Thursday, December 13, 2012

2010 Census: Centenarians

"The 2010 Census counted 53,364 people age 100 and older in the United States, and they were overwhelmingly female. For every 100 centenarian women, there were only 20.7 centenarian men.
These figures come from a special report released today based on the 2010 Census that provides a portrait of the centenarian population in the United States describing their age, sex, race, Hispanic origin and living arrangement characteristics. The report, Centenarians: 2010, also compares centenarians with other age groups in the older population..

2012 National Population Projections

"The Population Projections Program produces projections of the United States resident population by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin. The 2012 National Projections are based on the July 1, 2011 population estimates, which are based on the 2010 Census, and provide projections of the population for July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2060. The projections were produced using a cohort-component method and are based on assumptions about future births, deaths, and net international migration. The Census Bureau releases new national projections periodically..."
National Population Projections

Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) for School Districts, Counties, and States

"The U.S. Census Bureau, with support from other Federal agencies, created the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program to provide more current estimates of selected income and poverty statistics than those from the most recent decennial census.
Estimates are produced for school districts, counties, and states. The main objective of this program is to provide updated estimates of income and poverty statistics for the administration of federal programs and the allocation of federal funds to local jurisdictions.  Estimates for 2011 were released in December 2012. These estimates combine data from administrative records, postcensal population estimates, and the decennial census with direct estimates from the American Community Survey to provide consistent and reliable single-year estimates..:
Small Area Income Estimates

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

American Community Survey Estimates, Most Detailed Portrait of Every U.S. Community

"The U.S. Census Bureau today [12/6/12] released estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS) for the combined years from 2007 to 2011, providing the only statistics down to the neighborhood level on school enrollment, jobs, housing and many other measures. These estimates are ideal for measuring trends for areas with populations of less than 20,000..."
American Community Survey Estimates

Thursday, November 29, 2012

EEO Tabulation 2006-2010 (5-year ACS data)


"The U.S. Census Bureau released today the 2006-2010 American Community Survey Equal Employment Opportunity Tabulation. The tabulation consists of 107 tables about the labor force crossed by sex, race and ethnicity. The U.S. Census Bureau has produced this tabulation after every decennial census since the 1970s. However, for the first time, this tabulation uses American Community Survey (2006-2010) estimates.

The tabulation -- available on American FactFinder (the Census Bureau's online statistics search tool) -- is produced for the federal agencies responsible for monitoring employment practices and enforcing civil rights laws for the workforce. Employers use these estimates to measure their compliance with laws and regulations.."
EEO Tabulation 2006-2010(5 -year ACS data)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Measuring Workforce Diversity

"Have you ever wondered about the diversity of your occupation?  What is its demographic composition, age distribution, educational attainment, earnings ranges, percent U.S. citizen, or from where people are commuting?  These questions and more can be answered using the new Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Tabulation, which will be available tomorrow, Nov. 29..."
Measuring Workforce Diversity

Poverty and Shared Households by State: 2011

"Nationally, the number of people in shared households has risen since the onset of the most recent economic recession.1 This brief uses data from the American Community Survey (ACS) to explore the growth in shared households at the state level between 2007 and 2011. Comparisons are also made between 2010 and 2011. The report provides summary statistics on people sharing households, particularly their age and
relationship to the householder..."
Poverty and Shared Households by States: 2011

The Older Population in the United States: 2011

Find the latest statistics on the aged population in the United States.
The Older Population in the United States: 2011

The Black Alone Population in the United States: 2011

 Find the latest statistics on the African American population in the United States.
The Black Alone Population in the United States: 2011

Asian Alone Population in the United States: 2011

Find the latest statistics on the Asian population in the United States.
Asian Population in the United States: 2011

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

U.S. Universities Report Highest-ever R&D Spending in Fiscal Year 2011

"The National Science Foundation released a report today showing that university spending on research and development in all fields continued to increase between fiscal years (FY) 2010 and 2011, reaching $65 billion in FY 2011. This figure represents a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year and includes $4.2 billion in expenditures associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009..."
U.S. Universities R&D Spending:2011

The Middle-Class Tax Cuts' Impact on Consumer Spending & Retailers

"President Obama is committed to growing our economy from the middle out by ensuring a
strong, secure, and thriving middle-class. That’s why his top priority is promoting jobs and
growth while reducing our deficit in a balanced and responsible way..."
The Middle-Class Tax Cuts' Impact on Consumer Spending and Retailers

2012 World Energy Statistics

"Key World Energy Statistics from the IEA contains timely, clearly-presented data on the supply, transformation and consumption of all major energy sources. The interested businessman, journalist or student will have at his or her fingertips the annual Canadian production of coal, the electricity consumption in Thailand, the price of diesel oil in Spain and thousands of other useful energy.."
2012 World Energy Statistics

Monday, November 26, 2012

Secondhand smoke inside airports puts air travelers and employees at risk

"Average air pollution levels from secondhand smoke directly outside designated smoking areas in airports are five times higher than levels in smoke-free airports, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study conducted in five large hub U.S. airports also showed that air pollution levels inside designated smoking areas were 23 times higher than levels in smoke-free airports. In the study, designated smoking areas in airports included restaurants, bars, and ventilated smoking rooms..."
Second Hand Smoke in Airports

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adults — United States, 2011

Find new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adults - United States
Chronic 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6146a2.htm?s_cid=mm6146a2_w

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Distribution of Household Income and the Middle Class

"Although not itself a subject of legislation, the shape of the income distribution enters Congress’s
decision-making process concerning such policy issues as taxes, means-tested benefits, and social
insurance programs. Congress also considers legislation specifically in the name of those in the
middle class, which is variously defined as some income level or income range within the distribution of U.S. households with income. After briefly analyzing the distribution of household money income in 2011, the report attempts to put the term “middle class” into some perspective..."
The Distribution of Household Income and the Middle Class

Disparities in breast cancer continue among U.S. women

"Black women have higher death rates from breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. They are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, according to a Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the decline in breast cancer death rates in the past 20 years, black women had higher death rates even though they had fewer new cases of breast cancer, the report says..."
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2012/p11_14_breast_cancer.html

Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping

"This report provides an overview of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and the
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). ECPA consists of three parts. The first, often
referred to as Title III, outlaws wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping, except as otherwise
provided. The second, the Stored Communications Act, governs the privacy of, and government
access to, the content of electronic communications and to related records. The third outlaws the
use and installation of pen registers and of trap and trace devices, unless judicially approved for
law enforcement or intelligence gathering purposes..."
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/intel/98-326.pdf

Federal Laws Relating to Cybersecurity: Discussion of Proposed Revisions

"For more than a decade, various experts have expressed increasing concerns about cybersecurity,
in light of the growing frequency, impact, and sophistication of attacks on information systems in
the United States and abroad. Consensus has also been building that the current legislative
framework for cybersecurity might need to be revised.

The complex federal role in cybersecurity involves both securing federal systems and assisting in
protecting nonfederal systems. Under current law, all federal agencies have cybersecurity
responsibilities relating to their own systems, and many have sector-specific responsibilities for
critical infrastructure..."
https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42114.pdf

FTC Warns Mortgage Advertisers that Their Ads May Violate Federal Law

"After reviewing hundreds of mortgage advertisements, the Federal Trade Commission staff has sent letters to 20 companies, warning them that their ads may be deceptive.

The FTC sent the letters in coordination with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which issued warning letters to approximately a dozen other companies.  The CFPB sent its warning letters to mortgage brokers and lenders.  Both agencies have opened nonpublic law enforcement investigations of other advertisers that may have violated federal law..."
FTC Warns Mortgage Advertisers that Their Ads May Violate Federal Law

Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Foreign Policy Issues for Congress

 "This report provides an overview of transnational security issues related to patterns of interaction
among international terrorist and crime groups. In addition, the report discusses the U.S.
government’s perception of and response to the threat. It concludes with an analysis of foreign
policy options..."
http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/200053.pdf

Friday, November 16, 2012

On Cyber Monday, Don’t Let a Cyber Grinch Steal Your Holiday Spirit

"As bargain hunters take to the Web this Cyber Monday in search of holiday deals, the Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign reminds online shoppers to be wary of the cybersecurity risks of theft, fraud and abuse. While many businesses offer great deals during the holiday season, cyber criminals may try to take advantage of unsuspecting online shoppers..."
On Cyber Monday, Don’t Let a Cyber Grinch Steal Your Holiday Spirit

Thursday, November 15, 2012

American Families and Living Arrangements: 2010

"The 2010 Census enumerated 308.7 million people in the United States, a 9.7 percent increase from 281.4 million in Census 2000. Of the total population in 2010, 300.8 million lived in 116.7 million households for an average of 2.58 people per household. This was down from an average of 2.59 in 2000 when 273.6 million people lived in 105.5 million households. The remaining 8.0 million people in 2010 lived in group-quarters arrangements such as school dormitories, nursing homes, or military barracks..."
American Families and Living Arrangements: 2010

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Offsetting a Carbon Tax’s Costs on Low-Income Households

"Imposing a tax on carbon dioxide emissions would reduce the damage from climate change but would also impose a larger burden, relative to income, on low-income households than on high-income households. This paper evaluates two broad groupings of options for reducing the regressive effects of a carbon tax; one group of options would affect large segments of the economy, for example by reducing payroll taxes, and the other group of options would be targeted at low-income households, for example by providing an additional payment to households currently receiving electronic transfer benefits..."
Offsetting a Carbon Tax’s Costs on Low-Income Households

Social Security: Cost-of-Living Adjustments

"To compensate for the effects of inflation, Social Security recipients received cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) through the legislative process sporadically from 1950 to 1974, and automatically through a trigger mechanism in all but two years from 1975 to 2012. No adjustment was made in 2010 and 2011. Benefits will be increased by 1.7% in 2013, after an increase of 3.6% in 2012. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), updated monthly by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the measure that can trigger a change. The Social Security COLA is based on the percentage change in the index from the highest third calendar quarter average CPI-W recorded (most often, from the previous year) to the average CPI-W for the third calendar quarter of the current year. The COLA
becomes effective in December of the current year and is payable in January of the following year..."
Social Security: Cost-of_Living Adjustments

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Government Transparency and Secrecy: An Examination of Meaning and Its Use in the Executive Branch

"From the beginnings of the American federal government, Congress has required executive branch agencies to release or otherwise make available government information and records. Some scholars and statesmen, including James Madison, thought access to information— commonly referred to in contemporary vernacular as “transparency”—was an essential cornerstone of democratic governance. Today, the federal government attempts to balance access to information with the need to protect certain information (including national security information and trade secrets) in order to achieve transparency. As a consequence, access and
protection are often in tension with one another..."
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/secrecy/R42817.pdf

Monday, November 12, 2012

Choices for Deficit Reduction

"The United States is facing fundamental budgetary challenges. Federal debt held by the public exceeds 70 percent of the nation's annual output (gross national product or GDP) - a percentage not seen since 1950- and a continuation of current policies would boost the debt further. Although debt would decline to 58 percent of GDP in 2022 under the current-law assumptions that underlie the Congressional budget Office's (CBO's) baseline projections, those projections depend heavily on significant increases in taxes and decreased in spending that are scheduled to take effect at the beginning of January. If, instead, lawmakers maintained current policies by preventing most of those changes from occurring - what CBO refers to as the alternative fiscal scenario - debt held by the public would increase to 90 percent of GDP 10 years from now and continue to rise rapidly thereafter..."
Choices for Deficit Reduction

2013 capital planning and stress testing program

"The Federal Reserve Board on Friday launched the 2013 capital planning and stress testing program, issuing instructions to firms with timelines for submissions and general guidelines. The program includes the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) of 19 firms as well as the Capital Plan Review (CapPR) of an additional 11 bank holding companies with $50 billion or more of total consolidated assets...
2013 Capital Planning and Stress Testing Program

Federal Employees Health Benefit Program(FEHBP):Available Health Insurance Options

"FEHBP is generally available to employees, annuitants, and dependents. Eligible individuals may elect coverage in an approved health benefits plan for either individual or family coverage. For the 2013 plan year, there are about 230 different plan choices, including all regionally available options. As a practical matter, an individual's choice of plans is ofter limited to 10 to 15 different plans, depending on where the individual resides. While enrollees have a range of choices, they typically decide which option best match their needs, the amount of their wages they will contribute to health insurance, and how risk-averse they are to potential out-of-pocket costs..."
Federal Employees Health Benefit Program

Friday, November 9, 2012

Supplemental Poverty Measure and How Does it Differ from the Official Measure

"Since the publication of the first official U.S. poverty estimates in 1964, there has been a continuing debate about the best approach to measure income and poverty in the United States. An interagency technical working group recognized that alternative estimates of income and poverty can provide useful information to the public as well as to the federal government. Therefore, in 2009, it asked the Census Bureau, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to develop a new measure that will allow for an improved understanding of the economic well-being of American families and how federal policies affect those living in poverty.."
Supplemental Poverty Measure and How Does it Differ from the Official Measure?

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Veterans Day: Nov. 11, 2012

"Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia..."
Veterans Day: 2012 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

What Happens Next in the Election Process

"Here’s a look at what happens between now and the inauguration:

Between now and December 17:

The governors of all of the states must certify the election results, and provide copies of the Certificates of Ascertainment to the Archivist of the United States and your state’s electors.

December 17:

Electors meet in their state and cast their ballots for the President and Vice President. A copy of these votes is sent to the Vice President for the official count in Congress. The votes must be received by December 26.

January 6:

Congress meets in a joint session to officially count the electoral votes. As President of the Senate, the Vice President oversees the process and announces the final results.

January 20:

January 20 is the official day of the inauguration, however, this year because it falls on a Sunday, the public swearing in ceremony will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013..."

What Happens Next in the Election Process

Arrests in the United States: 1990-2010

"Presents annual estimates of arrests in the United States covering the period between 1990 and 2010. Based on data collected by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, this report expands the FBI's set of published arrest estimates to include offense-specific arrest estimates grouped by age, sex, and race. These breakdowns of arrests and arrest trends provide a detailed description of the flow of individuals into the criminal justice system over a long period. The national estimates represent arrests by state and local law enforcement agencies, and control for variations in sample coverage from year to year..."
Arrests in the United States:1990-2010

Monday, November 5, 2012

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: November 2012


"The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, rode horseback from state to state, getting endorsements from 24 state governments, to have a day to honor American Indians. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994. This Facts for Features presents statistics for American Indians and Alaska Natives, as this is one of the six major race categories.."
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month:Nov. 2012

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Crime in the U.S.:2011

"This edition of Crime in the United States indicates that violent crime continued to decrease in 2011. While these statistics are reflective of most communities, many communities are still confronting crime, drugs, violence, and domestic terrorism. To combat these challenges, law enforcement personnel, with the support of involved citizens, have dedicated themselves to protecting our neighborhoods and making this country safer for our fellow citizens; the FBI shares these commitments. We, too, are trying to make an impact at the neighborhood level. Part of realizing that goal is sharing the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program’s data, which is provided by our 18,000+ law enforcement partners across the nation..."
Crime in the U.S.: 2011

National Donations Management Network

" FEMA, the Aidmatrix Foundation and Corporate Sponsors have partnered to launch a virtual portal to allow companies or individuals to offer their support on-line to leading organizations in humanitarian relief. This portal is designed to make it as easy to offer financial support, product donations, or to donate your skills and time to nonprofit organizations active in disaster relief. Please select below if you would like to extend your support to national nonprofits or to a specific state and their nonprofit partners..."
National Donation Management Network

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The Night Life: Why We Need Bats All the Time

"Researchers are identifying the important ecological and economic contributions of bats; gleaning lessons from incredible bat abilities that may advance technology; and helping to battle a new fatal bat epidemic.."
http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=125883&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click

2013 Fuel Economy Model Year Vehicles

Find gas mileages figures for the 2013 model year vehicles.
2013 Fuel Economy

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Disaster Declarations

Find disaster declarations for individual states that are impacted by hurricane Sandy.
Disaster Declarations
Disaster Declarations

FDA reports conditions observed at New England Compounding Center

"Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a copy of the FDA Form 483 issued to the New England Compounding Center (NECC). The FDA observed and has since confirmed contaminated products and listed a number of observations regarding conditions in the clean room at NECC’s Framingham, Mass. facility.
 
The investigators also observed problems with NECC’s ability to maintain its clean room, which is the enclosed space that is designed and maintained to have a controlled environment with low levels of airborne particles and surface contamination. Production of sterile drug products in a properly functioning and maintained clean room reduces the risk of the introduction of microbial contamination into the drug during processing, including filling into its final container..."
FDA Report on New England Compounding

2013 Army Weapon Systems Handbook

"Thank you for your interest in this annual publication, which details the Army's major weapon system
programs and illustrates our ongoing efforts to empower, unburden and protect our Soldiers. The Army’s
Acquisition community is charged with the solemn responsibility of maintaining our Soldiers’ unprecedented
edge against current and future threats.

With program descriptions, status and specifications, projected activities, and names and locations of large
and small contractors, this book will provide you with a better understanding of our efforts to provide
Soldiers with the best, most advanced and sustainable equipment possible. To this end, we are mindful of
the public trust imposed by the use of taxpayer resources. We continuously seek to improve our business
practices to meet the needs of our Soldiers on an efficient and timely basis..."
2013 Army Weapon Systems Handbook

Highlights of Women's Earnings in 2011

"In 2011, women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median usual weekly earnings of $684, about 82 percent of median earnings for male full-time wage and salary workers ($832). In 1979, the first year for which comparable earnings data are available, women earned 62 percent of what men earned..."
Highlights of Women's Earnings in 2011

Friday, October 26, 2012

Energy Saver Homes

Find information on energy saving tips for your home.
Energy Saver Homes

Hurricane Season

Tips to prepare for a hurricanes.
Hurricanes

Interior Designates 27 New National Landmarks

"Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the designation of 26 national historic landmarks and one national natural landmark as places that possess exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Currently there are only 2,527 designated national historic landmarks and 592 national natural landmark sites across the country that bear this national distinction..."
Interior Designates 27 New National Landmarks

FTC Videos Remind Consumers to Check AnnualCreditReport.com

"As consumers turn back their clocks, it’s a good time to check their free annual credit report.

Consumers shopping for a car, looking for a job or just getting their financial house in order should check their free annual credit reports.  The FTC is offering new videos, in English and Spanish, explaining why, and advising them what to do if a report contains inaccurate information.

During the fall, when people turn back their clocks at the end of daylight savings time, it’s a good time to order a free credit report from one of the three national consumer reporting companies at AnnualCreditReport.com or 1-877-322-8228..."
FTC Videos Remind Consumers to Check AnnualCreditReport.com

Managing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Policy Implications of Expanding Global Access to Nuclear Power

"After several decades of widespread stagnation, nuclear power has attracted renewed interest in recent years. New license applications for 30 reactors have been announced in the United States, and another 548 are under construction, planned, or proposed around the world. In the United States, interest appears driven, in part, by tax credits, loan guarantees, and other incentives in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, as well as by concerns about carbon emissions from competing fossil fuel technologies..."
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/nuke/RL34234.pdf

How the Supply of Labor Responds to Changes in Fiscal Policy

"In choosing how much to work, people respond to incentives that are partly determined by taxes on income
from that work and by government benefits that vary with income. Those responses play a critical role in the
Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO’s) analyses of the effects of changes in fiscal policy on economic outcomes..."
https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/10-25-2012-Labor_Supply_and_Fiscal_Policy.pdf

Thursday, October 25, 2012

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: November 2012

"The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, rode horseback from state to state, getting endorsements from 24 state governments, to have a day to honor American Indians. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994. This Facts for Features presents statistics for American Indians and Alaska Natives, as this is one of the six major race categories..."
http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb12-ff22.html

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

2011 American Housing Survey


"The AHS provides current information on a wide range of housing subjects, including size and composition of the nation’s housing inventory, vacancies, physical condition of housing units, characteristics of occupants, indicators of housing and neighborhood quality, mortgages and other housing costs, persons eligible for and beneficiaries of assisted housing, home values, and characteristics of recent movers..."
2011 American Housing Survey



Monday, October 22, 2012

Weight loss does not lower heart disease risk from type 2 diabetes

"An intensive diet and exercise program resulting in weight loss does not reduce cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in people with longstanding type 2 diabetes, according to a study supported by the National Institutes of Health.

The Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study tested whether a lifestyle intervention resulting in weight loss would reduce rates of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular-related deaths in overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes, a group at increased risk for these events..."
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2012/niddk-19.htm

Ten Ways to Save Money, Energy and Protect Your Health This Winter

 1. Maintain your heating equipment to lower utility bill
 2. Download EPA’s free Apps to help protect your health
 3. Decorate for the holidays with Energy Star light strings that can last up to 10 times longer
 4. Lower the temperature in your home to increase savings up to 12 percent
 5.Check for water leaks and install WaterSense products to save approximately $170 per    year.
 6.Reduce your food waste. Feed people, not landfills.
 7.Look for the Design for the Environment label on more than 2,800 products during winter cleaning. 
 8.Test your home for radon gas, 1 in 15 homes may have elevated levels
 9.Learn before you burn and cut firewood use by more than 30 percent
10.Prevent Pests.

Ten Ways to Save Money, Energy and Protect Your Health This Winter

A comparison of 25 years of consumer expenditures by homeowners and renters

"Between 1986 and 2010, homeowners and renters dramatically changed their spending habits in response to changes in the economy, although the amount they spent on overall expenditures remained roughly the same. A comparison of spending by homeowners and renters in the major expenditure categories shows many differences, but one thing remains constant: housing is the largest expenditure for U.S. consumers..."
A comparison of 25 years of consumer expenditures by homeowners and renters

National Archives to Open Robert F. Kennedy Records Relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis

"The National Archives and Records Administration and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library are releasing an additional seven boxes of material (more than 2,700 pages) from the Robert F. Kennedy Papers, housed at the Kennedy Library in Boston, including documents relating primarily to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The records will be available both online at www.jfklibrary.org and in the Research Room at the Kennedy Library in Boston..."
National Archives to Open Robert F. Kennedy Records Relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis

To the Brink: JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis

"In October 1962, the world held its breath as the United States and the Soviet Union stood on the brink of nuclear war.

This new exhibit gives unprecedented access to clandestine White House audio recordings, revealing how the President and his advisers worked furiously to avert World War III."

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Biofuels Issues and Trends

"Biofuels is a collective term for liquid fuels derived from renewable sources, including ethanol, biodiesel, and other renewable liquid fuels. This report focuses on ethanol and biodiesel, the most widely available biofuels. From 2009 to the middle of 2012, the U.S. biofuels industry increased its output and prepared to meet an expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), which requires increasing volumes of biofuels use. In 2011, the biofuels industry transitioned away from tax incentives for non-cellulosic biofuels, which expired at the end of 2011. Annual ethanol and biodiesel consumption, production, imports, and exports during 2009-11 are summarized in Table 1..."
Biofuels Issues and Trends

2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts Reports (CPH-2)

"This report series contains tables providing population and housing unit counts from the 2010 Census and selected historical censuses. Some tables also include area measurements and density. The lowest level of geography is the place level. There is a report produced for each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the nation. The reports are being released on a state-by-state basis.."
2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts -CPH-2

Summary Population and Housing Characteristics Reports (CPH-1)

" This report series contains tables on age, sex, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, households, families, housing tenure and occupancy, population density and area measurements. The lowest level of geography is the place level. There is a report produced for each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the United States. The reports are being released on a state-by-state basis.
2010 Summary Population and Housing Characteristics. CPH-1

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Statutes of Limitation in Federal Criminal Cases: An Overview

 "A statute of limitations dictates the time period within which a legal proceeding must begin. The purpose of a statute of limitations in a criminal case is to ensure the prompt prosecution of criminal charges and thereby spare the accused of the burden of having to defend against stale charges after memories may have faded or evidence is lost..."
https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL31253.pdf

Job Growth During the Recovery

 "Congress in recent years passed a number of bills intended in part to jump-start a recovery in the labor market from the recession that began in December 2007. Members are interested in the labor market’s response to these measures to help them decide how well the legislation has worked and whether additional job-creation legislation may be warranted in light of the pace and composition of job growth since the recession’s end in June 2009. Accordingly, employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is analyzed in this report from December 2007 to September 2012 (the latest month for which data were available at the time of the report’s preparation)..."
Job Growth During the Recovery

City of Madison 2013 Draft Action Plan

"The City of Madison presents this One Year Action Plan for the 2013 Community Development program
funds. The City developed these funding decisions based upon Mayoral priorities, CDBG Committee
recommendations, Community Development Division (CDD) staff analysis, public hearing comments,
program performance information and consultation with various service agencies, stakeholders, other
funders, the Madison Metropolitan School District and business leaders and developers..."
Print copies available for viewing at all Madison Public Libraries.
City of Madison 2013 Action Plan

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Consumption of Diet Drinks in the United States, 2009‒2010

"Sugar drinks are a major source of added sugars in the diets of Americans (1).
Several recent studies have described factors associated with sugar-drink
consumption (2,3); however, the consumption of diet drinks among the U.S.
population has not been as well-characterized. This report describes the
consumption of diet beverages among the U.S. population during 2009‒2010
by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and income, and details trends in diet drink
consumption from 1999‒2000 through 2009‒2010."
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db109.pdf

Faster vs. Bigger: Size and Growth of the Foreign-Born from Asia and Latin America

from Random Samplings:
"The foreign-born population from Asia increased over the last decade – from 8.2 million in 2000 to 11.6 million in 2011 – and now represents more than one-fourth (29 percent) of all immigrants in the United States.

 While sizeable, the foreign-born population from Asia is still smaller than the number of foreign born from Latin America and the Caribbean. As of 2011, there were 21.2 million foreign-born from Latin America and the Caribbean, up from 16.1 million in 2000. More than half (53 percent) of today’s foreign-born population is from Latin America and the Caribbean..."
Faster vs. Bigger: Size and Growth of the Foreign-Born from Asia and Latin America

Monday, October 15, 2012

Alzheimers.gov

"Welcome to alzheimers.gov, the government's free information resource about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Here you can find links to authoritative, up-to-date information from agencies and organizations with expertise in these areas. .."
Alzheimers.gov

Patterns of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Population Change:2000 to 2010

"This report examines subnational demographic variation through the ens of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. Metro areas and micro areas, as they are coloquially known, are useful geographic units for analyzing the U.S. population. States are sometimes too large a unit to provide meaningful subnational analysis, obscuring patterns worthy of attention from regional or even national perspective. Counties, on the other hand, number more than 3,000 and can be too small and numerous for some purposes. Metro and micro areas, as socially and economically integrated groupings of one or more counties, provide appropriately detailed geographic analysis as well as good mapping units for a national overview..."
Pattens of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Population Change: 2000 to 2010.

Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

Find the current hunting regulations for Wisconsin including: Deer, Bear, Migratory game birds, Small game and turkey, and Wolf harvest. Available in: English, Hmong,and Spanish.
Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

Friday, October 12, 2012

2012-2013 Presidential Election Period: National Security Considerations and Options

 "This report discusses historical national security-related presidential transition activities, provides a representative sampling of national security issues a new Administration may encounter, and offers considerations and options relevant to each of the five phases of the presidential election period. Each phase has distinct challenges and opportunities for the incoming Administration, the outgoing Administration, and Congress. This report is intended to provide a framework for national security considerations during the current election period and will be updated to reflect the election outcome..."
https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42773.pdf

TOPPLING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF: WHOSE TAXES RISE AND HOW MUCH?

"The fiscal cliff threatens an unprecedented tax increase at year end. Taxes would rise by more than $500 billion in 2013—an average of almost $3,500 per household—as almost every tax cut enacted since 2001 would expire. Middle-income households would see an average increase of almost $2,000. Policymakers are rightly concerned about the potential impact on families and the economy of such a sudden tax increase and are considering proposals to delay, repeal, or offset parts of the cliff. To inform that discussion, this report provides a detailed look at the revenue, distributional, and incentive effects of these increases. Almost 90 percent of Americans would see their taxes rise if we topple off the cliff. For most households, the two biggest increases would be the expiration of the temporary cut in Social Security taxes and the expiration of the 2001/2003 tax cuts. Households with low incomes would be particularly affected by the expiration of tax credits expanded or created by the 2009 stimulus. And households with high incomes would be hit hard by the expiration of the 2001/2003 tax cuts that apply at upper income levels and the start of the new health reform taxes. Taken together, the scheduled changes would significantly increase the marginal tax rates that can influence behavior. Average marginal tax rates would increase by 5 percentage points on labor income, by 7 points on capital gains, and by more than 20 points on dividends..."
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/UploadedPDF/412666-toppling-off-the-fiscal-cliff.pdf

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

"The property in Keene, California, known as Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace) (La Paz), is recognized for its historic significance to César Estrada Chávez and the farm worker movement. César Chávez is one of the most revered civil rights leaders in the history of the United States. From humble beginnings in Yuma, Arizona, to the founding of the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement, César Chávez knew firsthand the hard work of farm workers in the fields across the United States and their contribution to feeding the Nation. He saw and experienced the difficult conditions and hardships that confronted farm worker families. And through his hard work, perseverance, and personal sacrifice, he dedicated his life to the struggle for respect and dignity for the farm workers of America..."

Cesar E. Chavez National Mounment

FTC Acts to Halt Medical Plan Scheme that Targeted Vulnerable Consumers

"The Federal Trade Commission charged a telemarketing operation with bilking millions of dollars from thousands of consumers by tricking them into buying what they believed was comprehensive health insurance, when in fact they had paid for something decidedly less.  At the FTC’s request, a federal court stopped the defendants from marketing or selling any products or services related to medical discount plans or health-related insured benefits, pending resolution of the case..."

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/iab.shtm

Federal Budget Deficit: 2012

"The federal budget deficit was about $1.1 trillion in fiscal year 2012, CBO estimates, approximately $200 billion less than the shortfall recorded in 2011. At 7.0 percent of gross domestic product, the 2012 deficit was down from 8.7 percent in 2011 and 9.0 percent in 2010 but greater than in any year between 1947 and 2008. The estimated 2012 total reflects the shift of some payments from fiscal year 2012 into fiscal year 2011 (that is, from October 2011 to September 2011, because October 1 fell on a weekend); without that timing shift, the deficit in 2012 would have been about $30 billion higher..."
Federal Budget Deficit: 2012

Field of Degree and Earnings by Selected Employment Characteristics:2011

An examination of the relationship between the field of study or major of bachelor's degrees,  earnings, and employment characteristics for those aged 25 and older.
 Field of Degree and Earnings by Selected Empoyment Characteristics:2011

Homeland Security and Terror Levels

"Homeland security generally refers to the efforts by states to protect their interests and citizens from terror. In the United States, this effort is overseen by the cabinet level Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The department was created in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York City and Washington DC and is now responsible to protecting the United States against terror as well  as administering other issues, such as immigration, border security and natural disasters..."
Homeland Security and Terror Levels

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Wisconsin Fall Color Report

Find the best sites for fall colors in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Fall Color Report

FTC Cracks Down on Phony Mortgage Relief Schemes

"The Federal Trade Commission has filed three separate suits in federal court to halt the allegedly deceptive tactics of three operations that preyed on distressed homeowners by falsely claiming they could save their homes from foreclosure, and then charging them thousands of dollars up-front, while delivering little or no help and often driving them deeper into debt..
FTC Cracks Down on Phony Mortgage Relief Schemes

Trafficking in Persons: International Dimensions and Foreign Policy Issues for Congress

"Trafficking in persons, or human trafficking, refers to the subjection of men, women, and children to exploitative conditions that can be tantamount to slavery. Reports suggest that human trafficking is a global phenomenon, victimizing millions of people each year and contributing to a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. It is a centuries-old problem that, despite international and U.S. efforts to eliminate it, continues to occur in virtually every country in the world. Human trafficking is also an international and cross-cutting  policy problem that bears on a range or major national security, human rights, criminal justice, social, economic, migration, gender, public health, and labor issues..."

Trafficking in Persons:International Dimensions and Foreign Policy Issues for Congress

Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statment

"DoD will support robust inter-American defense cooperation. Whenever possible, DoD will develop innovative, low-cost and small-footprint approaches to achieve our shared security objectives, relying on training, advisory capabilities, exercises, and rotational presence. This policy statement provides the framework on which we seek to build partnerships to enhance bilateral, sub-regional, and hemispheric capacity to meet the challenges of the 21st century.."

Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement

Friday, October 5, 2012

Noncitizen Eligibility for Federal Public Assistance: Policy Overview and Trends

"The extent to which residents of the United States who are not U.S. citizens should be eligible for federally funded public aid has been a contentious issue for more than a decade. This issue meets at the intersection of two major policy areas: immigration policy and welfare policy. The eligibility of noncitizens for public assistance programs is based on a complex set of rules that are determined largely by the type of noncitizen in question and the nature of services being offered. Over the past 16 years, Congress has enacted significant changes in U.S. immigration policy and welfare policy. Congress has exercised oversight of revisions made by the 1996 welfare reform law (the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, P.L. 104-193)— including the rules governing noncitizen eligibility for public assistance that it established—and
legislation covering programs with major restrictions on noncitizens’ eligibility (e.g., food stamps/SNAP, Medicaid)."
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33809.pdf

Teen Drinking and Driving

" The percentage of teens in high school who drink and drive has decreased by more than half since 1991,* but more can be done. Nearly one million high school teens drank alcohol and got behind the wheel in 2011. Teen drivers are 3 times more likely than more experienced drivers to be in a fatal crash. Drinking any alcohol greatly increases this risk for teens..."
Teen Drinking and Driving

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Home-Based Workers in the United States: 2010

"As communication and information technologies advance, workers are increasingly able to perform work at home. Since work is often more than simply a means of making a living, but tends to dictate how people organize their lives, changes in work patterns have both economic and social implications. Accordingly, timely data on the characteristics of home-based workers is of interest to researchers and policy makers, including those in the fields of transportation, employment, planning, and housing. This report provides information about the characteristics of home-based workers in 2010.
Home-Based Workers in the United States:2010

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

FTC Halts Massive Tech Support Scams

"The Federal Trade Commission has launched a major international crackdown on tech support scams in which telemarketers masquerade as major computer companies, con consumers into believing that their computers are riddled with viruses, spyware and other malware, and then charge hundreds of dollars to remotely access and “fix” the consumers’ computers.
  
At the request of the FTC, a U.S. District Court Judge has ordered a halt to six alleged tech support scams pending further hearings, and has frozen their assets...:

FTC Halts Massive Tech Support Scams

Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment

"The Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment (GP) contains information from the Current Population Survey (CPS) for census regions and divisions, the 50 States and the District of Columbia, and selected large metropolitan areas and cities. Data are provided on the employed and unemployed by selected demographic and economic characteristics.."
Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment

The 2012 Long-Term Projections for Social Security: Additional Information

"Social Security is the federal government’s largest single program.1 Of the 56 million people who currently receive Social Security benefits, about 70 percent are retired workers or their spouses and children, and another 11 percent are survivors of deceased workers; all of those beneficiaries receive payments through Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI). The other 19 percent of beneficiaries are disabled workers or their spouses and children; they receive Disability Insurance (DI) benefits. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that in fiscal year 2012, Social Security’s outlays totaled $773 billion, one-fifth of federal spending; OASI payments accounted for about 82 percent of those outlays, and DI payments made up about 18 percent..."
2012 Long-Term Projections for Social Security

BLS Data Finder

"Data Finder is a new search and navigation tool for BLS time series data available on the BLS website. Rather than searching individual data sets, Data Finder allows users to conveniently search multiple data sets all at once. Users can extract specific data by searching by keyword or by filtering through multiple topics, measures, and attributes. Feedback is greatly appreciated and will aid in further development of Data Finder..."
BLS Data Finder

Monday, October 1, 2012

Health Status, Health Insurance, and Medical Services Utilization: 2010

"This report examines the relationship between medical services utilization, health status, health insurance coverage, and other demographic and economic characteristics. Measurement of medical services
utilization includes the frequency of visits to medical doctors, nurses, and other medical providers; visits to
dentists and dental professionals; nights spent in a hospital; and use of prescription medication. Data about
health status are self-reported, where respondents rate their health according to one of five possible response
categories: “excellent,” “very good,” “good,” “fair,” or poor.” The demographic and economic characteristics
studied in this report include sex, race and ethnicity, age, family income,7 and insurance status. These demographic and economic characteristics may not have a causal relationship to health status and medical
services utilization..."
Health Status, Health Insurance, and Medical Services Utilization: 2010

Friday, September 28, 2012

Fisheries in the United States: 2011

"This publication is a preliminary report for 2011 on commercial and a final report for recreational fisheries of the United States with landings from the U.S. territorial seas, the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and on the high seas. This annual report provides timely answers to frequently asked questions.

Fisheries in the United States: 2011

Reports on Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Advertising and Promotion

"The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the largest cigarette companies in the United States declined from $9.94 billion in 2008 to $8.53 billion in 2009, and again to $8.05 billion in 2010, according to a report released today by the Federal Trade Commission.
The Commission has issued the Cigarette Report periodically since 1967, and another one, the Smokeless Tobacco Report, periodically since 1987...
http://ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/tobacco.shtm

View full reports: Federal Trade Commission Cigarette Report for 2009 and 2010
Federal Trade Commission Smokeless Tobacco Report for 2009 and 2010
 

Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2012

"This report lists hundreds of instances in which the United States has used its armed forces abroad in situations of military conflict or potential conflict or for other than normal peacetime purposes. It was compiled in part from various older lists and is intended primarily to provide a rough survey of past U.S. military ventures abroad, without reference to the magnitude of the given instance noted. The listing often contains references, especially from 1980 forward, to continuing military deployments especially U.S. military participation in multinational operations associated with NATO or the United Nations. Most of these post-1980 instances are summaries based on Presidential reports to Congress related to the War Powers Resolution..."
https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42738.pdf

The Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF): State Insolvency and Federal Loans to States

" During some recessions, current taxes and reserve balances were insufficient to cover state expenditures for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits. UC benefits are an entitlement, and states are legally required to pay benefits even if the state account is insolvent. Some states may borrow funds from the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) within the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF) to meet UC benefit obligations. The 2009 stimulus package (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-5 §2004) temporarily waives interest payments and the accrual of interest on these loans to states from the FUA.

This report summarizes how insolvent states may borrow funds from the federal account within the UTF to meet their UC benefit obligations. Outstanding loans listed by state may be found at the Department of Labor’s website: http://www.workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/ budget.asp#tfloans..."

The Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF): State Insolvency and Federal Loans to States

Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings

"This report presents a first look at results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an annual survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States aged 12 years old or older. The report presents national estimates of rates of use, numbers of users, and other measures related to illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products. The report focuses on trends between 2010 and 2011 and from 2002 to 2011, as well as differences across population subgroups in 2011. NSDUH estimates related to mental health, which were included in national findings reports prior to 2009, are not included in this 2011 report..."
http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k11Results/NSDUHresults2011.pdf

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Emergency and Transitional Shelter Population:2010

"Studying the population in emergency and transitional shelters for people experiencing homelessness provides information about one segment of the group quarters population in the United States. This special report focuses on the 209,000 people enumerated in the 2010 Census at emergency and transitional shelters and their demographic characteristics and geographic distribution. Although this population accounted for
only 2.6 percent of the nearly 8 million people in group quarters, examining this group provides information on the portion of the population experiencing homelessness that is valuable to federal, state, and local agencies for a variety of reasons such as program planning and implementation..."
The Emergency and Transitional Shelter Population: 2010 
(2010 Census Special Report)


The Two or More Races Population: 2010

 "Data from the 2010 Census and Census 2000 present information on the population reporting more than one race and enable comparisons of this population from two major data points for the first time in U.S. decennial census history. Overall, the population reporting more than one race grew from about 6.8 million
people to 9.0 million people. One of the most effective ways to compare the 2000 and 2010 data is to  examine changes in specific race combination groups, such as people who reported White as well as Black or African American—a population that grew by over one million people, increasing by 134 percent—and people who reported White as well as Asian—a population that grew by about three-quarters of a million people, increasing by 87 percent..."

Two or More Races Population: 2010

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Library of Congress Magazine

"Library of Congress Magazine (LCM) is published bimonthly to tell the Library’s stories, to showcase its many talented staff, and to share and promote the use of the resources of the world’s largest library..."Library of Congress Magazine

ClinicalTrails

"A service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. Learn more About Clinical Studies and About This Site, including relevant History, Policies, and Laws..."ClinicalTrials

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2012

Find the latest facts about the social security program.

Taxes and the Economy: An Economic Analysis of the Top Tax Rates Since 1945

"Throughout the late-1940s and 1950s, the top marginal tax rate was typically above 90%; today it is 35%. Additionally, the top capital gains tax rate was 25% in the 1950s and 1960s, 35% in the 1970s; today it is 15%. The real GDP growth rate averaged 4.2% and real per capita GDP
increased annually by 2.4% in the 1950s. In the 2000s, the average real GDP growth rate was
1.7% and real per capita GDP increased annually by less than 1%. There is not conclusive
evidence, however, to substantiate a clear relationship between the 65-year steady reduction in the top tax rates and economic growth. Analysis of such data suggests the reduction in the top tax rates have had little association with saving, investment, or productivity growth. However, the top tax rate reductions appear to be associated with the increasing concentration of income at the top of the income distribution. The share of income accruing to the top 0.1% of U.S. families
increased from 4.2% in 1945 to 12.3% by 2007 before falling to 9.2% due to the 2007-2009
recession. The evidence does not suggest necessarily a relationship between tax policy with
regard to the top tax rates and the size of the economic pie, but there may be a relationship to how the economic pie is slice.."

West Nile Virus and Preventing Mosquito Bites

"Update on the 2012 West Nile Virus outbreak
Many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick—many others aren't as lucky. Since 1999, more than 30,000 people in the United States have been reported as getting sick with West Nile virus. Occasionally, an infected person may develop more severe disease such as “West Nile encephalitis,” “West Nile meningitis” or “West Nile meningoencephalitis.”.."

EPA Adds 12 Hazardous Waste Sites to Superfund’s National Priorities List

"The following 12 sites have been added to the National Priorities List: 

• Alabama Plating Company, Inc. (former electroplater) in Vincent, Ala.
• Cedar Chemical Corporation (former chemical manufacturer) in West Helena, Ark.
• Fairfax St. Wood Treaters (former wood treating operation) in Jacksonville, Fla.
• Bautsch-Gray Mine (former lead and zinc mine) in Galena, Ill.
• EVR-Wood Treating/Evangeline Refining Company (former wood treating operation) in Jennings, La.
• Leeds Metal (abandoned scrap metal facility) in Leeds, Maine
• Holcomb Creosote Co (former wood treating operation) in Yadkinville, N.C.
• Orange Valley Regional Ground Water Contamination (contaminated ground water plume) in Orange/West Orange, N.J.
• Peters Cartridge Factory (former ammunition manufacturer) in Kings Mills, Ohio
• West Troy Contaminated Aquifer (contaminated ground water plume) in Troy, Ohio
• Circle Court Ground Water Plume (contaminated ground water plume) in Willow Park, Texas
• U.S. Oil Recovery (former used oil recovery operation) in Pasadena, Texas.."

Whistleblower Protections Under Federal Law: An Overview

"This report provides an overview of key aspects of the 18 selected federal statutes applicable to individuals in certain private-sector industries. It focuses on the protections provided to employees who believe they have been subject to retaliation, rather than on how or where alleged misconduct should be disclosed. In addition, the report also includes an overview of the Whistleblower Protection Act. While state law may also provide whistleblower protections for employees, this report focuses only on the aforementioned federal statutory provisions..."

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Right Seat

"Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way.

There are so many car seat types and models, how do you know which one is right for your child? The right car seat or booster fits your child and your car, and is one you will use correctly every time you travel. Not only will your child ride as safely as possible, you will be establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your child travels..."

Unemployment Compensation (UC): Eligibility for Students Under State and Federal Laws

"Most states disqualify students from UC benefits while they are in school or disqualify individuals from UC benefits if they leave work to attend school. This is typically due to the presumption that students would be unavailable for work during the time that they are in school. However, exceptions and variations exist from state to state. Many workers who lost their jobs and remain in school may be eligible for UC benefits depending on their circumstances and how their respective states treats students.

This report describes these state variations in further detail and how states consider students within the framework of their own unique UC programs."

Drones in Domestic Surveillance Operations: Fourth Amendment Implications and Legislative Responses

"This report assesses the use of drones under the Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. The touchstone of the Fourth Amendment is reasonableness. A reviewing court’s determination of the reasonableness of drone surveillance would likely be informed by location of the search, the sophistication of the technology used, and society’s conception of privacy in an age of rapid technological advancement. While individuals can expect substantial protections against warrantless government intrusions into their homes, the Fourth Amendment offers less robust restrictions upon government surveillance occurring in public places and perhaps even less in areas immediately outside the home, such as in driveways or backyards. Concomitantly, as technology advances, the contours of what is reasonable under the Fourth Amendment may adjust as people’s expectations of privacy evolve..."

The National Labor Relations Act: Background and Selected Topics

"The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA or “the Act”) recognizes the right of employees to engage in collective bargaining through representatives of their own choosing. By “encouraging the practice and procedure of collective bargaining,” the Act attempts to mitigate and eliminate labor-related obstructions to the free flow of commerce. Although union membership has declined dramatically since the 1950s, congressional interest in the NLRA remains significant. In the 112th Congress, over 30 bills have been introduced to amend the NLRA. Some of these bills address the timing of union representation elections, while others are concerned with varying
aspects of the NLRA, such as the activities of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which implements and administers the Act..."

Global Access to Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation: U.S. and International Programs

"The President requested $302 million for USAID’s water activities for FY2012 and Congress appropriated not less than $315 million for international water and sanitation programs through the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations. The FY2013 request for USAID’s water and sanitation efforts was slightly lower at $299.1 million. This report addresses congressional efforts to address limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation, outlines related programs implemented by USAID and MCC, and analyzes issues related to U.S. and international drinking water and sanitation programs that the 112th Congress might consider..."

Diabetes and Hispanic Americans

"According to national examination surveys, Mexican Americans are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.  They have higher rates of end-stage renal disease, caused by diabetes, and they are 50% more likely to die from diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.
  • Mexican American adults are 1.8 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.
  • In 2008, Hispanics were 1.6 times as likely to start treatment for end-stage renal disease related to diabetes, compared to non-Hispanic white men.
  • In 2008, Hispanics were 1.5 times as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to die from diabetes..." 

Prevalence of Cholesterol Screening and High Blood Cholesterol Among Adults — United States, 2005, 2007, and 2009

"High blood cholesterol is a leading risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) (1,2). The risks associated with high blood cholesterol can be reduced by screening and early intervention (3). Current clinical practice guidelines provide evidenced-based standards for detection, treatment, and control of high blood cholesterol.."

Older Americans 2012 Key Indicators of Well-Being

"Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being (Older Americans 2012) provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand picture of our older population’s health, finances, and well-being. It is the sixth such chartbook prepared by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics (Forum). Readers will
find here an accessible compendium of indicators drawn from the most reliable official statistics. The indicators are again categorized into five broad groups: population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care. In addition, the report contains a special feature on end-of-life care and place of death..."

Overview of the Federal Procurement Process and Resources

"In the basic federal procurement process, acquisition personnel, after determining their agency’s requirements (that is, the goods and services the agency needs), post a solicitation on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Interested companies prepare their offers in response to the solicitation, and, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency personnel evaluate the offers. Another type of procurement opportunity for a company is to serve as a subcontractor for a government contractor. To be eligible to compete for government contracts, a company must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and register with the federal government’s System for
Award Management (SAM). Several agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), provide assistance and services to existing and potential government contractors...

America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2012

"Each year since 1997, the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has published a report on the well-being of children and families. Pending data availability, the Forum updates all 41 indicators annually on its Web site (http://childstats.gov) and alternates publishing a detailed report, America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, with a summary version that highlights selected indicators. The America’s Children series makes Federal data on children and families available in a nontechnical, easy-to-use format in order
to stimulate discussion among data providers, policymakers, and the public..."

The Plan to Help Homeowners Refinance

A Whitehouse infographic describing current legislation in Congress design to help millions of homeowners refinance their mortgages.

CPI for all items rises 0.6% in August as gasoline index rises 9.0%

"The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6 percent in August on a
seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months,
the all items index increased 1.7 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The seasonally adjusted increase in the all items index was the largest since June 2009. About 80 percent
of the increase was accounted for by the gasoline index, which rose 9.0 percent and was the major factor
in the energy index rising sharply in August after declining in each of the four previous months..."

Uninsured Rate for Young Adults Drops Sharply

"Every year, the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey asks respondents whether they had any health insurance coverage during the previous calendar year. Collected since 1987, these statistics are the longest series that measure health insurance coverage for our nation.


Today, we released statistics pertaining to the 2011 calendar year. Segmented by a range of demographic characteristics, they show that 17.9 percent of people under age 65 were uninsured in 2011. That overall percentage, however, masks a great deal of variation among age groups..."

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011

"The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that in 2011, median household income declined, the poverty rate was not statistically different from the previous year and the percentage of people without health insurance coverage decreased.

Real median household income in the United States in 2011 was $50,054, a 1.5 percent decline from the 2010 median and the second consecutive annual drop.

The nation's official poverty rate in 2011 was 15.0 percent, with 46.2 million people in poverty. After three consecutive years of increases, neither the poverty rate nor the number of people in poverty were statistically different from the 2010 estimates.

The number of people without health insurance coverage declined from 50.0 million in 2010 to 48.6 million in 2011, as did the percentage without coverage - from 16.3 percent in 2010 to 15.7 percent in 2011.

These findings are contained in the report Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011.."

Saturday, September 8, 2012

The “Fiscal Cliff”: Macroeconomic Consequences of Tax Increases and Spending Cuts

"A major policy concern for Congress is when and whether to address the “fiscal cliff,” a set of tax
increases and spending cuts that would substantially reduce the deficit in 2013. In projections
made in March 2012 by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this fiscal restraint, constituting
5.1% of output in 2013, would reduce growth to 0.5% from 4.4%. Unemployment would increase
by two million. In August, updated estimates projected growth at a negative 0.5%.

Policy choices with respect to the fiscal cliff are difficult because of the conflict between shortrun
and long-run economic and budgetary objectives. In the short run, the reduction in demand
from the reduced budget deficits could damage an already fragile recovery. In the longer run,
however, deficit reduction is needed to address a projected unsustainable debt level.."

Friday, September 7, 2012

Weather-Related Power Outages and Electric System Resiliency

"High winds, especially when combined with precipitation from seasonal storms, can cause damage to electricity utility systems, resulting in service interruptions to large numbers of electricity customers. While most such power outages are caused by damage from trees and tree limbs falling on local electricity distribution lines and poles, major power outages tend to be caused by damage to electricity transmission lines which carry bulk power long distances. Depending on the severity of the storm and resulting impairment, power outages can last a few
hours or extend to periods of several days, and have real economic effects. Power outages can impact businesses (primarily through lost orders and damage to perishable goods and inventories), and manufacturers (mainly through downtime and lost production, or equipment damage). Data from various studies lead to cost estimates from storm-related outages to the U.S. economy at between $20 billion and $55 billion annually..."

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act

"Enacted by the 100th Congress, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act
requires qualified employers that intend to carry out plant closings or mass layoffs to provide 60
days’ notice to affected employees, states, and localities. The purpose of the notice to workers is
to allow them to seek alternative employment, arrange for retraining, and otherwise adjust to
employment loss. The purpose of notifying states and localities is to allow them to promptly
provide services to the dislocated workers and otherwise prepare for changes in the local
labor market..."

U.S. Farm Income

"According to USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), national net farm income—a key
indicator of U.S. farm well-being—is forecast at a record $122.2 billion in 2012, up 3.7% from
last year’s record. Record gross revenues from crop sales (forecast at $222.1 billion), coupled
with record revenues (forecast at $34.1 billion) from farm-related income—a category that
includes crop insurance indemnity payments as well as income from custom work, machine hire,
etc.—pushed total gross cash income to a record $433.6 billion (up 5.5%). This more than offset
flat revenues from livestock markets ($165.8 billion), and a 6.6% increase in input costs (forecast
at $294.2 billion) to account for the record forecast for overall net returns..."

How We Measure Poverty and Income

"Income, poverty and health insurance estimates for 2011 from the Current Population Survey (CPS) will be released Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. One-year estimates from the 2011 American Community Survey (ACS) will be released on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

In all likelihood, the national estimates from these two sources will not be identical. Why not? Which is correct? Well, it’s complicated.

The Current Population Survey serves as the nation’s primary source of statistics on labor force characteristics. A supplement to the survey provides the official annual statistics on the nation’s income and poverty levels as well as statistics on age, sex, race, marital status, educational attainment, employee benefits, work schedules, school enrollment, health insurance, noncash benefits and migration..."

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 — Oct. 15, 2012

"In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 by Congress to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 — Oct. 15), effective the following year. America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively..."

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

"High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the US. Nearly one-third of all American adults have high blood pressure and more than half of them don’t have it under control.* Many with uncontrolled high blood pressure don’t know they have it. Millions are taking blood pressure medicines, but their blood pressure is still not under control. There are many missed opportunities for people with high blood pressure to gain control. Doctors, nurses and others in health care systems should identify and treat high blood pressure at every visit..."

White House Apps

New apps from the WhiteHouse.gov for iphone and ipad,  and android apps for phone and tablets incluudes:
Some of the apps' features include:
  • Live video streams of White House events
  • Access to WhiteHouse.gov's incomparable photo and video archives
  • High resolution photos using iPad's Retina display
  • The latest news from the White House blog and press Briefing Room
  • Tools to search WhiteHouse.gov, save your favorite items, and share them via Facebook and Twitter
  • Notifications of breaking news and opportunities to take action

Researching Current Federal Legislation and Regulations: A Guide to Resources for Congressional Staff

"This report is designed to introduce congressional staff to selected governmental and
nongovernmental sources that are useful in tracking and obtaining information federal legislation
and regulations. It includes governmental sources such as the Legislative Information System
(LIS), THOMAS, the Government Printing Office’s Federal Digital System (FDsys), and U.S.
Senate and House websites. Nongovernmental or commercial sources include resources such as
HeinOnline and the Congressional Quarterly (CQ) websites. It also highlights classes offered by
the Congressional Research Service (CRS) and the Library of Congress Law Library..."

Friday, August 31, 2012

Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 2004-2011

"This report is prepared annually to provide Congress with official, unclassified, quantitative data
on conventional arms transfers to developing nations by the United States and foreign countries
for the preceding eight calendar years for use in its policy oversight functions. All agreement and
delivery data in this report for the United States are government-to-government Foreign Military
Sales (FMS) transactions. Similar data are provided on worldwide conventional arms transfers by
all suppliers, but the principal focus is the level of arms transfers by major weapons suppliers to
nations in the developing world..."

Thursday, August 30, 2012

2012 Census of Governments

"The Census of Governments identifies the scope and nature of the nation's state and local government sector; provides authoritative benchmark figures of public finance and public employment; classifies local government organizations, powers, and activities; and measures federal, state, and local fiscal relationships.
The data are available by:
  • level of government (state, local, or state and local combined),
  • type of government (state, county, city, township, special district, school district), and
  • category of governmental activity.."

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Worker Displacement: 2009-2011

"From January 2009 through December 2011, 6.1 million workers were displaced from jobs they had held for at least 3 years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This was down from 6.9 million for the survey period covering January 2007 to December 2009. In January 2012, 56 percent of workers displaced from 2009-11 were reemployed, up by 7 percentage points from the prior survey in January 2010..."

Vaccination & Vaccine Safety

"
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record.
  • The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray.
  • Get your flu shot or spray as soon as the vaccine is available in your area.
  • Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches, and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine.
  • If you experience a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately..."

Historic 54.5 mpg Fuel Efficiency Standards

"The Obama Administration today finalized groundbreaking standards that will increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg for cars and light-duty trucks by Model Year 2025. When combined with previous standards set by this Administration, this move will nearly double the fuel efficiency of those vehicles compared to new vehicles currently on our roads. In total, the Administration’s national program to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will save consumers more than $1.7 trillion at the gas pump and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels..."

Small Area Health Insurance Estimates

"The Census Bureau's Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) program produces estimates of health insurance coverage for states and all counties. In July 2005, SAHIE released the first nation-wide set of county-level estimates on the number of people without health insurance coverage for all ages and those under 19 years old. In August 2012, SAHIE released 2010 estimates of health insurance coverage by age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and income categories at the state-level and by age, sex, and income categories at the county-level..."

Monday, August 27, 2012

Baseline Economic Forecast—August 2012

Find the most recent 10 year economic forecast from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates

Use a graphic resource to find income and poverty data for school districts, counties, and states.
The SAIPE program produces the following county and state estimates:
  • total number of people in poverty
  • number of children under age 5 in poverty (for states only)
  • number of related children ages 5 to 17 in families in poverty
  • number of children under age 18 in poverty
  • median household income

2011 Annual Survey of Public Employment & Payroll

"In March 2011, there were 16.4 million full-time equivalent employees working in state and local governments in the U.S., down 1.4 percent from 2010. According to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of these employees (8.9 million) worked in education, followed by those working in hospitals (964,381), police protection (923,951) and corrections (717,940)..."

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Pipeline Cybersecurity: Federal Policy

"The vast U.S. network of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines is integral to U.S. energy
supply and has vital links to other critical infrastructure. While an efficient and fundamentally
safe means of transport, this network is vulnerable to cyber attacks. In particular, cyber
infiltration of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems could allow successful
“hackers” to disrupt pipeline service and cause spills, explosions, or fires—all from remote
locations. In March 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported ongoing cyber
intrusions among U.S. natural gas pipeline operators. These intrusions have heightened
congressional concern about cybersecurity in the U.S. pipelines sector..."Pipeline Cybersecurity: Federal Policy

Diabetes Data and Trends

Find the latest data on diabetes at the national and state levels.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Cities.Data.gov

"Showcasing the applications and opportunities for harnessing the power of open data across the nation. City officials and developers working together to help improve the information available to city residents..."

FCC Eight Broadband Progress Report

"...But as of now, our analysis of the best data available—the data collected by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the National Broadband Map—shows that approximately 19 million Americans live in areas still unserved by terrestrial-fixed broadband.3 For these and other reasons, we must conclude that broadband is not yet being deployed “to all Americans” in a reasonable and timely fashion..."

Monday, August 20, 2012

Reforming Wall Street Protecting Main Street

 A U.S. Department of the Treasury's presentation highlighting Wall Street reforms enacted
since July 2010.

On Safety: CPSC Stands for Safety

View a variety of videos on safety issues from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Recommendations for the Identification of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Persons Born During 1945–1965

"Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Many of the 2.7–3.9 million persons living with HCV infection are unaware they are infected and do not receive care (e.g., education, counseling, and medical monitoring) and treatment. CDC estimates that although persons born during 1945–1965 comprise an estimated 27% of the population, they account for approximately three fourths of all HCV infections in the United States, 73% of HCV-associated mortality, and are at greatest risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and other HCV-related liver disease. With the advent of new therapies that can halt disease progression and provide a virologic cure (i.e., sustained viral clearance following completion of treatment) in most persons, targeted testing and linkage to care for infected persons in this birth cohort is expected to reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality.  CDC is augmenting previous recommendations for HCV testing (CDC. Recommendations for prevention and control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV-related chronic disease. MMWR 1998;47[No. RR–19]) to recommend one-time testing without prior ascertainment of HCV risk for persons born during 1945–1965, a population with a disproportionately high prevalence of HCV infection and related disease.."

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Gun Control Legislation

"This report also includes discussion of other salient and recurring gun control issues that have
generated past or current congressional interest. Those issues include (1) screening firearms
background check applicants against terrorist watch lists, (2) combating gun trafficking and straw
purchases, (3) reforming the regulation of federally licensed gun dealers, (4) requiring
background checks for private firearms transfers at gun shows, (5) more-strictly regulating certain
firearms previously defined in statute as “semiautomatic assault weapons,” and (6) banning or
requiring the registration of certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, which are commonly referred to
as “sniper” rifles. To set these and other emerging issues in context, this report provides basic
firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative
action in the 111th and 112th Congresses..."

Gun Control Legislation

"This report also includes discussion of other salient and recurring gun control issues that have
generated past or current congressional interest. Those issues include (1) screening firearms
background check applicants against terrorist watch lists, (2) combating gun trafficking and straw
purchases, (3) reforming the regulation of federally licensed gun dealers, (4) requiring
background checks for private firearms transfers at gun shows, (5) more-strictly regulating certain
firearms previously defined in statute as “semiautomatic assault weapons,” and (6) banning or
requiring the registration of certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, which are commonly referred to
as “sniper” rifles. To set these and other emerging issues in context, this report provides basic
firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative
action in the 111th and 112th Congresses..."

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Back to School

Tips to prepare students for back to school activities.

2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation National Overview

Find here the latest data on fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation activities.

Nonemployer Statistics:2010

"Nonemployer Statistics is an annual series that provides subnational economic data for businesses that have no paid employees and are subject to federal income tax. The data consist of the number of businesses and total receipts by industry. Most nonemployers are self-employed individuals operating unincorporated businesses (known as sole proprietorships), which may or may not be the owner's principal source of income..."

Recreation.gov

Use this site to look for federal recreation areas:  camping & lodging; day use & picnic areas; permits & wilderness; and  tours & tickets.

Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label

"If you’ve shopped for appliances, you’ve seen the bright yellow EnergyGuide label. Recently revised so it’s easier to use, the label tells you how much energy an appliance uses.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that the EnergyGuide label can help you compare the energy use of different models as you shop for an appliance. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run, and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good for the environment, too; it can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources..."

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Who Can Be Considered?

"Today, USCIS will begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.  Under this process, USCIS will consider requests on a case-by-case basis.  While this process does not provide lawful status or a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship, individuals whose cases are deferred will not be removed from the United States for a two year period, subject to renewal, and may also receive employment authorization. To be considered for this process, you must show that:
  • You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
  • You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
  • You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
  • You entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
  • You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained your certificate of completion from high school, have obtained your general educational development certification, or you are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
  • You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat
  • You were present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.."