Perkins Loan programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to program mentors who serve for at least 200 hours in an academic year.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence with respect to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender name-calling, bullying, and harassment faced by individuals in schools.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

Supports the goals and ideals of the Day of Silence (during which students vow to remain silent to bring attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in schools). Encourages each state, city, and local education authority to adopt laws and policies to prohibit name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against students, teachers, and other school staff regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression.

Global Competitiveness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008

Global Competitiveness Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural workers). Revises H-1B nonimmigrant visa (specialty occupation) provisions regarding: (1) recapture of unused visas (including a recapture fee); (2) visa increases and increases for exemptions from numerical limitations for aliens with higher education degrees; (3) increased employer petition fees; (4) employer restrictions on outsourcing, advertising, and hiring; and (5) enforcement, information sharing, and labor application penalty increases. Amends the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 regarding: (1) recapture of unused employment-based immigrant visas and redistribution to specified employment categories, including nurses and physical therapists; and (2) a recapture fee (with an exemption for certain health care facilities). Increases the annual limit for National Science Foundation low-income scholarships. Revises L-visa (intracompany transfer) provisions regarding: (1) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to investigate employer fraud; (2) whistleblower protections; and (3) limitations on approval of start-up company petitions. Authorizes (with a supplemental fee) early status adjustment filing for certain employment-based immigrants. Obligates funds from the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account for programs under the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 2001. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1966 to extend the E-Verify program.