New Ohio Bill Moderates Electioneering

Dec 20, 2004 by Guest Blogger

A new Ohio bill, sure to be signed by Gov. Bob Taft, would force groups that have anonymously financed "issue ads" that resemble political ads to disclose who's financing their efforts and would ban use of corporate and labor cash for such ads within 30 days of an election. It will also increase the amount that would quadruple the amount individuals may give to candidates from $2,500 to $10,000 for each primary and general election and caps the amount candidates may accept from county parties at $250,000. For the full article, check out the Toledo Blade.

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The Bush Regulatory Record: A Pattern of Failure

Pattern_of_Failure How far has the administration gone in placing special interests over the public interest? Read The Bush Regulatory Record: A Pattern of Failure, which analyzes the Fall 2003 and Spring 2004 editions of the Unified Agenda and places them in the four-year context.

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What is the Unified Agenda?

The Unified Agenda is a special feature in the Federal Register that, every six months, lists the regulatory priorities of the agencies, notes the stage of the process in which the priority items are currently projected to be, and identifies which items are being removed from the agency agenda.

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How to Read the Unified Agenda

Here is some information on how to read the UA: The Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) is assigned by the Regulatory Information Service Center to make tracking regulations easier. You can use the RIN to search for a rule in the Federal Register as well as in the Unified Agenda.

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Appointment News and Rumors

Dec 17, 2004 by Guest Blogger

Clark Ervin, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security, failed to receive confirmation from the Senate. Ervin was originally appointed by Bush during recess, and without confirmation by the Senate, Ervin will be force out of his position. Rick Skinner, deputy IG, will serve in the position until a new IG can be appointed. Also, it is rumored that Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman has been approached by the administration to head the Department of Homeland Security. Liberman's spokesperson claims that the senator is not seeking a new position.

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Will Privatization Increase SS Management Fees?

Dec 17, 2004 by Guest Blogger

As Paul Krugman noted in the New York Times this morning, social security overhaul comes with a lot of risks. He points out other countries have dabbled in privatization and is baffled at the lack of understanding of their experiences. For example, in Chile's program, privatization has caused management fees to be as high as 20 precent, whereas in the United States currently, 99 percent of social security revenues go towards benefits. This is another pitfall of privitization that is not mentioned by the Bush administration. Krugman's column is worth a read.

Also, click here to read the latest Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report about price indexing and how Bush's reform proposal could significantly reduce benefits in the years to come.

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Nonprofit Watcher articles

Dec 17, 2004 by Guest Blogger

For those of you who do not subcribe to our bi-weekly online newsletter, The Watcher, we have quite a few interesting nonprofit stories this week. Here is the link - Enjoy!

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British Nonprofit Database

Dec 17, 2004 by Guest Blogger

In the Scotsman, (a British newspaper) they announced an interesting new internet source - an online database for charities. The new database would offer free listings to charities so that they will be able offer links to their own sites and make use of a variety of features such as a links to grant finders, preferred suppliers, charity shops, company payroll giving, sector news and a regular news letter. Great idea! Here is the link for your reading pleasure!

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Appointment Update

Dec 16, 2004 by Guest Blogger

With Congress out of session and the Cabinet nominations almost set, appointment news has slowed down this past week, but here are a few new updates: John Walters, national drug policy director, will stay in his post. David Hobbs, the chief White House lobbyist on Capitol Hill, is planning on leaving to spend more time with his family.

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FDA Scientists Feel Pressure to Pass Unsafe Drugs

Dec 16, 2004 by Guest Blogger

According to an HHS survey, one fifth of FDA scientists surveyed two years ago said they felt pressured approve new drugs despite reservations about the drug's safety or efficacy. The survey supports testimony by Dr. John Graham last month that he was pressured to change his conclusions about the dangers of Vioxx. From the Washington Post:

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