New GAO Report and Correspondence (PDF; )
Source: Government Accountability Office
12 March 2010
+ Report
1. Electronic Government: Implementation of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006
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+ Correspondence
1. Revitalization Programs: Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Renewal Communities
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+ Reissued Product
1. Higher Education: Information on Incentive Compensation Violations Substantiated by the U.S. Department of Education
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News From the GAO
March 12th, 2010Protect Yourself and Your Pet: Be Online Pet Pharmacy A.W.A.R.E.
March 12th, 2010Protect Yourself and Your Pet: Be Online Pet Pharmacy A.W.A.R.E.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
If you’ve ever searched online for prescription pet medicines, you’ve no doubt seen eye-catching, attention-grabbing claims. They sound convincing in their promises of convenience and lower prices. But are these claims really true?
Internet sites that sell pet drugs can be reputable pharmacies. However, others are fronts for businesses breaking Federal, State, and sometimes, International laws. Illegal online pharmacies may sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored. These medicines may not contain the actual drug, or the correct amount of drug, may contain contaminants, may not work as well due to age or being stored in conditions that were too hot, cold, or humid, and may not have the proper directions for use. If you are unhappy with ordered products, illegal online pharmacies may fraudulently leave you with no way to get your money back. In the end, you may find buying prescription pet medicines online costly to your pet’s health and your wallet.
If you find a cheaper medicine online, ask your veterinarian to consider matching the price. Many veterinarians are willing to competitively charge based on the online price you’ve found (and can show proof of). You should also know that neither the drug maker nor your veterinarian will stand behind a product’s guarantee if you purchase the product online.
If you still want to purchase your pet’s prescription medicines online, remember there is no fool-proof way to tell if an online pharmacy is legal. However, you can protect yourself by doing your homework and being online pharmacy A.W.A.R.E.
Record Number of Tax Filers Paid No Federal Income Taxes in 2008
March 12th, 2010Record Number of Tax Filers Paid No Federal Income Taxes in 2008
Source: Tax Foundation
A record number of the 142 million tax returns filed in 2008 resulted in no tax payment, according to a Tax Foundation analysis of IRS data. That means the tax filers got back every dollar that had been withheld from their paychecks, and often more. Roughly 51.6 million tax returns, or 36.3 percent, were filed by such “nonpayers,” people whose exemptions, deductions and credits wiped out any federal income tax due.
A family of four earning more than $50,000 can have no income tax liability after taking the standard deduction and the child tax credit.
“Two records were set in 2008: the most nonpayers and the highest-earning nonpayers,” said Tax Foundation President Scott Hodge, who authored Tax Foundation Fiscal Fact, No. 214, “Record Numbers of People Paying No Income Tax; Over 50 Million ‘Nonpayers’ Include Families Making over $50,000.”
Worldwide Box Office Continues to Soar; U.S. Admissions on the Rise
March 12th, 2010Worldwide Box Office Continues to Soar; U.S. Admissions on the Rise (PDF; 178 KB)
Source: Motion Picture Association of America
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) today released its annual Theatrical Market Statistics Report for 2009. The report shows that global box office receipts reached an all time high of $29.9 billion, an increase of 7.6% over 2008 and almost 30% from 2005. The U.S./Canada market reached $10.6 billion, an increase of more than 10%, and International receipts increased 6.3% to $19.3 billion in 2009. The 3D market gave the U.S./Canada box office a boost accounting for 11% of the total compared to just 2% in 2008. With 20 films released in 3D compared to just eight in 2008, higher value entertainment contributed significantly to box office revenues.
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Ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada rose more than 5.5% from 2008, the first admissions increase in two years. Per capita ticket purchases in the U.S. and Canada also increased 4.6% to 4.3 tickets per person, the first significant increase since 2002. Sales were fueled by repeated visits to the cinema by frequent moviegoers – those who go to the movies once a month or more and who make up only 10% of the population – who bought half of all tickets sold in 2009.
H.R. 4213, American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010
March 12th, 2010H.R. 4213, American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 (PDF; 154 KB)
Source: Congressional Budget Office
Estimate of direct spending and revenues and the pay-as-you-go impact for the bill as passed by the Senate on March 10, 2010
Estimate of the Budgetary Effects of the Senate-Passed Health Bill
March 12th, 2010Estimate of the Budgetary Effects of the Senate-Passed Health Bill
Source: Congressional Budget Office
CBO has just released an estimate of the budgetary effects of the health bill, H.R. 3590, that passed the Senate on December 24. Today’s estimate differs from the estimate for a slightly earlier version of the legislation that we released on December 19 in that it encompasses all of the amendments that were adopted by the Senate, reflects a revised assumption about its enactment date, and incorporates some technical revisions. Like the December 19 estimate, this estimate is based on CBO’s baseline projections from March 2009. We and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) prepared this updated estimate in preparation for further consideration of health care legislation. However, the changes we have made do not result in an estimate that differs substantially from the earlier one.
CBO and JCT now estimate that, on balance, the direct (mandatory) spending and revenue effects of enacting H.R. 3590 as passed by the Senate would yield a net reduction in federal deficits of $118 billion over the 2010–2019 period. (Direct spending—as distinguished from discretionary spending—is spending that stems from legislation other than appropriation acts.) In our earlier estimate, the budgetary impact was a net reduction in deficits of $132 billion.
+ Full Document (PDF; 1.4 MB)
The 2010 Retirement Confidence Survey: Confidence Stabilizing, But Preparations Continue to Erode
March 12th, 2010The 2010 Retirement Confidence Survey: Confidence Stabilizing, But Preparations Continue to Erode
Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute
The 2010 Retirement Confidence Survey—the 20th annual wave of this survey—finds that the record-low confidence levels measured during the past two years of economic decline appear to have bottomed out. The percentage of workers very confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement has stabilized at 16 percent, which is statistically equivalent to the 20-year low of 13 percent measured in 2009 (Fig. 1, pg. 7). Retiree confidence about having a financially secure retirement has also stabilized, with 19 percent saying now they are very confident (statistically equivalent to the 20 percent measured in 2009) (Fig. 2, pg. 8).
Worker confidence about paying for basic expenses in retirement has rebounded slightly, with 29 percent now saying they are very confident about having enough money to pay for basic expenses during retirement (up from 25 percent in 2009, but still down from 34 percent in 2008) (Fig. 3, pg. 9).
PREPARATIONS STILL ERODING: Fewer workers report that they and/or their spouse have saved for retirement (69 percent, down from 75 percent in 2009 but statistically equivalent to 72 percent in 2008) (Fig. 11, page 14). Moreover, fewer workers say that they and/or their spouse are currently saving for retirement (60 percent, down from 65 percent in 2009 but statistically equivalent to percentages measured in other years) (Fig. 13, pg. 15).
MORE PEOPLE HAVE NO SAVINGS AT ALL: An increased percentage of workers report they have virtually no savings and investments. Among RCS workers providing this type of information, 27 percent say they have less than $1,000 in savings (up from 20 percent in 2009). In total, more than half of workers (54 percent) report that the total value of their household’s savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit plans, is less than $25,000 (Fig. 14, pg. 16).
CLUELESS ABOUT SAVINGS GOALS: Many workers continue to be unaware of how much they need to save for retirement. Less than half of workers (46 percent) report they and/or their spouse have tried to calculate how much money they will need to have saved for a comfortable retirement by the time they retire (Fig. 23, pg. 22).
+ Full Report (PDF; 456 KB)
Panel Questions “VBAC Bans,” Advocates Expanded Delivery Options for Women
March 12th, 2010Panel Questions “VBAC Bans,” Advocates Expanded Delivery Options for Women
Source: National Institutes of Health
An independent panel convened this week by the National Institutes of Health confronted a troubling fact that pregnant women currently have limited access to clinicians and facilities able and willing to offer a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery because of so-called VBAC bans. Many, even those at low risk for complications in a trial of labor, are not offered this option. The panel affirmed that a trial of labor is a reasonable option for many women with a prior cesarean delivery. They also urged that current VBAC guidelines be revisited, malpractice concerns be addressed, and additional research undertaken to better understand the medical and non-medical factors that influence decision making for women with previous cesarean deliveries.
“Declining VBAC rates and increasing cesarean delivery rates over the last 15 years would seem to indicate that planned repeat cesarean delivery is preferable to a trial of labor. But the currently available evidence suggests a very different picture: a trial of labor is worth considering and may be preferable for many women,” said Dr. F. Gary Cunningham, panel chair, and chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Rigorous research shows that a trial of labor is successful in nearly 75 percent of cases, and maternal mortality is actually lower for women who have a trial of labor, regardless of whether they end up delivering vaginally or by cesarean, though those women who have an unsuccessful trial of labor and undergo a repeat cesarean delivery experience higher morbidity than those who have a successful VBAC.
In light of their assessment of VBAC’s relative safety, the panel urged professional societies to revisit existing VBAC guidelines, in particular, the recommendation for “immediate availability” of surgical and anesthesia personnel as prerequisites for offering a trial of labor; two recent surveys of hospital administrators found that 30 percent of hospitals had stopped offering trial of labor or providing VBAC services because they could not meet this standard, creating a serious barrier to that option.
NOAA: U.S. Winter and February Cooler Than Average
March 12th, 2010NOAA: U.S. Winter and February Cooler Than Average
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA’s State of the Climate report for the winter season (December through February) and the month of February, state that temperatures were below normal for the contiguous United States. The winter season was wetter than normal; however precipitation in February alone was slightly below average.
Based on data going back to 1895, the monthly analyses, prepared by scientists at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., are part of the climate services that NOAA provides to businesses, communities and governments so they may make informed decisions to safeguard their social and economic well-being.
New From the GAO
March 11th, 2010New GAO Reports and Testimonies (PDFs)
Source: Government Accountability Office
11 March 2010
+ Reports
1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Fewer Eligible Families Have Received Cash Assistance Since the 1990s, and the Recession’s Impact on Caseloads Varies by State
2. Global Food Security: U.S. Agencies Progressing on Governmentwide Strategy, but Approach Faces Several Vulnerabilities
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+ Testimonies
1. Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities for the Army to Position Its Ground Force Modernization Efforts for Success, by Michael J. Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services
2. Space Acquisitions: DOD Poised to Enhance Space Capabilities, but Persistent Challenges Remain in Developing Space Systems, by Cristina Chaplain, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senate Committee on Armed Services
3. Joint Strike Fighter: Significant Challenges Remain as DOD Restructures Program, by Michael Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Senate Committee on Armed Services
4. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Implications of Changes in Participation Rates, by Kay E. Brown, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, House Committee on Ways and Means
5. Global Food Security: Progress toward a U.S. Governmentwide Strategy Is Under Way, but Approach Has Several Vulnerabilities, by Thomas Melito, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations
Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (December 2009)
March 11th, 2010Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (December 2009)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Private industry employers spent an average of $27.42 per hour worked for employee compensation in December 2009. Wages and salaries averaged $19.41 and benefits, $8.00. Private industry costs for employees averaged $1.86 per hour worked for paid leave benefits and $2.25 for legally required benefits.
Energy efficiency proposals could create 333,000 jobs this year
March 11th, 2010Energy efficiency proposals could create 333,000 jobs this year
Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Proposed federal energy efficiency jobs provisions would create about 333,000 jobs in 2010 and then 184,000 jobs in 2011 as funding begins to ramp down, according to a new analysis released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).The proposed programs include residential and commercial retrofit programs and an energy-efficient manufacturing grant program. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment will be holding hearings on these issues this week.
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Most of the products used in buildings retrofits (such as insulation and windows) are manufactured in the United States. In addition, construction jobs involved in the projects cannot be outsourced and would provide vital local jobs in communities across the country. These provisions would represent good investments in three important sectors of the U.S. economy as they focus on improving productivity; creating jobs; and leveraging government, consumer, and business funds in the best way possible.The “Home Star” program, also known as “Cash for Caulkers,” would provide rebates for energy efficiency improvements to homeowners. Like the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, these rebates would be provided instantly at the retail store. Customers would receive rebates for up to 50% of the project (or $1,500 per retrofit), or could upgrade a whole home with 20 percent energy savings for a $3,000 credit. In addition to reducing energy use and saving consumers money on their energy bills, ACEEE estimates that this program would create about 126,000 jobs in 2010 and then 36,000 jobs in 2011, improving up to 3 million homes at a cost of $6 billion dollars.
Commercial retrofits, also with immense potential as job creators, include the “Building Star” program introduced in legislation last week by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR). This program, estimated to create 130,000 jobs in 2010 and then 57,000 jobs in 2011, would offer businesses rebates for up to 30 percent of the cost of improvements to lighting, insulation, and energy management for commercial buildings.
The third proposal would provide $4 billion in grants to manufacturers for investments in energy efficiency and clean energy product manufacturing projects. This proposal would provide additional funding to a $156 million DOE grant program that was initiated by ARRA stimulus legislation. “DOE received applications requesting over $3.8 billion in the ARRA funds, more than 24 times the amount available,” said Neal Elliott, ACEEE Industrial Program Director. “The response demonstrates the pent-up demand for manufacturing efficiency investments. We have a large number of “shovel-ready” projects waiting at DOE for additional funding.” ACEEE estimates that the additional grant funding would create 77,000 jobs in 2010 and then 91,000 jobs in 2011 from funding the existing, unfunded applications and from a solicitation for a second round of proposals.
+ Full Document (PDF; 119 KB)
Pew Report: Pre-K Teacher Training a Significant Factor in Improving Children’s School Readiness
March 11th, 2010Pew Report: Pre-K Teacher Training a Significant Factor in Improving Children’s School Readiness
Source: Pre-K Now (Pew Center on the States)
To maximize the benefits of pre-kindergarten investments, states need to create policies that define and support teacher quality, according to a report released today by Pre-K Now, a campaign of the Pew Center on the States. The report reviews research on training for pre-k teachers and concludes that educators with at least a bachelor’s degree coupled with specialized training in early childhood are best able to foster development of the cognitive, social and emotional skills children need to be ready for kindergarten.
“A Matter of Degrees: Preparing Teachers for the Pre-K Classroom” also highlights state models for increasing teacher quality and shows how raising qualification requirements can professionalize the workforce and improve student outcomes.
Optimism Rises among Association Executives as Economy Improves, New Study Reports
March 11th, 2010Optimism Rises among Association Executives as Economy Improves, New Study Reports
Source: ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership
With the first signs of economic recovery on the horizon, association executives show increased optimism in the operation and financial performance of their organizations, according to a new study released by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership. “Associations and CEOs: A Report on Two Studies During a Down Economy” is the second installment of the association executives study, and fourth in a series that looked at the impact of the economy on the association community.
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The key findings of the study indicate that:
- An increased number of association executives predict their revenues will increase in the coming year (23.5 compared to 11.6 percent in the previous study of association CEOs); fewer believe it will decrease (38.1 compared to 63.9 percent);
- More than half of respondents believe membership will decrease, an improvement from 66 percent last year; more than twice as many respondents as last year believe membership will increase (11.4 compared to 4.9 percent);
- A larger percentage of respondents believe revenue will increase from multi-day events, increasing from 6.3 to 33 percent; multi-day education events, 9.2 to 20.9 percent; sponsorships, 13.4 to 27.4 percent; and foundation giving, 11.7 to 20.5 percent.
- A majority of executives anticipate online tools will provide new revenue streams, although only a third reported such an increase so far;
- Association leaders successfully predicted how the recession would affect their long-standing core non-dues business activities, such as short-duration education programs and publication sales;
- Leaders of smaller organizations, which traditionally invest their reserves in liquid investments, are the least confident that their total revenues will increase in the coming year.
+ Full Report (PDF; 994 KB)
New Report Outlines Bold New Vision for Solar in America
March 11th, 2010New Report Outlines Bold New Vision for Solar in America
Source: Environment America
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) and three solar business executives joined Environment America to lay out a bold new vision for solar energy in the United States. From laundromats and baseball stadiums, to homes and cars, generating energy from the sun is already enhancing energy security and reducing pollution in America. A new Environment America report outlines a vision for using the sun to meet 10 percent of the United States’ energy needs by 2030.
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Building a Solar Future: Repowering America’s Homes, Businesses and Industry with Solar Energy examines a wide variety of solar technologies and tools, including photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar water heaters, solar space heating, and passive solar design. The report makes the case that there are many ways to take advantage of the sun’s energy. Solar energy can be converted to electricity, or used for lighting, heating and cooling. It can replace the fossil fuels we burn at electric power plants, in factories, in our homes, and even in our cars. While the report outlines this vision for the future, it also profiles various applications of solar energy currently in use, such as:
- Wal-Mart’s use of skylights in has cut energy costs in some stores by 15 to 20 percent by reducing the need for electric lighting;
- Laundry facilities, hotels, hospitals and even the Boston Red Sox have adopted solar water heating to reduce their consumption of natural gas for water heating; and
- A Frito-Lay plant in California uses solar concentrators to provide heat for cooking snack foods.
The report finds that getting 10 percent of our energy from solar energy within two decades is equivalent to the energy that the U.S. currently produces at nuclear power plants, more than half the energy currently consumed in American cars and light trucks, or nearly half as much energy as we currently obtain from burning coal. Solar energy can play a major role in weaning the nation from dangerous, polluting, unstable and, in many cases, increasingly expensive forms of energy.
