National Science Board Recommends Comprehensive Federal Strategy to Transform U.S. Energy Economy

Posted on April 14, 2009October 17, 2012

National Science Foundation Press Release, April 14, 2009

The National Science Board (NSB) today released a draft report, “Building a Sustainable Energy Future,” for public review and comment. The report calls on the nation to lead the fundamental transformation of the current energy economy from one that is dependent on fossil fuel to one that thrives on sustainable and clean energy. The NSB collaborated with colleagues and stakeholders throughout the federal, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors to address the challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy in the 21st century. The NSB recommends that the U.S. government develop and lead a nationally coordinated research, development demonstration, deployment, and education strategy to advance a sustainable energy economy that is significantly less carbon-intensive.

Complete press release

Complete draft report

AAU Provides Briefing Papers on Tax Issues Impacting Universities

Posted on April 10, 2009October 17, 2012

Several background papers on tax issues of interest to research universities have been completed and are available on the Association of American Universities (AAU) website. Three new documents address charitable giving, Section 127 employer-provided educational benefits, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

The documents were developed through the AAU tax issues task force, with assistance from AAU counsel and AAU’s general counsel group.

President Obama Creates White House Office on Health Reform

Posted on April 9, 2009October 17, 2012

On April 8th, President Obama issued an Executive Order establishing a White House Office of Health Reform. The new office will provide leadership to the executive branch on federal health reform efforts. Nancy-Ann DeParle, who ran the Health Care Financing Administration under President Clinton, will direct the new office. The order also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Health Reform, which will work in collaboration with the White House office.

OMB Updates Guidance to Federal Agencies on Recovery Act Funding

Posted on April 9, 2009October 17, 2012

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has published an updated guidance on the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for federal agency and department heads. This guidance is an update of the initial OMB guidance issued on the ARRA on February 18.

Updated OMB Guidance on ARRA

National Service Bill Awaits President Obama

Posted on April 9, 2009May 19, 2017

Before the commencement of the April District Work Period, Congress gave final approval to Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Corporation for National and Community Service for the first time since its inception in 2003 and significantly expands national service opportunities. See below for an overview of the legislation. President Obama has applauded the development, and is expected to sign the bill any day now.

H.R. 1388

Reauthorizes and Expands the Mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service, by: Continue reading “National Service Bill Awaits President Obama”