Here’s a selection of articles the Office of Federal Relations is reading this week.
Murray-Ryan 2.0? – Republicans are also feeling the chafe from the Sequester spending caps. That’s the problem with a deal no one wanted in the first place. Read more at Politico.
Serious Flaws – The piece looks at the 10 serious underlining issues and assumptions in both the House and Senate budgets. Read more at CPBP.
College Ratings – Insider Higher Ed has a better look at the Administration’s plans for their College Ratings system…something obtained after a FOIA request. Read more here.
Not as Bad as It Used to Be – A new study suggests this Congress is “healthier” than previous Congreses and shows an inclination to do more and work together. Read more at USA Today.
Share the Blame – A new books, using the Univ. of Montana as an example, says college towns fail students on reporting sexual assult as much as colleges fail victims. Read more at Vox.
Drones – In partnership with a branch of the 32 Advisors consulting firm, the American Red Cross is set to release a report this morning on how drones can help first responders and improve disaster relief efforts, making several policy recommendations to the FAA on allowing drones for emergency and disaster response. The report recommends that the FAA allow small commercial drones to be flown over populated areas during declared emergencies and within controlled airspace within disaster areas. The report also suggests the FAA ensure it can scale up staff resources to process drone flight requests during disasters. The report is here. A six page summary is here.
Resign, Please – Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp is asking senior leadership to submit open-ended resignation letters in advance of incoming-president Michael Young’s start date. Sharp says the move is designed to allow more lattiude for Young to establish his leadership team, which are all at-will employees, and the effort will “be easier on the president” and “cause less conflict”. Fifteen vice presidents and advisers have been asked to submit letters. Read more at Insider Higher Education.
Medicare > Higher Ed – A recent Moody’s Analytics report found that, nationwide, state Medicaid spending will increase as a share of overall state spending to 17.9 percent by fiscal 2024, up from 15.6 percent in fiscal 2013. This means that higher ed funding is directly shortchanged due to Medicare funding. Read more at Diversity Education.