March 31, 2008
NCSL Spring Forum, Senate Budget Includes Money for Low-Income Energy, Congress' College Plan Could Hurt Needy Students, and REAL ID Deadline Looms
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research. For more information, contact NCSL's Press Team.
Last Day for States to Apply for REAL ID Extension
On May 11, 2008, state driver's licenses and identification cards will not be accepted to board a plane or enter a federal building unless the Department of Homeland Security determines a state complies with the REAL ID or has been awarded an extension. States have until today, Monday, March 31 to seek an extension of the Real ID compliance date. Only two states, Maine and South Carolina, have not received an extension on REAL ID.
State Legislators From Across the Country to Meet in Washington, DC at Spring Forum
While Congress is waiting on some big issues such as health care and education funding, states are taking decisive action. Come to NCSL's Spring Forum in Washington, D.C., April 23-26 to hear the latest on state fiscal conditions, immigration, 2010 redistricting, water resources and much more. Registration to NCSL's Spring Forum is free for members of the accredited media.
States Divest in Countries with Suspected Ties to Terrorism
Growing concern over genocide in Sudan and countries that sponsor terrorism has prompted state legislatures to limit, or eliminate altogether, state investments in firms doing business with these countries. Under the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, states now can divest in companies and businesses that are identified as violating U.S. laws, rules, policies or any other decree by providing support to terrorism or engaging in genocide in four business sectors in Sudan - oil, power production, mineral extraction and military equipment.
Senate Budget Resolution Includes Money for Low-Income Energy Help
The Senate 2009 budget resolution includes $5.1 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Although this is a positive indication that Congress will support LIHEAP, the funding is not guaranteed. The budget resolution, once passed by Congress, serves as platform for the appropriations process, where money is actually allocated to different programs. LIHEAP, a federal block grant program, helps low-income households pay heating bills in the winter and cooling bills in the summer. At-risk households include those that shelter elderly, disabled and young people. Also, this program protects public health and safety by helping low-income families cover energy costs.
Protecting Our Critical Infrastructure
Electricity in the United States is supplied by a vast, complex power system. Citizens and the economy rely on this system to provide power around the clock. If part of the electricity system fails—due to aging infrastructure, natural disaster or terrorist attack—other important systems that depend on a constant flow of electricity will be affected. Transportation, water and communications could be disrupted and the economy also may suffer, as illustrated by the Northeast blackout in August 2003. Costs associated with the blackout ranged from $4 billion to more than $8 billion in lost wages, emergency service costs, utility costs, and lost or spoiled commodities. Members of the media can get a copy of this NCSL report for free by contacting the Press Room.
College Affordability and Accountability Act Could Hurt Needy Students
As Congress returns from spring break this week, lawmakers from both the House and the Senate will have to hammer out details of the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007. A little-know provision of the measure would strip states of their higher education appropriations authority. Called a Maintenance of Effort provision or MOE, this federal mandate would punish states that fail to maintain or increase their higher education funding to a level set by the U.S. Secretary of Education. In turn, low-income students could lose financial aid as Congress wants to link this provision to federal grant money allocated to states.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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