May 2010

A new national study has confirmed what charter school advocates have always suspected: a persistent and wide-ranging funding disparity between charter schools and their traditional public school peers. "Charter School Funding: Inequity Persists," released by Ball State University, exposes a stark funding gap in Illinois and across the nation. The study found that charter schools in Illinois receive 12.5 percent less funding per pupil on average when weighted for charter enrollment. This equates to a $1,514 per pupil funding gap for charter school students. Illinois currently has 32,000 charter school students, meaning that charter schools in Illinois are underfunded to the tune of $48.4 million annually. Full release.

peaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this afternoon in support of H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, which passed the House this afternoon. Below are the Speaker's remarks. "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the distinguished chairman for his recognition and also his job he has done to bring this bill to the floor today-the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act. Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility here, almost an ethical one really, to create jobs for the American people. Equally important is to reduce the deficit. So any of the pieces of legislation that we bring to the floor must strive to do both, to strike that balance. I congratulate the chairman on this important legislation because it does both-creates jobs and helps to reduce the deficit." Full release.

On this Memorial Day Weekend as many Americans head outdoors to open spaces, the nation is reminded about the importance of land conservation. Today the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy released a report highlighting new grassroots and collaborative strategies for managing large areas for the enjoyment of generations to come. Large Landscape Conservation: A Strategic Framework for Policy and Action, the latest Policy Focus Report published by the Lincoln Institute , describes regionally based initiatives currently underway in forest lands, ecosystems, watersheds, and wildlife corridors that involve multiple jurisdictions and ownership. The report recommends ways to encourage such efforts and foster innovation going forward. Full release.

A PajamasMedia.com article by Walid Shoebat, former Islamic terrorist and author, revealed disturbing contradictions between Ground Zero mosque founder Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf's English statements and his Arabic comments. Abdul Rauf directly contradicted his New York Daily News article from earlier this week, and, in the process, lied to New York City about his true intentions. An interview with Shoebat about these revelations is available on PJTV.com. "Did Abdul Rauf hoodwink the New York Daily News and lie to New Yorkers and Americans?" asked Roger L. Simon, CEO of Pajamas Media. "Abdul Rauf clearly feels comfortable revealing his true intentions only when speaking in Arabic, but the translations reveal the truth." Full release.

The Department of Justice has recovered more than $40.2 million in fraud proceeds from a $1 billion Ponzi scheme and is working with the Japanese Ministry of Justice to return the forfeited fraud proceeds to the victims in Japan, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division. Isamu Kuroiwa, a Japanese citizen, operated World Ocean Farm between February 2005 and his escape from Japan in May 2007. According to court documents, World Ocean Farm, an unlicensed investment opportunity, was a large Ponzi scheme. Kuroiwa defrauded more than 30,000 Japanese victims out of almost 91 billion yen, or approximately $1 billion U.S. dollars. Full release.

The 2010 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test released today found that nearly 1 in 5 licensed drivers-roughly 38 million Americans-would not pass a written drivers test exam if taken today. Kansas drivers ranked first in the nation (82.3 percent average score); New York drivers ranked last (70 percent average score). Full results can be found at www.gmacinsurance.com. The sixth annual survey polled 5,202 licensed Americans from 50 states and the District of Columbia, gauging driver knowledge by administering 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) exams. Additional questions explored distracting habits such as texting while driving. Full release.

America's small businesses have experienced a "greater" Great Recession than other business segments, and the nation's prospects for economic recovery depend importantly on the prospects for those small businesses, according to a new report published today by TD Economics, in partnership with TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank. Titled, "Small and Medium Sized Businesses Key to U.S. Economic Recovery," and authored by TD Economist James Marple, the report outlines the characteristics of the recent recession that have been particularly hard on small businesses, namely acute job losses, the tightening of the credit markets, and the industrial composition of the economic correction. It also contends that small and medium-sized businesses are at the forefront of the creative process of powering the economy out of the downturn. Full release.

Americans' confidence in their ability to access and pay for healthcare bounced back in April after dipping in February and March, according to a new consumer sentiment index from Thomson Reuters. "We're seeing a bit of volatility so far in 2010-optimism tempered by uncertainty regarding the economy and the future of the healthcare system," said Gary Pickens, chief research officer at Thomson Reuters. The Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index found that confidence increased two points from 97 in March to 99 in April, a statistically significant change. Full release.

Early reports indicate the 2010 hurricane season may see three to seven major storms, and the American Red Cross is getting prepared with the help of the corporations that are members of the organization's Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). Members of the ADGP pledge donations on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters. These companies understand that proper supplies and systems have to be in place to respond effectively. With pre-positioned supplies ready, the Red Cross can immediately take action when disasters, such as hurricanes, strike. Full release.

With only 70 percent of American students receiving a high school diploma, and 53 percent of those who make it to college requiring remedial help, McGraw-Hill Education and its Center for Digital Education hosted a daylong symposium this week to identify ways to improve college and career readiness for all U.S. citizens. Opening the first College and Career Readiness Symposium, Harold McGraw III, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The McGraw-Hill Companies, discussed the economic ties to education, noting, "At the end of the day, college and career readiness is all about American competitiveness. Without properly preparing our students for their paths, academic or otherwise, we'll only exacerbate our economic problems." Full release.

Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving was proud to support Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) on the passage of the ROADS SAFE Amendment as part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The amendment was approved by voice vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "MADD is grateful to Congressman Sarbanes for his leadership to eliminate drunk driving," said MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney. "Because of this amendment, the elimination of drunk driving will truly be possible." MADD also would like to thank Chairman Henry Waxman, Chairman Bobby Rush, and Chairman Emeritus John Dingell for their work on this legislation. Full release.

AJC criticized Middle East coverage in today's New York Times. Specifically, the global advocacy group called attention to a large photograph, by Said Khatib of AFP, and the accompanying headline and caption, in the middle of p. A10. The headline read "Airstrikes Hit Two Towns In Gaza Strip." The full caption stated: "Palestinians inspected the wreckage of a disused airport on Wednesday after an overnight Israeli airstrike in Rafah, a town in the southern Gaza Strip. No one was wounded, emergency services officials said. A second overnight Israeli airstrike, in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, left two people seriously wounded, according to Palestinian medical officials." Full release.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has retired its 2010 policy statement on female genital cutting (FGC). The AAP Board of Directors has approved the following as AAP policy on FGC: "The AAP reaffirms its strong opposition to FGC and counsels its members not to perform such procedures. As typically practiced, FGC can be life-threatening. Little girls who escape death are still vulnerable to sterility, infection, and psychological trauma. The AAP does not endorse the practice of offering a 'clitoral nick.' This minimal pinprick is forbidden under federal law and the AAP does not recommend it to its members. The AAP is steadfast in its goal of protecting all young girls from the harms of FGC." Full release.

The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, in a congressional hearing today, took a critical first step toward combating tobacco product smuggling and the tax evasion and public health harms it produces. The smuggling of cigarettes and other tobacco products is a serious problem that undermines efforts to reduce tobacco use and save lives, funds criminal activity and costs federal and state governments substantial sums of revenue. Full release.

Marilyn Heiman, director of the Pew Environment Group's U.S. Arctic Program, released the following statement in response to the Obama administration's expected announcement today that any applications for exploratory drilling in the Arctic will be suspended until 2011. "We are very pleased with the President's decision to suspend Arctic exploration drilling this summer. A delay until 2011 will provide the affected communities and agencies the opportunity to further study proposed drilling technology, oil spill response capabilities and the effects of oil drilling in the sensitive Arctic marine environment. Full release.

Sunday, May 30, 2010 marks the first Sunday of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's (The National Coalition) month-long push to encourage hard-to-reach residents in the black community to participate in the 2010 Census. The National Coalition's Unity Diaspora Coalition (UDC) has partnered with the National African American Clergy Network for the "Count on Me – Count Me In Census Campaign," a national initiative to stress the importance of participating in the census and urge church congregants who have not filled out a Census form to cooperate with census takers or call in their census forms immediately. Full release.

To mark World MS Day, today the National Multiple Sclerosis Society announced the culmination of the We Keep Moving journey, a 10-week reality road trip across America to chronicle the extraordinary lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) told by a documentary crew who have MS themselves. The Society initiated this campaign to capture unique personal stories of perseverance and triumph with the goal of uniting millions of people affected by MS and inspiring the general public with stories about people who might not ordinarily appear on their daily radar screens. Full release.

The average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit a new record low this week, inching to 4.92 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.42 discount and origination points. The average 15-year fixed mortgage held steady this week at 4.34 percent, as did the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate at 5.75 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages rose this week, with the average 3-year ARM climbing to 4.52 percent and the 5-year ARM rising to 4.26 percent. Full release.

In a press briefing in New York, Reverend Tomasz Trafny of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture announced what he characterized as the Vatican's first-ever contractual collaboration with an outside commercial venture to advance stem cell research – adult stem cell research. Reverend Trafny also revealed that the Pontifical Council for Culture through its charitable foundation STOQ International, is making an economic commitment of one million dollars to start its collaboration with NeoStem (NYSE Amex: NBS), an international biopharmaceutical company with operations in the US and China. Dr. Robin Smith, CEO of NeoStem, made the announcement along with Reverend Trafny. Full release.

Today Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) President and CEO, Jose Marquez-Leon released the following statement in response to the May 24, 2010 letter to the Federal Communications Commission on the importance of broadband adoption and deployment over regulation: "LISTA is pleased to see 74 members of Congress join together and speak with one voice on the importance of broadband technology to transform the communities where we live and work. Broadband technology can revitalize the Hispanic community-providing access to first class schools and job training for high-paying American jobs. Full release.

TripAdvisor for Business, a newly formed division of TripAdvisor LLC that provides the tourism industry unparalleled access to more than 34 million monthly visitors worldwide, has today announced efforts to provide marketing support to existing and new Gulf Coast partners affected by the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Owners of hotels, B&Bs and inns along the impacted coastal region from New Orleans, Louisiana to St. George Island, Florida-and within 10 miles of the shore-will receive a free Business Listing for three months, enabling hoteliers to add their direct contact details to their listings page on TripAdvisor. Owners and managers of vacation rental properties in the same designated region will receive three months of free advertising via Vacation Rentals, which connects researching travelers with available properties. Full release.

With a new poll by Rasmussen showing that 63% of likely voters want to repeal ObamaCare, the American people have an unparalleled opportunity to make their voices heard by signing Revere America's national petition to repeal and replace the government takeover of healthcare. The petition is available at www.revereamerica.org as part of Revere America's national petition drive to collect the names and signatures of at least one million Americans who want to repeal and replace ObamaCare. Full release.

Leading U.S. farm and forest products groups today called on Congress and the administration to help end tropical deforestation. The groups cited a new report showing that overseas agriculture and logging operations are expanding production by cutting down the world's rainforests, allowing them to flood the world market with cheap commodities that undercut American goods. The report estimates that ending deforestation will boost revenue for U.S. producers by between $196-$267 billion by 2030-approximately equivalent to the entire amount projected to be spent by farmers on energy during that time. Full release.

From Padre Island National Seashore in Texas to the Everglades National Park in Florida, the 15 national parks, wildlife refuges and state parks in Gulf states most threatened by the ongoing BP oil blowout are identified in a new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO). The new NRDC/RMCO report, "Special Places at Risk in the Gulf: Effects of the BP Oil Catastrophe," lists the following 15 top national and state parks and wildlife areas at risk to contamination because of the BP oil blowout. Full release.

GfK Financial Services, a division of GfK Custom Research North America, today announced highlights from a new OmniWeb survey that reveals almost half of Americans (42%) prefer the government take a less significant role in the financial services industry. Comparatively, only 26% of respondents say they'd like to see more government involvement. Surprisingly, "blue states" are in agreement with their Republican counterparts when it comes to government involvement in the financial services industry. In fact, more respondents on the predominately Democratic West coast report they would prefer to see a lighter federal hand in Wall Street affairs (46%) than their "red state" neighbors in the Midwest (44%) and the South (41%). Full release.

According to a national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) there are an estimated 9.8 million adults aged 18 or older living with serious mental illness. Among adults, the prevalence of serious mental illness is highest in the 18 to 25 age group, yet this age group is also the least likely to receive services or counseling for mental health issues. To help address this problem and as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, SAMHSA and The Advertising Council today launched a new series of national public service announcements (PSAs) designed to encourage, educate and inspire young adults (18-25 years old) to step up and support friends and family they know are experiencing a mental health problem. Full release.

This day marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications. Unless otherwise indicated, all the data are from the Americans with Disabilities: 2005 report at http://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/p70-117.pdf. Full release.

As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors Memorial Day weekend, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention reminds everyone to practice sun-safe behaviors-pack those wide-brimmed hats in the suitcase. The incidence of melanoma (the most fatal of skin cancers) continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than any of the seven most common cancers.(1) In an effort to raise awareness about a health issue that is largely preventable: skin cancer, the Council is naming the Friday before Memorial Day Don't Fry Day. Full release.

Today, the Natural Products Association (NPA) offered its support of the Dietary Supplement Full Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2010, legislation that would provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with additional resources to enforce the strong, existing laws governing supplements, while also holding FDA accountable for their activities with the added resources. The bill was introduced today by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT). "While some have called for additional regulations on supplements, Senators Harkin and Hatch understand that the real need is to fully enforce the stringent statutes already on the books, to the full extent of the law," said NPA Executive Director and CEO John Gay. "The way to get the bad actors out of the industry is by putting more cops on the street, plain and simple." Full release.

The Pew Environment Group today criticized the decision by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to certify Antarctic krill. The certification gives the false impression that the entire fishery for Antarctic krill is sustainable when in reality it is not. Seafood with the MSC label implies that it has been caught in a sustainable manner and does not threaten the local marine ecosystem. Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that serve as a critical food source for penguins, seals and many species of whales that feed in the Southern Ocean, the waters surrounding Antarctica. This new certification poses a serious threat to these and other Antarctic animals that depend on krill to survive. Full release.

The U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA) thanked Members of Congress for urging the Federal Communications Commission to avoid reclassifying broadband as a telephone service. This will have implications for consumers, particularly those who use high-speed Internet for distance learning and educational purposes. USDLA thanks the 106 Members of Congress for their leadership in urging the Federal Communications Commission to rethink their "Third Way." Such a fundamental shift in the legal framework for broadband services will potentially lead to regulatory uncertainty and possibly deter industry investment. Congressional engagement is needed to clarify regulatory authority over broadband internet transmission. Full release.

An estimated 5.5 million homeowners facing imminent foreclosure are one signature away from assistance thanks to legislation approved in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The plan is modeled after the successful Pennsylvania program Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) introduced and steered into law in 1983, the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) as a state representative in the Pennsylvania legislature. Since HEMAP's inception in Pennsylvania, more than 43,000 owners have avoided losing their homes. Full release.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans will be celebrating 20 years of leadership in serving the nation's veterans in crisis during the NCHV Annual Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., June 21-23. Representatives of community-based service providers, federal agencies invested in their work and corporate partners will assemble to advance President Barack Obama's and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki's Five Year Plan to End Veteran Homelessness. Full release.

A recent survey by myYearbook and Ketchum of teen social media users showed that not only are online influencers more likely than the average teen to participate in social media activities, such as updating their status at least once per day or sending 3,000 texts per month, but they also are spending more time socializing and influencing their peers offline. The study surveyed 10,000 teens, aged 13 to 19, who are members of myYearbook, and identified teen influencers in the social media space to provide insight on how they share information and interact online. Social media teen influencers are defined as the top 15 percent most active and most engaged teens in the myYearbook community. Full release.

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), the only provider of truly global mobile satellite communications, announces the launch of its fourth annual Test Your Satellite Phone (TYSP) Week initiative, reminding users to make sure their satellite phones are ready to deploy at a moment notice when natural or manmade disasters strike. First responders, emergency relief and recovery workers, and organizations with international operations depend on Iridium satellite phones for vital communications in the aftermath of disasters because we offer reliable, global service in an easy-to-use and extremely mobile handset, said Don Thoma, executive vice president, marketing, for Iridium. Full release.

A record 235 new medicines to treat diabetes, one of the fastest-growing diseases in America, are being developed by America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, according to a national report unveiled today in Charleston. In West Virginia, 11.4% of the adult population suffers from diabetes-a rate that has more than doubled since 1994. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of data from 2006-2008, West Virginia has the highest rate of diabetes in the U.S. "We released this report in West Virginia because of its alarming rates of diabetes, which unfortunately reflect a trend prevalent throughout the nation," said Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. "Perhaps the most shocking and disturbing trend is the rise of diabetes among children, which the American Diabetes Association calls 'a new epidemic.'" Full release.

Congress typically enters the summertime of an election year with one thing in mind-the recess-when Members can go home to their districts and hit the campaign trail. This year is no different, but it is an atypical political environment in which these candidates are playing. More than four in five Americans (85%) disapprove of the overall job Congress is doing with almost half (48%) saying they are doing a poor job, the lowest rating. There is also a clear feeling of anti-incumbency among the public as half of Americans (49%) say almost everyone in Congress, including their representative should be thrown out, compared to 23% of U.S. adults who say there are a lot of problems in Washington and with the system, but their member of Congress has done a pretty good job and deserves re-election. Over one-quarter (28%) are not sure as to which way they fall on this issue. Full release.

Despite challenging economic conditions and regulatory uncertainty, global executives believe that the climate change agenda will significantly impact business performance and strategy over the next few years according to a new survey by Ernst & Young: Action amid uncertainty: the business response to climate change. Three hundred global corporate executives from 16 countries with at least US$1b in annual revenue participated in the survey conducted during spring 2010. The survey found that corporate executives expect to make significant investments to deliver both cost savings and revenue generation opportunities relating to climate change. Full release.

As the United Nations meets to discuss the state of high seas fisheries management, two independent, peer-reviewed studies reveal that ineffective international management is undermining the future of high seas fisheries, fish populations and the health of marine ecosystems. One study-published online by the journal Science-finds that governments have been ineffective in stopping illegal fishing. The Pew Environment Group, which prepared this first-ever comprehensive report on the topic, reached that conclusion by evaluating government actions regarding documented vessels, known to fish illegally, that enter ports with fish from the high seas. Full release.

At a Capitol Hill briefing today hosted by the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, the smart microgrid design emerged as the vision for transforming the electricity system and improving the value proposition for customers. Presenters from the Galvin Electricity Initiative, Pareto Energy and the Intel Open Energy Initiative outlined plans for wide-scale implementation of microgrid development and the policy changes needed to make this vision a reality. Full release.

For the third year in a row, violent crime has declined in the United States while increasing numbers of American citizens own firearms and are licensed to carry, a trend that belies predictions of anti-gunners that more guns will result in more crime, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today. Preliminary data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report shows that the violent crime rate went down 5.5 percent in 2009, compared to statistics from 2008. This covers all four categories of violent crime: murder, robbery, aggravated assault and forcible rape. Violent crime went down 4 percent in metropolitan counties and 3 percent elsewhere, according to the FBI. Full release.

Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, today introduced two new training computers designed for consumers who are looking to get active and those who are seeking motivation and exercise guidance. The Polar FT1 and FT2 training computers are easy-to-use and feature large displays and one-button functionality. At the end of each workout, users receive an exercise summary including the duration of their exercise in addition to average and maximum heart rate. "Training with heart rate is one of the most effective ways to increase fitness, achieve exercise goals and improve overall health," said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. "With the new FT1 and FT2, the sophisticated technology that Polar is recognized for is now available to consumers in these new easy-to-use products at an affordable price. Full release.

A groundbreaking new report from The National Farmers Union and Avoided Deforestation Partners will detail how illegal and unsustainable overseas agriculture and logging operations are rapidly cutting down the world's rainforests for cheap land and timber. This deforestation is allowing them to flood the market with cheap beef, timber, soybeans, and vegetable oils, driving down commodity prices and costing American farmers, ranchers and timber producers hundreds of billions of dollars. Full release.

he Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) today released a national policy brief on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Act") that summarizes state requirements, as well as opportunities at the state and local levels to shape health care delivery. "This Policy Brief is a tool to help policy-makers, providers of care, foundations, and individuals understand the scope of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and point out where the opportunities exist to collaborate on improving health care delivery and public health," says Marianne Udow-Phillips, director of CHRT. Full release.

The ongoing Gulf oil spill poses an historic challenge to the national parks in the Gulf region, and beyond. The National Park Foundation, official charity of America's national parks, today launched the National Parks Disaster Recovery Fund. The public outreach and fundraising campaign will support the National Park Service's response to the Gulf oil spill, and will also serve to create lasting capacity to help national parks recover from future natural and man-made disasters. No funds raised will be used to mitigate the liability of any responsible parties for the injuries caused by the oil spill. "The federal government's unprecedented response to the environmental disaster in the Gulf is matched only by the desire of the American people to help," said Tom Strickland, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks of the U.S. Department of the Interior. "Thanks to this effort by the National Park Foundation, those who wish to help us protect national parks threatened by the oil spill can do so." Full release.

A new Harris Interactive poll shows a majority of American parents believe they, rather than the government, should have the final say in which vaccines their children receive. The poll, commissioned by the Center for Personal Rights, queried a representative sample of American parents about vaccination. The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Center for Personal Rights, Inc. from May 5-11, 2010 among 1,144 parents of children age 17 years or younger. Poll results indicate a majority of American parents, 52%, believe that "parents should have the right to decide which vaccines their children receive without government mandates." Full release.

In an eight minute video debate featuring excerpts from a Milken Institute panel discussion held in 2006 entitled "Illegal Immigration How Should We Deal With It?" sociology Professor Ruben Rumbaut warns of the danger that civil unrest in the United States will result if we ignore the developing underclass of children born to illegal immigrants. Other experts and elected officials reveal statistics and explore how legal and illegal immigration the United States could lead to the same type of violence that occurred in France and England. It was noted that the violence in Europe was caused by children of immigrants from Pakistan and other Muslim countries. Watch Video Here: http://www.fulldisclosure.net/flash/VideoBlogs/39.php Full release.

Last night, Congressional Democrats successfully passed Wall Street reform in the Senate. In response, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement: "President Obama, Congressional Democrats and the American people achieved a victory with the passage in the Senate of strong Wall Street reforms that will rein in big banks' riskiest financial practices and extend new financial protections to American families and taxpayers. Despite weeks of Republican attempts to weaken or delay the bill's passage, Democrats are now one step closer to enacting these critical reforms. I would like to congratulate the Democratic leaders who made this possible-and every Democrat who cast a vote in favor of tougher regulations and a stronger economy." Full release.

Today the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released a report outlining the adverse economic and employment impacts of the EPA's inability to approve or set discernable standards for the approval of coal mining permits in Appalachia. The states that will be economically hardest hit by this virtual moratorium on permitting are West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama. The minority staff report was released by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), who is the ranking member of the Committee. "The EPA is making clear its intentions to destroy jobs and economic security in West Virginia and throughout Appalachia," said Bryan Brown, state coordinator of West Virginia FACES of Coal. "The Senate report acknowledges the job destruction and economic peril EPA's actions are having on this region. We urge our elected leaders in Washington to continue their efforts to secure coal jobs and our economic future." Full release.

A Philadelphia-area inventor is conferring with distributors and cleanup specialists to supply them with InsulSorb materials, a product designed to minimize ecological damage to the Gulf waters and wetlands that utilizes loose fiberglass wool from CertainTeed Corporation. Specializing in the development of high volume sorbent materials and booms, Jeffrey Brelsford, president of S.E. Squared, Inc., came up with the idea of treating fiberglass insulation rendering it hydrophobic. Specifically, the patent-pending InsulSorb is designed to repel water and absorb toxic or hazardous materials such as oil, antifreeze, gasoline and other pollutants from bodies of water, garage floors and roadways. Full release.

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