OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Legislation and Policy Report
February, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 111th Congress went to work by passing stimulus legislation and completing FY2009 appropriations measures. The House and Senate passed their respective FY2010 budget resolutions and both chambers began discussions on healthcare reform and energy policy.
Appropriations and Budget – A summary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus bill), final FY2009 appropriations, and FY2010 budget resolutions.
Energy Policy – The Senate begins discussions on non-controversial energy items including updating appliance efficiency standards and improving energy efficiency for manufacturers.
Food and Drug Administration – The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on food safety.
Higher Education – Rule-making on student loan sunshine provisions begins.
Immigration – After experiencing efficient processing of international student and researcher applications, delays again appear.
National Institutes of Health – PubMed becomes permanent.
Research – Updates on HIPPA, embryonic stem cell research, NSF conflict-of-interests policies, concerns about GRANTS.GOV, and Office of Human Research Protections issues a notice for public comment on possible changes in IRB accountability.
Odds and Ends – Miscellaneous items of interest.
Comings and Goings – Appointments, resignations, deaths.
THE BUCKEYE STATE
FY2010-2011 Biennial Operating Budget – The Governor proposes and the General Assembly addresses the next state operating budget that includes many challenges and concerns.
Legislative Issues – An update on several pieces of legislation that could affect colleges and universities if enacted.
Legalized Gambling – Efforts to legalize gambling in Ohio continue, with a new proposal being considered for the November 2009 ballot.
Other States – Updates on ways other states are addressing educational and research issues legislatively.
Comings and Goings – Appointments, resignations, deaths.
Sources of information for this report include the Association of American Universities, American Institute of Physics, the Chronicle of Higher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio’s updates and reports, newspapers, political and legislative wire services, and others.