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PROPOSALS FOR RURAL AMERICA PROJECT DUE AUGUST 13
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which supports some of NCSL’s rural policy work, and the Corporation for Enterprise Development are now accepting applications for the Rural America Project. The objective is to create Entrepreneurial Development Systems in rural areas. Kellogg and the CFED plan to invest up to $2 million in four areas to reinforce and enhance entrepreneurial systems. The deadline is August 13, 2004, and the awards will be announced in March 2005. Detailed application information is online at www.wkkf.org/ruralentrepreneurs or www.eshipsystems.org.
BRAZIL DROPS COMPLAINT OVER FLORIDA STATE TAX ON JUICE IMPORTS
The New York Times reported on May 28 that Brazil dropped a complaint filed with the World Trade Organization against a Florida state tax on orange juice imports. The US and Brazil sent a joint letter to the WTO stating that they had negotiated a solution, resolving a dispute that had begun in August 2002.
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE SHIFTS FUNDS TO FIREFIGHTING
In June, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee rejected a White House request for $18 million in increased funding for the “American Masterpieces” program of the National Endowment of the Arts. The program is intended to bring American dance, musical and literary heritage to the 50 states. The program is still funded, but at previous levels. The additional money went instead to firefighting and Native American health care.
AUSTRALIA FTA SENT TO CAPITOL HILL
President Bush is scheduled to send the Australia Free Trade Agreement to Congress on July 2nd, starting the 90-day fast-track deadline for Congress to either approve or reject it. Under the fast-track procedures, Congress can only vote to accept or reject the agreement, and cannot add amendments. The FTA eliminates tariffs on manufactured goods, opens trade in services, and strengthens intellectual property rights. The FTA was signed by the US and Australia on May 18.
RHODE ISLAND ASSEMBLY RESTRUCTURES AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
The Rhode Island House and Senate passed a bill to revise the state’s housing program into a new system balancing affordable housing with local growth controls. The new system will set housing production goals for communities, preventing the construction market from flooding the localities with fast-track applications. Representative Peter Lewiss of Rhode Island currently chairs NCSL’s Economic Development, Trade & Cultural Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction for housing policy. The Committee discussed housing policy and adopted new resolutions at Spring Forum in Washington DC.
WTO GAMBLING CASE SUSPENDED
The World Trade Organization released a notice on June 25 stating that the negotiating panel will suspend its work on the U.S./Antigua-Barbuda internet gambling dispute until August 23. The case is over whether or not Antigua-Barbuda internet gambling businesses are allowed to conduct business within the U.S. At present, the individual states have jurisdiction over internet gambling regulations.
ANNUAL MEETING 2004 APPROACHES
Please plan to attend the NCSL Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 19-23. The NCSL Standing Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Cultural Affairs will conduct sessions on housing, jobs and the new economy, the film industry, and economic development incentives. A site visit is planned for Wednesday, July 21 to a biotech facility. A special screening of the recently-released “Napoleon Dynamite” will be Wednesday evening. Information about registration, hotel accommodations and sessions for all Standing Committees is at www.ncsl.org/annualmeeting/Index.htm.
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2003-2004 Officers
Chair
Representative Peter L. Lewiss
Rhode Island
Vice Chairs
Representative Sheryl Allen
Utah
Representative Terri Austin
Indiana
Representative Michael Jackson
Rhode Island
Representative Randy Johnson
Florida
Staff Chair
Hannah Shostack
New Jersey
Staff Vice Chairs
Nelson Fox
Ohio
Committee Staff
Jeremy Meadows
Committee Director
202-624-8664
jeremy.meadows@ncsl.org
Mandy Rafool
Program Principal
303-856-1506
mandy.rafool@ncsl.org
Trina Palmer
Research Analyst
202-624-8695
trina.palmer@ncsl.org
Offices
Headquarters
7700 East First Place
Denver, Colorado 80230
State-Federal Relations
444 North Capitol Street, NW
Suite 515
Washington, DC 20001 |
