WASHINGTON,
D.C.– Concluding a month of legislative activity focused
on appropriations, immigration reform, stem cell research, and
energy policy and ethics issues Congress adjourned for a week-long
Independence Day recess.
Appropriations
and Budget – The House moved forward with appropriations
bills after leadership from both parties agreed on the process
for including earmark projects in the bills and the President
issued a threat to veto any bill that exceeds his proposed budget.
Higher
Education – Recent developments on the student loan
investigation, reconciliation, and reauthorization of the Higher
Education Act.
Immigration
– The Senate struggled with passing immigration reform
legislation while the federal government addressed the huge
backlog in processing passport applications.
NASA
– Updates on the James Webb Telescope, the shuttle, and
the agency’s science budget.
Patent
Reform – Leaders of the Senate and House Judiciary
Committees continue to work with interested parties to resolve
concerns and move patent reform legislation forward.
Research
– Brief summaries on stem cell research, chemical inventory
regulations, and tissue and blood donations.
Odds
and Ends – Miscellaneous items of interest.
Comings
and Goings – Resignations, appointments, deaths.
STATE
OF OHIO
Members of the General Assembly completed work on the FY2008-09
operating budget bill and went home for the summer.
FY2008-2009
Biennial Operating Budget – Governor Strickland’s
first operating budget was enacted into law with increased investments
in public higher education, property tax cuts, and securitization
of tobacco settlement dollars.
Gaming
– House Speaker Jon Husted hopes to pursue a statewide
ban on electronic gaming devices.
Odds
and Ends – Miscellaneous items of interest.
Comings
and Goings – Resignations, appointments, deaths.
LOCALLY
– Cuyahoga County Commissioners consider a sales tax
hike to fund the cost of a new convention center, Medical Mart,
and other major county construction projects.
Community
- Center for Community Partnerships
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