October 13, 2009

Congress has already voted to defund the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, otherwise knows as ACORN, and the IRS and Census Bureau have severed their relationships with the organization as well. However, ACORN, which according to their Web site maintains "more than 1,200 neighborhood chapters in about 75 cities," continues to receive taxpayer money through the states. Full release

Citing "serious and irreversible harm to teens," the American Civil Liberties Union asked an Illinois court to strike down a newly effective law that prevents teens from having an abortion unless they notify a parent or go to court. The lawsuit, on behalf of Illinois medical providers and their patients, notes that most young women who seek abortions already involve their parents and that health care providers help patients facilitate that communication. But, the legal papers filed today focus on the harm to young women, particularly those from dysfunctional homes, who cannot safely involve a parent. Full release

Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a brief press availability this morning with President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of Spain prior to their meeting in the Capitol. Below are their remarks: Speaker Pelosi. Good morning, it is a privilege indeed to welcome the President of the government of Spain once again to the Capitol of the United States. Spain and the United States have shared values like democracy, justice and prosperity. We all watched with interest the President's address to the United Nations a week or so ago, where he talked about peace in the world -- whether it's in the Middle East or Afghanistan or Pakistan. He was talking about addressing the issue of climate change, addressing the global recession, and alleviating poverty throughout the world, these and many other issues. Full release

The American Consumer Institute today released a letter from Senior Fellow Dr. Larry F. Darby to Ms. Sharon Gillett, Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, that set forth issues germane to the Commission's impending Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Matter of Net Neutrality. The letter was submitted in the context of an announcement by FCC Chairman Genachowski on Sept. 21, 2009 of his intention to expand the Commission's Net Neutrality principles and to convert them to enforceable rules. Full release

Last week the Human Rights Council of the United Nations meeting finished with several new decisions taking place regarding problems in Palestine and Sudan. But a new and urgent issue of Christians in Pakistan was highlighted to the International Community by an International Think Tank, the "International Club for Peace Research". Full release

Pointing to the findings of a national report issued today, Governor Edward G. Rendell said hydropower holds tremendous potential for generating clean energy and creating jobs for Pennsylvania and the nation. "America has only just begun to understand the potential of hydropower," said Governor Rendell as he visited Voith Hydro, an innovative manufacturing facility that produces cost-effective hydroelectric generators and turbines used to make electricity in hydropower dams. "While newer forms of alternative renewable energy have attracted much attention lately, hydropower has been around for decades and continues to grow as a reliable source of green energy." Full release

Debuting this week, ObamaShould.org is being launched with the purpose of re-engaging disillusioned citizens into the political process. The grass roots movement's premise is based primarily on the historic mobilization of Barack Obama's presidential campaign through the use of technology and interaction. Full release

The weekly average rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for 30-year fixed mortgages decreased last week to 4.95 percent, down from 4.96 percent the week prior, according to the Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor, compiled by leading real estate Web site Zillow.com®. Rates for 15-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.37 percent from 4.39 percent, and 5-1 adjustable rate mortgages fell to 3.83 percent, down from 3.85 the week prior. Full release

Policy makers facing urgent demands to reform national financial systems have a key opportunity to help their poorest citizens gain access to useful financial services. But to seize that opportunity, they need much better information on the extent of access to services in their countries: Who has access? What policies can be adopted to achieve this goal? Full release

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