Let's Get Fiscal

With the federal fiscal year ending next Tuesday, this is what we know:

1. There will be some humongous bailout for troubled financial firms.

2. Congress must approve funding to keep federal agencies and programs running beyond September 30 into the new fiscal year (FY09). That process is in flux.

3. What’s being discussed is a “minibus,” instead of an “omnibus,” of the three national security appropriations bills (Defense, Homeland Security, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs) and a continuing resolution (CR) to fund agencies and programs covered by the remaining nine appropriations bills. The combined measure would also fund a number of other priorities, such as disaster relief, etc. The minibus of three appropriations bills is expected to run for the entire fiscal year and increase funding for national security agencies and programs above their FY08 levels. The CR, as currently drafted, would run through March 6—and the start of a new Administration and Congress—and freeze funding for most of its agencies and programs at their FY08 levels.

Now of course this could all change.....developing.

Science Policy Anyone?

You wonks that are having trouble sleeping at night not knowing the presidential candidate's position on science and technology issues pressing the nation, restful slumber is around the corner!  

OK maybe not.  But the science related issues don't always emerge in the national debate so here's a link to questions that should be of interest to most university researchers and those that care about science policy in America.

http://www.sciencedebate2008.com

HEA Implementation

Couple of points relating to the new higher education act. The federal education department will be holding hearings across the country regarding the implementation of the act and rules the department may create. If anyone on campus has any comments regarding implementation--now mind you that does not mean we can voice if we think the new law is good, bad or ugly; rather the implementation of the law as passed and signed by the president--then please let me know.

For a really nice side-by-side analysis of the new law's key provisions, here's a link to the AAU site noting issues of interest. http://www.aau.edu/education/Comparison_HEA_Conf_Side-by-Side_09-02-2008.pdf