Education Recap

Remarks by the President and Dr. Jill Biden at Signing of Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

"A Great Battle Pitting the Interests of the Banks and Financial Institutions Against the Interests of Students"

The Department of Education is on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/ED.gov

Older topic but still relevant, the overhauling of No Child Left Behind.

Need to research education topics? Members of the SU community may use our Education Subject Guide. The guide includes resources (ERIC and government websites) that may be used by the general public.

The Great Outdoors

Plan to visit a National Park during National Parks Week (April 17-25, 2010) because all entrance fees will be wavered.

Here's a way to combine your love of brackets with National Parks, National Parks Playoffs.

Want to learn more about nature and science? Consider attending the Public Lecture Series: Science in Action by the USGS. The April 7th lecture will be Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds by Robert Gill and Dr. L. David Mech. Can't make it in person? The lectures will be available in video following each lecture.

Prefer active vacations? Check out this article on 4 National Park Adventures.

Win $2,500 in USA.gov Video Contest

Here's your chance to win $2,500. Create a video (read here for all of the rules & details) for USA.gov's Video Contest.

Nifty Census 2010 Participation Map

Is your state one of the top 5? How's your city doing? Census 2010 National Participation Rate

Tornado Season / Gift Cards / Health Reform & You

Do you have your safe place ready for tornado season? For us in the south, the season is upon us. I keep our bicycle helmets in our safe room at home. I also move heavy items from their normal spots on the higher shelves. It's easier at work, I just head down to the lower level of library. Be prepared!

I used a Christmas gift card last week. I held my breath while the cashier swiped the card because it might have expired while I was saving it for a special reason. Now, I won't have to worry about new gift cards because the Federal Reserve announced rules to restrict fees and expiration dates. 

How will the new health reform legislation effect you? The White House has a section, What will the President's proposal mean for you? on their health reform website and a March 23 blog post, What's in the Health Care Bill? Of course, these aren't the only ways for you to learn more. The Samford community may wish to search for newspaper articles on this topic using our newspaper databases.

Health Care Reform Legislation Available on FDsys

Did you watch the live bill signing today?

Have you read the legislation passed by the House of Representatives yet? If not, it's now available on FDsys. The press release includes direct links.

Need your own copies? You can buy copies from GPO via their online bookstore.

Watch the Bill Signing

The White House will stream the health reform bill signing live this afternoon at 11:15 AM EDT.

E-filing

I know for certain I'm not the only one that has not yet begun working on his or her taxes. I'm pretty sure that I'll be one of the few to complete my taxes in pencil and return my forms via U.S. Postal Service. I'll admit that I'm thinking about e-filing this year. I do know that I don't want to pay for the privilege. Yes, there are free options but, I'm not in a hurry to pay Uncle Sam so why e-file? Well, there are other reasons to e-file (a faster refund is top of the list should you be so lucky). Do you have questions about the process? Does your state participate? Who can e-file for free? Head on over to the e-file information page to get these answers and more.

How much will it cost us?

Health care reform was one of the major topics this morning. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an update yesterday regarding the cost estimates. CBO has pulled together related health care reform publications that include the cost estimates for everyone to read.

Floods

We experienced some flooding in Shelby County, AL last week. Now, other areas of the country are dealing with flooding or are preparing for the possibility of floods.

The USGS floods FAQs will answer some of your flood questions. One important question for new homeowners, is where can you find flood maps?

Also from the USGS, a map of flood and high flow conditions.

Curious about the state of the Red River in ND? Monitor the situation by viewing the webcams.

Census 2010

Have you received the letter informing you that you will receive the Census 2010 form soon? Mine arrived yesterday.

I've heard some strange stories about the upcoming census. As in, the questions are too personal. The best way to be sure 1) your form really is from the census 2) how and why you should answer the questions is to head over to the Census 2010 website or the Census 2010 FAQ from USA.gov.

 

Earned Income Tax Credit

Not sure if you should (or legally can) claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Jobs Bill

The Senate's Jobs Bill is available on FDsys. The bill is authenticated by a digital signature.

Traveling to Mexico and Spring Break Abroad

Did you know that you need to show either a passport or a passport card in order to travel to (and of course, back home) Mexico? This requirement is a part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) The other countries included in WHTI are Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean region.

Traveling abroad during spring break? Other than being lucky to go somewhere, be sure you have everything in order by examining Students Abroad.

Display of the Month: Women's History Month

We celebrate Women's History Month with a lovely display prepared by our intern, Ms. Barton. You don't want to miss it!

• American Women Today & Tomorrow
• Facts on Working Women
• Healthy Women / Healthy Lifestyles
• National Women's History Museum Act of 2003
• The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages
• United States Women in Aviation, 1940-1985
• Women & Girls in Education
• Women in Congress, 1917-1990
• Women's History is Everywhere: 10 ideas for celebrating in communities
• Workers & Allies: Female participation in the American Trade Union Movement, 1824-1976
• Young Women & Employment

Women's History Month from the Library of Congress offers a great collection of resources.

Earthquake in Chile

The Earthquake Hazards Program (USGS) has pulled together technical and scientific information along with addition resources about the latest earthquake in Chile.