July 2009

July 27, 2009

Weekly News

FY 2010 APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE

1) Coming Soon
Later this week, FFIS will send a summary table reflecting House-passed, fiscal year
(FY) 2010 appropriations for major discretionary and mandatory programs.

2) Link to bills and bill status
The status of all appropriations legislation for FY 2010 can be found at:
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app10.html

3) Transportation/Housing and Urban Development (T/HUD)
On July 23, 2009, the House passed the FY 2010 T/HUD appropriations bill. The
package includes $4 billion for high-speed passenger rail grants, a 300% increase
over the president's request. The bill would provide $41.1 billion for highways,
$10.5 billion for transit, $1.5 billion for Amtrak and $16 billion for aviation. Under
housing and urban development, $18.2 billion would be provided for Section 8 tenant-based
vouchers and $8.7 billion for Section 8 project-based rental assistance. The bill would
also provide $4.2 billion for formula grants through Community Development Block Grants,
$1 billion for housing for the elderly and $1.9 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants. The
Senate Appropriations Committee expects to consider its version of the spending bill next
week.

A summary of the House bill is available at:
http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/TH_FY10_FC_Summary_07-17-2009-revised_LH.pdf

4) Labor/Health and Human Services/Education
On July 24, 2009, the House passed the FY 2010 Labor/Health and Human Services
(HHS)/Education spending bills. The bill includes $75 million for a second year of State
Health Access Grants, the same level provided for FY 2009. It would provide $1.6 billion
for the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

In education, the bill would level-fund Title I and School Improvement Grants. It would
appropriate $446 million for the Teacher Incentive Fund, an increase of $349 million over
FY 2009. 

The FY 2010 budget for the Department of Labor would remain largely consistent with
FY 2009 funding levels.  WIA Adult and Youth activities programs would be funded at
last year's levels. Dislocated Workers would see a slight decrease in funding at $1.2 billion.
Unemployment Insurance state administration grants and Employment Services grants
would be level-funded. The Career Pathways Innovation Fund for competitive grants to
Community College would see a modest funding increase. 

A summary of the House bill is available at:
http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/LH_FY10_FC_Summary_as_amended_07-17-09.pdf

EDUCATION

House Education Committee Passes Student-Loan Bill
On July 21, 2009, the House Education and Labor Committee passed the "Student
Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009" (H.R. 3221). The bill would overhaul the
federal student loan program by ending the Family Federal Education Loan Program
(FFELP) and originating all new student loans through the Department of Education's
Direct Loan Program by July 1, 2010. For more information, visit:
http://edlabor.house.gov/blog/2009/07/student-aid-and-fiscal-respons.shtm

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SAMHSA Awards $190 Million for Strategic Prevention Framework State
Incentive Programs
On July 24, 2009, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) announced grants to 25 states and territories, totaling $190 million over
five years, to advance community-based programs for substance abuse prevention.
For a list of grants by state, go to:
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0907245715.aspx

ARRA News

BROADBAND

On July 23, 2009, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities
Service (RUS) posted answers on their web site to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
regarding NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and RUS' Broadband
Initiatives Program (BIP). Topics addressed include applying for funds, eligibility and matching,
and the review and award process. Additional questions can be submitted directly to NTIA
by e-mail at btop@ntia.doc.gov or by phone at (202) 482-2048, as the FAQ section will be
updated. To view the FAQs section, go to:
http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BIP-BTOP_FAQ.pdf

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Office of Family Assistance at the Department of Health and Human Services
issued a program notice on July 20, 2009, that instructs jurisdictions to use form OFA-100
when applying for TANF Emergency Contingency funds. A jurisdiction should not resubmit
any applications it made prior to the issuance of the July 20, 2009, guidance, but must use
form OFA-100 to update and revise data it has already submitted as part of an earlier application. 
The form and instructions can be found at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/policy/pi-ofa/2009/200905/PI200905.htm

LABOR

On July 22, 2009, the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration,
released a solicitation for grant applications for workforce training projects in the
health care sector and other high growth and emerging industries. The full announcement
is available at: http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm

TRANSPORTATION

1) On July 23, 2009, the Department of Transportation released information on ARRA
Ferry Boat Discretionary (FBD) awards to states. An updated table on these awards
can be viewed at:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/fbawrd09_arra.cfm                                                            

Applicants that applied for ARRA FBD grants but not receive awards may still
submit an application for consideration under the FY 2009 program by July 31, 2009,
in accordance with the 2009 FBD Program solicitation, available at:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/fbdsol.cfm

2) On July 23, 2009, The Department of Transportation's Federal Highway
Administration posted a notice on redistribution of highway infrastructure
investment funds pursuant to ARRA.  The notice can be found at:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/notices/n4510708.htm

 July 20, 2009

Weekly News

APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE

On July 17, 2009, the House passed the FY 2010 appropriations bill for
Energy/Water. In addition, the House Appropriations Committee approved the
Transportation/HUD and Labor/Health and Human Services (HHS)/Education spending
bills.

The Transportation/HUD spending bill provides an increase in funding for high-speed
passenger rail grants, airport improvement grants, Section 8 rental vouchers, public
housing capital and operating funds, and the community development block grant
program. Overall, the Labor/HHS/Education bill provides $161 billion for discretionary
programs (an increase of $5.6 billion over FY 2009 levels) and $567 billion for mandatory
programs ($48.3 billion above FY 2009 levels). The spending bill rejects the president's
proposed funding reductions for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
and Title I Education for the Disadvantaged. The Unemployment Insurance Program, 
similar to the president's budget, would see an increase in funding to help states process
unemployment insurance claims.

AGRICULTURE

1) USDA Announces $760 Million in Farm Loans
On July 16, 2009, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that $760 million
from the Supplemental Appropriations Act is available for approved but previously unfunded
USDA direct farm ownership and operating loans. USDA has already provided $400 million
to state offices for direct operating loans. These funds will clear a $150 million backlog
of loans, which had already been approved for 2,200 family farmers. It will also provide
additional funds for new loan applications. The remaining $360 million is for direct farm
ownership loans to be distributed directly by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?
contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/07/0313.xml

2) USDA Provides $71 Million to Rehabilitate Farmland Damaged by
Natural Disasters
On July 14, 2009, Secretary Vilsack announced that farmers and ranchers will
receive approximately $71 million in Emergency Conservation Program funds to
repair farmland damaged by natural disasters that happened in 2008 and 2009.
For a list of estimated funding by state, see:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&
contentid=2009/07/0306.xml

CHILD NUTRITION

USDA Releases FY 2010 Reimbursement Rates for FNS Programs
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
Agency issued its annual adjustments to the National Average Payment Factors
and to the maximum federal reimbursement rates for breakfast, lunch, and after-
school snacks served to children participating in the National School Lunch and
Breakfast Programs. To review the Federal Register notice, go to:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-16745.pdf

FNS also released updated reimbursement rates for the Child and Adult Care
Food Program:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Care/ProgramBasics/Rates/cacf09-10fr.pdf

EDUCATION

1) Education Reform Bill Introduced in House
On July 15, 2009, the Chair of the House Education and Labor Committee
introduced the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3221).
The bill would implement a variety of education reforms included in the president's
FY 2010 budget. Most notably, the bill would generate an estimated $87 billion
in savings over 10 years by eliminating the Family Federal Education Loan Program
(FFELP) and originating all new student loans through the Department of Education's
Direct Loan Program by July 1, 2010. However, the legislation would allow existing
state-based nonprofit lenders to receive the servicing rights of up to 100,000
students in their state. Forty billion of the savings generated from this shift would
be spread over 10 years to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $6,900
by 2019, with annual increases pegged to the increase in the Consumer Price
Index plus 1 percent coming out of mandatory funds. Other higher education
policy reforms include $7 billion over 10 years for a new Community College
Challenge Grant Program; $6 billion annually for a revised Federal Perkins
Loan Program; $3 billion over 5 years for a new College Access and Completion
Fund; $1.2 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and simplification
of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The bill also contains a number
of non-higher education related policy initiatives including $10 billion over 10
years for a new state Early Learning Challenge Grant Program and $5 billion for
green renovation, repair, or modernization of school buildings. Additionally,
the bill earmarks $10 billion dollars in savings to be returned to the federal Treasury.
For more information on this legislation, visit:
http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/07/chairman-miller-introduces-leg.shtml

2) President Announces New Community College Initiative.
On July 14, 2009, President Obama announced a legislative proposal for a $12 billion
community college initiative designed to produce an additional 5 million community
college graduates over the next decade. Parts of the proposal are included in the
House education reform bill mentioned above. Additional information on the proposal
is available at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Excerpts-of-the-Presidents-remarks-in-
Warren-Michigan-and-fact-sheet-on-the-American-Graduation-Initiative/

3) Department of Education Awards $26.5 Million in Grants to Help Make
Children Healthier and More Active
On July 13, 2009, the Department of Education announced that $26.5 million in
awards are available for children to have access to physical education programs
and instruction on healthy eating and good nutrition. The Carol M. White Physical
Education Program grants will provide 73 public schools and community-based
organizations in 25 states with funds to initiate, expand, and improve physical
education programs for students in grades K-12. A list of the FY 2009 grants is
available at: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07132009.html

4) School Districts in 38 States Receive $116 Million in Grants to Help
Improve Teaching of American History
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced on July 14, 2009, that
123 school districts in 38 states have been awarded $116 million in new grants to
help schools improve the teaching of American history. For a list of grants and
more information on the program, go to:
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07142009a.html

INTERIOR

Administration to Push for Reauthorization of 1872 Mining Law
The Obama administration wants to update the law to ensure reasonable royalty
payments for extracting gold, silver and other minerals from federal land and to
provide more effective regulatory, clean-up and reclamation tools. Under the
General Mining Law of 1872, numerous commodities are extracted to provide
the raw materials essential for manufacturing and building industries. The United
States is the second largest producer of gold and copper in the world, and the l
leading producer of beryllium, gypsum, and molybdenum.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Update on Health Care Reform
On July 15, 2009, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP)
Committee approved its version of health care reform legislation, the Affordable
Health Choices Act. Senate leaders are planning to merge the HELP bill with a
proposal still being developed by the Senate Finance Committee. In addition,
the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) director Doug Elmendorf testified before
the Senate Budget Committee on the impact of the House and Senate health care 
reform proposals. Mr. Elmendorf told committee members that neither the House
bill nor the Senate HELP bill would significantly slow the long-term growth of health
costs, and would likely increase federal health care spending. He indicated that one
alternative proposal to offset costs is to tax some employer-provided health benefits.

On the House side, the Ways and Means and Education and Labor committees approved
the House version of health care reform, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act
of 2009 (H.R. 3200). The Energy and Commerce committee will continue to mark-up
the legislation this week.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Senate Committee Holds Hearing on PASS ID
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on
July 16, 2009, to reevaluate REAL ID and examine legislation recently introduced to amend
REAL ID. The new legislation, Providing for Additional Security in States' Identification Act of
2009 (PASS ID, S. 1261) eliminates the requirement that states develop costly new data
systems, and provides more time and additional resources to implement requirements and
standards for drivers' licenses and identification cards.

TRANSPORTATION

Senate Committee Advances Clean Extension of Federal Surface Transportation Laws
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted on July 15, 2009, to approve
a bill to extend federal surface transportation laws for 18 months. Moreover, the bill would inject
approximately $20 billion to plug a looming shortfall in the Highway Account of the Highway
Trust Fund (HTF), projected to reach zero in August without additional funds. This injection
would maintain the HTF's solvency through the first quarter of 2012. House Transportation
and Infrastructure Chair Oberstar (MN) continues to champion congressional action to pass a
surface transportation reauthorization package before September 30, 2009.

ARRA News

AGRICULTURE

1) On July 15, 2009, Secretary Vilsack announced the selection of $250 million in water
and environmental projects that are being funded through ARRA. The 32 projects will help
provide safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment systems for rural towns
and communities in 17 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. This is the fifth wave of water and
environmental projects that USDA has announced, with total funding of $1.134 billion.
For a list of projects, go to:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/arranews?navid=NEWS_AUSUMS&parentnav=
USDA_ARRA&edeployment_action=
retrievecontent&contentid=2009/07/0307.xml

2) The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on July 9, 2009, that it is providing
$14.2 million to help rural communities identify water and wastewater infrastructure needs
that can be financed through ARRA. The funding will be provided under USDA's Rural
Development's Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program to enable the National
Rural Water Association to add 15 water and 71 wastewater technical assistance staff in
2009 and 2010 to help rural communities operate and maintain water and wastewater
infrastructure, and provide training and other technical assistance to local staff throughout
the country. Additional information is available at:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/arranews?navid=NEWS_AUSUMS&parentnav=USDA_
ARRA&edeployment_action=retrievecontent&contentid=2009/07/0296.xml

ENERGY

1) On July 14, 2009, the Department of Energy published a $296 million funding opportunity
announcement for state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of Energy Star
appliances. These funds were included in ARRA and will be distributed to states by formula.
Each state or territory must submit a plan specifying which appliance categories will be
included in its rebate program as well as the rebate amount, how the rebates will be processed,
and the states plan for recycling old appliances. Initial applications indicating a state's intent
to apply for funds are due August 15, 2009, and the full application will be due October 15, 2009.
States and territories will receive 10 percent of the funds after submitting the initial application
with the balance awarded after their program plans are approved. The complete Funding
Opportunity Announcement is available at
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.dooppId=48463&mode=VIEW

2) The Department of Energy's (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and
local officials is offering a webcast on how to use a DOE-developed tool to estimate the
economic impacts from electric power projects, including renewable energy generation.
The presentation will take place Wednesday, July 29, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern
Daylight Time. More information is available at:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/wip/tap_webcasts.cfm

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Department of Health and Human Services updated a table that shows additional
Medicaid funding from ARRA as of July 10, 2009:
http://transparency.cit.nih.gov/RecoveryGrants/grant.cfm?grant=Reinvestment

HOUSING

On July 16, 2009, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced
$360 million in ARRA grants to support community and economic development.
The grants represent the first round of awards made under the Community
Development Block Grant program. For a list of awards, go to:
http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr2009-07-16.cfm&CFID
=19212601&CFTOKEN=83470772

TRANSPORTATION

On July 14, 2009, the Department of Transportation announced $60 million in
grants to 19 states and one territory to improve ferry service under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For a list of projects, go to:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa0921.htm

Weekly News

APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE

1) Senate Committee Passes FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill
On July 7, 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2010
appropriations bill for agriculture programs. It is unclear when the full Senate will
consider the bill.

2) Senate Approves Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
On July 9, 2009, the Senate approved a FY 2010 appropriations bill for the Department
of Homeland Security. Two amendments that were accepted would prohibit U.S. Customs
and Border Protection from using funds to prevent the importation of drugs from Canada
and would bar the use of funding to rescind the "no match rule," which requires employers
to take certain actions upon notification by the Department of Homeland Security or
the Social Security Administration that their employees' names or social security numbers
do not match federal records. The department had announced that it planned to do away
with the program.

3) House Passes Agriculture Appropriations Bill
On July 9, 2009, the House passed an appropriations bill for FY 2010 agriculture programs.
Funding for major programs include: $1.18 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program; $40 million for watershed rehabilitation; and $50.7 million for resource conservation
and development.

GENERAL

On July 9, 2009, the General Accounting Offices testified before the House Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform on the role of population data in the allocation of federal
funds to states and localities. The remarks, available at
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-832T, describe (1) how census data are used
in the allocation of federal formula grant funds, and (2) how the structure of the formulas
and other factors can affect those allocations. According to the testimony, while population
counts play an important role, other factors, such as the design of the grant formulas, can
mitigate the effect of population changes on funding levels.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

1) HHS Announces $40 Million in CHIP Outreach Grants
On July 6, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the
availability of up to $40 million in outreach grants for Medicaid and the Children's Health
Insurance Program (CHIP). States, local governments, Indian tribes or tribal organizations,
community-based organizations, and others are eligible to apply. The funding is the first
cycle of outreach funding under the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act
(CHIPRA). CHIPRA included$100 million for outreach campaigns, of which $80 million is
designated specifically for states and organizations. Applications submitted electronically
are due by August 6, 2009. Applications submitted by mail are due by August 10, 2009.
HHS has indicated grants will be awarded by September 30, 2009. Applications are available at http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=yh2NKRqVnRw4BJZHLR2BTKNMFSh
PLhx59jHGDdtvLv1fZPS36gsF!-723925807?oppId=48293&mode=VIEW

2) CBO Releases Additional Information on Health Reform Proposals
On July 6, 2009, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released additional information
on the long-term care provisions contained in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions (HELP) Committee's health care reform proposal:
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10436/07-06-CLASSAct.pdf

On July 7, 2009, CBO released additional information on the cost associated with a
Medicaid eligibility expansion:
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10445/07-07-2009-ExpandingMedicaid.pdf

3) CMS Releases Information on Annual Redetermination of Medicare
Part D Low-Income Subsidy
On July 2, 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released
a State Medicaid Director letter to share information on the annual re-determination
of the Medicare Part D low-income subsidy (LIS). This process will determine whether
individuals will continue to be deemed eligible for the program in calendar year 2010.
The attached letter describes the process, CMS notification to states, and state action.

4) HHS Announces State Allocations for Seasonal Flu Preparedness Efforts,
Applications Due July 24, 2009
On July 10, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the
availability of $350 million in grants to help states and territories prepare for the fall flu
season. Of that total, $260 million is for Public Health Emergency Response Grants and
$90 million for Hospital Preparedness grants. The grants were funded by the recent
supplemental appropriations bill that was passed by Congress and signed into law by the
president on June 24, 2009. The grant announcement is attached, with an application
deadline of July 24, 2009. The press release and a listing of funds by state can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/07/20090710a.html

LABOR

June Unemployment Rate Up Slightly
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of unemployed individuals
rose by 467,000 in June, bringing the total to approximately 15 million. The rate of
unemployment rose from 9.4% in May to 9.5% in June, the smallest month-to-month
increase of the year. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of
unemployed persons has risen by 7.5 million, and the unemployment rate has grown by
4.6 percentage points. The number of long-term unemployed individuals - those jobless for
27 weeks or more - rose by 433,000 over the month to 4.4 million. Widespread job loss
continued across most sectors with manufacturing and construction taking the hardest hits,
while health care continued to add jobs with a gain of 21,000. For more information, go to:
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

VETERANS AFFAIRS

VA Proposes Changes to Grants for State Home Construction
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a proposed rule to update the
maximum number of nursing home and domiciliary beds designated to each state, and
to amend the definition of "state" to include Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern
Mariana Islands. The proposed regulation can be found at:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-16341.pdf

ARRA News

GENERAL

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Recovery, Accountability and
Transparency Board have announced webinars for the week of July 20, 2009, to provide
information on implementing the guidance set forth in OMB Memorandum M-09-21,
Implementing Guidance for the Reports on Use of Funds Pursuant to the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that was released on June 22, 2009. For
more information, go to: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=node/658

AGRICULTURE

1) On July 8, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announced $66 million in community
facilities projects in 33 states that are being funded through ARRA. This is the third
wave of ARRA community facilities investments announced by USDA.
For a list of funded projects, go to: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/arranews?navid=NEWS_AUSUMS&parentnav=USDA_ARRA&edeployment_action=retrievecontent&
contentid=2009/07/0293.xml

2) On July 9, 2009, Vilsack announced that USDA is providing $14.2 million to help rural
communities identify water and wastewater infrastructure needs that can be financed
through ARRA. More information is available at:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_3JL/.cmd/ad/.ar/sa.retrievecontent/.c/6_1_2KE/.ce/7_1_4Q5/.p/5_1_
4D3/.d/0/_th/J_1_V9/_s.7_0_A/7_0_3JL?PC_7_1_4Q5_navid=NEWS_AUSUMS&PC_7_1_4Q5
_contentid=2009%2F07%2F0296.xml&PC_7_1_4Q5_parentnav=USDA_ARRA#7_1_4Q5

BROADBAND

On July 1, 2009, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA) released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the State Broadband Data
and Development Grant Program. NTIA will provide competitive grants for projects that
collect state-level broadband mapping data, develop state-level broadband maps,
aid in the development and maintenance of a national map, and fund statewide initiatives
directed at broadband planning. NTIA expects to make $240 million in ARRA funding available
through this NOFA. A 20% non-federal match will be required.

A fact sheet can be found at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/MAPPINGNOFA_FactSheet_090702.pdf

The NOFA is available at:
http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/Broadband_Mapping_NOFA.pdf

EDUCATION

1) The U.S. Department of Education released draft non-regulatory guidance
for public comment on waivers for Title I, Part A ARRA funds:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/titleiparta/title-i-waiver.doc. Comments can be
submitted to OIRA-Submission@omb.eop.gov by July 13, 2009.

2) The U.S. Department of Education released modified guidance for State Fiscal
Stabilization Funds under ARRA to clarify that, in limited circumstances, state
funding that is provided to public institutions of higher education for student
financial assistance programs may be considered State support for these institutions:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/guidance-mod-07062009.pdf

ENERGY

On July 9, 2009, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department
of Energy announced an estimated$3 billion for the development of renewable energy
projects around the country and made available the guidance businesses will need to
submit a successful application. Funded through ARRA, the program will provide direct
payments in lieu of tax credits in support of an estimated 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind,
and other types of renewable energy production facilities. Additional information,
including terms and conditions, guidance, and a sample application is available at:
http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7623.htm

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

On July 7, 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released an updated
frequently asked questions document that covers the Making Work Pay credit,
Temporary Increase of Medicaid FMAP, and Disproportionate Share Hospital Allotments.
The updated document is attached (http://inside.ffis.org//ff/ARRA_FAQs_July_7_2009.pdf).

HOUSING

1) On June 30, 2009, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
announced that it approved plans submitted by 26 states for funding under the
Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP). Approval of plans and subsequent funding
awards for the remaining 26 eligible state housing finance agencies is expected in the
coming weeks. A list of the approved states can be found at:
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=153,8081865&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

2) HUD has posted a third question and answer bulletin, dated June 25, 2009,
with information on the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Public Housing
Capital Fund competitive grants. The question and answers can be viewed at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/capfund/ocir/nofafaq3.pdf

JUSTICE

1) The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) agency at the Department
of Justice has published a post-application frequently asked question document
for the COPS Hiring Recovery Program. The document is available at:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=2193

2) On July 7, 2009, the Office of Justice Program published updated lists of
state and local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
formula grant awards and funding uses: http://www.ojp.gov/recovery/awards.htm

TRANSPORTATION

1) On July 10, 2009, the Department of Transportation updated its Question
and Answers document to provide information on issues raised by state DOTs in
regards to ARRA and indirect costs. The updated document is available at: 
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/qandas.htm

2) The Supplemental Appropriations Act for 2009, signed by the president on
June 24, 2009, includes a provision allowing up to 10% of each amount apportioned
in ARRA for the urbanized (Section 5307) and non-urbanized (Section 5311)
formula programs to be used for operating assistance. The following information is
available on this new provision:

a) question and answer document: http://www.fta.dot.gov/index_9440_10006.html

b) ARRA apportionment tables illustrating the 10% available for operating assistance:
http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ARRA_transit_capital_assistance_with_operating_cap.pdf
http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ARRA_nonurban_funding_with_operating_cap.pdf

3) On July 9, 2009, the Department of Transportation announced $6.7 million in
On-the-Job Training Supportive Service (OJT/SS) grants. These grants were made to
organizations in 14 states to fund apprenticeships and training centers for underrepresented
or disadvantaged people seeking careers in transportation, engineering or construction. The
full announcement and awards by state are available at:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa0918.htm

 July 6, 2009

Weekly News

FY 2010 APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE
The House has passed four appropriations bills: Commerce-Justice-Science, Homeland
Security, Interior-Environment, and Legislative Branch. The Senate has not yet passed
any fiscal year (FY) 2010 funding bills, though some have passed at the committee level.
To check the status of appropriations bills, legislative language, and reports, go to:
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app10.html.

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes FY 2010 Interior Spending Bill
On June 25, 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a FY 2010 spending
bill for interior and environment programs. The committee included $2.1 billion for the
clean water state revolving fund ($200 million less than the House-passed bill) and
$1.4 billion for the drinking water fund (the same amount as the House-passed bill).
It is unclear when the measure will be taken up by the full Senate.

EDUCATION

1) Secretary of Education Announces Resources to Push Reforms,
Make College Affordable
On July 1, 2009, the Department of Education made more than $13 billion in FY 2009
funds available for the Title I program for disadvantaged students, the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, the Improving Teacher Quality State Grants, and several other
categorical programs supporting schools. The remaining FY 2009 funds will become
available starting October 1, 2009. Several reforms for student aid and student loan
programs were also highlighted in the Secretary's announcement, which is available at:
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06302009.html

2) Administration Announces Simplification of Student Aid Applications
The administration recently announced a simplified Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). Some of changes are already in place while others will be phased-in over
the next few months. The administration will also introduce legislation seeking statutory
authority from Congress to eliminate financial information from the aid calculation formula
that is not available from the IRS. http://www.ed.gov/finaid/info/apply/simplification.html

ENERGY

House Passes Climate Legislation
On June 26, 2009, the House voted 219-212 to pass a comprehensive climate
change bill that, among other things, sets mandatory limits on greenhouse gas
emissions. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454) creates
a cap-and-trade program that requires a 17% reduction in domestic emissions by 2020.
It also calls for utilities to supply 15% of their power sales from qualified renewable
sources of electricity by 2020; establishes new standards for building efficiency; and
provides the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to site interstate
transmission lines in the West if states fail to act on proposals. The Senate hopes
to have a full debate in the fall, following markups in the Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee and several other panels and combining the bill with the
energy package passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

1) HHS Rescinds Three Medicaid Regulations, Delays a Fourth
On June 29, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced
that three Medicaid regulations currently under congressional moratoria until July 1, 2009,
would be rescinded and a fourth would be temporarily delayed to conduct further analysis.
The Medicaid rules being rescinded are the December 28, 2007, final rule that would have
eliminated reimbursement for certain school-based administrative and transportation services;
the November 7, 2008, rule that made changes to reimbursement for outpatient hospital and
clinic services; and the December 4, 2007, interim final rule that would have made changes
to certain case management services. HHS plans to delay until June 30, 2010, the effective
date for portions of a regulation impacting health care-related taxes. The HHS press release
and Federal Register notices are available at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-15345.pdf
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-15347.pdf

2) CDC Releases Proposed Rule to Remove HIV from "Communicable Disease of
Public Health Significance" Definition
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a proposed rule to revise
the Part 34 regulation to remove the "Human Immunodeficiency Virus" (HIV) infection from
the definition of "communicable disease of public health significance." CDC also proposed to
remove references to ''HIV'' from the scope of examinations in its regulations. Currently,
aliens attempting to enter the United States must undergo HIV testing as part of a routine
medical examination prior to entry. Those found to be infected with a "communicable disease
of public health significance" are inadmissible into the United States under the
Immigration and Nationality Act. The proposed rule would eliminate both policies.
Comments are due on or before August 17, 2009. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
was published in the Federal Register and can be accessed at
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-15814.pdf

3) Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) Published Notice of New
Computer Matching Program
On June 29, 2009, OCSE published a notice in the Federal Register announcing a new
computer matching program between OCSE and state agencies that administer the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The purpose of the program is to
provide new hire, quarterly wage, and unemployment information from OCSE's National
Directory of New Hires database to SNAP agencies.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-15231.pdf

TRANSPORTATION

Administration Releases Memos for Surface Transportation Reauthorization
On July 1, 2009, the administration released briefing papers on surface transportation
reauthorization and infrastructure. In the first paper, the administration reiterated its
call for an 18-month extension of federal surface transportation laws together with a
$20 billion general fund transfer to the Highway Trust Fund to maintain its solvency
through FY 2010, provided repayment of the transfer would occur over 10 years. The
administration also recommended congressional approval of several surface transportation
policy reforms around state and local capacity-building and regional mobility, access, and
livability. The second paper outlined a design for a national infrastructure bank that would
support regionally and nationally significant high-value projects funded through a
merit-based selection process. The initial focus of the bank would be transportation-related
investments, specifically those that emphasize smart land use, economic development,
intermodalism and energy efficiency. The memos are available at the following two links:
http://www.subnet.nga.org/downloads/0907HillMemoStageIReauth.pdf
http://www.subnet.nga.org/downloads/0907HillMemoBank.pdf

ARRA News

BROADBAND

On July 1, 2009, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA) at the Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) at the
Department of Agriculture jointly issued a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) and
solicitation of applications for the broadband initiatives under ARRA - NTIA's Broadband
Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program
(BIP). Funded at $4.7 billion, BTOP provides competitive grants to support the deployment
of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, to enhance broadband
capacity at public computer centers, and to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband
service. Applications will be accepted between July 14-August 14, 2009. More information
is available at: http://www.broadbandusa.gov

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

1) On July 29, 2009, HHS announced the release of $851 million for the Recovery
Act Capital Improvement Program (CIP). These grants will support the construction,
repair and renovation of health centers. In addition, the funds will be used to purchase
new equipment or health information technology systems and expand the use of electronic
health records. These funds are in addition to the $155 million for establishing new health
centers and the $388 million in Increased Demand for Services Grants. In total, ARRA
provided $2 billion for grants to health centers. A complete listing of grants released
to date is attached (http://inside.ffis.org//ff/Healthcenters_July_6_2009.xls).

2) As of June 26, 2009, the federal government has awarded $25 billion in Medicaid
funding as a result of the increase in FMAPs under ARRA. Of that amount, states have
drawn down $22 billion. The amount of funds obligated by state are available at:
http://transparency.cit.nih.gov/RecoveryGrants/grant.cfm?grant=Reinvestment

3) ARRA provided $1.1 billion for comparative effective research, which compares
treatments and strategies to improve health. It also established the Federal Coordinating
Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research to foster coordination between federal
agencies and required that the Council submit a report by June 30, 2009, that describes
current federal activities on comparative effective research and provides recommendations
for spending the ARRA funds. The new report can be found at:
http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/cer/

STATE FISCAL STABILIZATION FUND

The Secretary of Education announced that more than $2.7 billion is being made available
early to help states as they face increasing budgetary pressures. This funding represents
the last third of the government services fund, which was initially scheduled to be made
available with the completion of Phase II applications as part of the State Fiscal Stabilization
Fund under ARRA. Of this $2.7 billion being distributed early, $2.4 billion will be awarded to
states that have successfully completed Phase I applications and the remaining $316.6
million of the accelerated funds will be awarded in the coming days as the remaining states
are approved for Phase I applications. To view how much each state will receive early visit: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07012009.xls