OLR Report 2013-R-0450 summarizes for statistical data and research on suicide rates from the states that have passed assisted suicide legislation, before and after the legislation passed.
Three states (Oregon, Vermont, and Washington) currently have statutes providing a procedure for a terminally ill patient to request medication to end his or her life. These laws are sometimes referred to as “death with dignity” or “physician-assisted suicide” laws. Oregon’s law took effect in 1997, Washington’s in 2009, and Vermont’s in 2013. In each of these states, the law specifies that actions taken in accordance with it do not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, or homicide under the law. Montana does not have such a statute, but the state’s Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that doctors have a defense to prosecution for assisting a suicide with the person’s consent (Baxter v. Montana, 354 Mont. 234 (2009)).
The report provides the suicide rates since 1990 for Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the nation as a whole. Oregon and Washington have each had suicide rates that are higher than the national average since 1990. Vermont’s suicide rate has been higher than the national average in most years during that period, except for a few years in the mid to late 1990s. The report presents this data, as well as information on suicide rates by age group and gender in these three states. It also presents data on Oregon’s and Washington’s Death with Dignity Acts.
For more information, read the full report.
December 17, 2013
Payday Lending Reform
The Pew Charitable Trusts organization recently released a third report in their “Payday Lending in America” series. The report discusses policy solutions providing safeguards making payday loans safer. The report also focuses on a Colorado law that applies some of these safeguards.
Among other things, the report found that payday loans are unaffordable for most borrowers because repayment requires about one third of a borrower’s paycheck, resulting in subsequent borrowing. According to the report, most payday loan borrowers can afford to put only 5% of their income toward loan repayment and still meet their basic expenses.
Among other things, the report found that payday loans are unaffordable for most borrowers because repayment requires about one third of a borrower’s paycheck, resulting in subsequent borrowing. According to the report, most payday loan borrowers can afford to put only 5% of their income toward loan repayment and still meet their basic expenses.
According to the report, of the 35 states that allow payday lending today, Colorado is unique in its approach of focusing on affordability by transforming these loans from lump-sum to installment products. However, the report states that consumers support even more regulation of this market.
The report provides the following policy recommendations to make payday loans more safe, transparent, and predictable:
- Small-dollar cash loans should be prohibited if they require payments of more than 5% of pretax income.
- Costs should be spread evenly over the life of the loan.
- Harmful repayment or collection practices should be guarded against.
- Disclosures that reflect costs should be required.
- Maximum allowable charges should be set.
December 16, 2013
Hate Crimes Statistics
According to recent FBI statistics, law enforcement agencies nationally reported 5,796 hate crime incidents in 2012, down from 6,222 incidents in 2011.
During 2012, the most common motivation for hate crime single-bias incidents was race (48.3%), followed by sexual orientation (19.6%), religion (19.0%), ethnicity/ national origin (11.5%), and disability (1.6%).
There were 3,968 victims of hate crimes against persons. The most common crimes against such victims were simple assault (39.6%), intimidation (37.5%), and aggravated assault (21.5%).
There were also 2,993 victims of hate crimes against property. The majority of such crimes involved destruction, damage, or vandalism (75.6%). The next most common crimes were larceny-theft (9.4%), burglary (5.8%), and robbery (5.0%).
While the national numbers were down slightly, there was a small increase in reported incidents by Connecticut law enforcement agencies. In 2012, 48 law enforcement agencies in Connecticut reported hate crimes, with 149 total reported incidents. In 2011, 42 agencies reported 142 such incidents.
During 2012, the most common motivation for hate crime single-bias incidents was race (48.3%), followed by sexual orientation (19.6%), religion (19.0%), ethnicity/ national origin (11.5%), and disability (1.6%).
There were 3,968 victims of hate crimes against persons. The most common crimes against such victims were simple assault (39.6%), intimidation (37.5%), and aggravated assault (21.5%).
There were also 2,993 victims of hate crimes against property. The majority of such crimes involved destruction, damage, or vandalism (75.6%). The next most common crimes were larceny-theft (9.4%), burglary (5.8%), and robbery (5.0%).
While the national numbers were down slightly, there was a small increase in reported incidents by Connecticut law enforcement agencies. In 2012, 48 law enforcement agencies in Connecticut reported hate crimes, with 149 total reported incidents. In 2011, 42 agencies reported 142 such incidents.
Anti-Flu Drugs Underused for Seriously Ill Children
A new study finds that antiviral drugs effective in treating the flu in children are not being used as much as they once were.
Antiviral use has decreased since the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, and reported in the New York Times.
The study found that prompt use of such drugs as Tamiflu and Relenza can save the lives of children in intensive care units. But the study found that while 90% of critically ill children got the drugs during the pandemic, only 63% received them in a two year period after the pandemic.
“Antivirals…decrease mortality, and the sooner you give them the more effectively they do that,” said one doctor, who was not involved in the study.
According to study author Dr. Janice K. Louie, “one of the goals of the study was to increase awareness and remind clinicians that antiviral use is important in this population.”
Antiviral use has decreased since the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, and reported in the New York Times.
The study found that prompt use of such drugs as Tamiflu and Relenza can save the lives of children in intensive care units. But the study found that while 90% of critically ill children got the drugs during the pandemic, only 63% received them in a two year period after the pandemic.
“Antivirals…decrease mortality, and the sooner you give them the more effectively they do that,” said one doctor, who was not involved in the study.
According to study author Dr. Janice K. Louie, “one of the goals of the study was to increase awareness and remind clinicians that antiviral use is important in this population.”
December 13, 2013
Two Connecticut School Districts Announced as Finalists for Race to the Top Grants
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the 31 finalists for the second Race to the Top school district level competition, worth $120 million to the ultimate winners. The department expects to name up to 10 such winners by December 31, 2013. The winners will receive grants ranging from $4 million to $30 million.
There are two districts from Connecticut, New Haven and Norwalk, still in the mix. Other finalists include large urban districts such as Baltimore, Denver, and Houston, a handful of rural districts (such as a group from the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative), and at least one group of charter schools via Rocketship Education in California. The finalists were selected from a field of more than 200 applicants by a panel of three peer reviewers. The applications were screened with an eye toward districts that emphasize personalized learning.
The district level Race to the Top competition is the less publicized version of the Obama Administration’s Race to the Top competitive education grants for states announced in 2010. The state of Connecticut did not win in either round of the state version of the competition -- maybe it will be different for two of our individual districts.
There are two districts from Connecticut, New Haven and Norwalk, still in the mix. Other finalists include large urban districts such as Baltimore, Denver, and Houston, a handful of rural districts (such as a group from the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative), and at least one group of charter schools via Rocketship Education in California. The finalists were selected from a field of more than 200 applicants by a panel of three peer reviewers. The applications were screened with an eye toward districts that emphasize personalized learning.
The district level Race to the Top competition is the less publicized version of the Obama Administration’s Race to the Top competitive education grants for states announced in 2010. The state of Connecticut did not win in either round of the state version of the competition -- maybe it will be different for two of our individual districts.
Hot Report: Federal Legislation on EpiPens in Schools
OLR Report 2013-R-0447 explains recent federal legislation concerning epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) in schools, including how the legislation applies to Connecticut.
On November 13, 2013, President Obama signed into law the “School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act” (P.L. 113-48). While the act does not require schools to maintain EpiPens, it incentivizes states to require elementary and secondary schools to maintain them. It also incentivizes states to (1) permit trained school personnel to administer epinephrine to any student for an anaphylactic reaction and (2) provide civil liability protection for such personnel when aiding students in an emergency. The act provides that states adopting such laws will be given priority for federal asthma prevention and education grant funding.
Currently, Connecticut law allows school nurses and other specified personnel to administer medication, including epinephrine, to a student pursuant to a medical order and written authorization of the parent or guardian (CGS § 10-212a). However, Connecticut law does not address the issue of administering EpiPens to any student absent such authorization or schools maintaining an emergency stock of EpiPens. If Connecticut enacted legislation meeting the requirements of the federal act, the state would qualify for the funding preference as specified above.
During the 2013 legislative session, two proposed Public Health Committee bills (HB 5537 and SB 61) would have allowed school nurses to administer epinephrine to a student in an emergency, without requiring a written order from the student’s physician or other health care provider. One of the bills (SB 61) received a public hearing, but the committee took no further action on it.
Another proposed Education Committee bill (SB 84) would have required school bus drivers to be trained by the Connecticut School Transportation Association to administer epinephrine. It did not receive a public hearing.
Currently, four states (Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and Virginia) require schools to maintain an emergency stock of EpiPens. For more information on other states’ laws on this issue, see OLR Report 2013-R-0399.
For more information, read the full report.
On November 13, 2013, President Obama signed into law the “School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act” (P.L. 113-48). While the act does not require schools to maintain EpiPens, it incentivizes states to require elementary and secondary schools to maintain them. It also incentivizes states to (1) permit trained school personnel to administer epinephrine to any student for an anaphylactic reaction and (2) provide civil liability protection for such personnel when aiding students in an emergency. The act provides that states adopting such laws will be given priority for federal asthma prevention and education grant funding.
Currently, Connecticut law allows school nurses and other specified personnel to administer medication, including epinephrine, to a student pursuant to a medical order and written authorization of the parent or guardian (CGS § 10-212a). However, Connecticut law does not address the issue of administering EpiPens to any student absent such authorization or schools maintaining an emergency stock of EpiPens. If Connecticut enacted legislation meeting the requirements of the federal act, the state would qualify for the funding preference as specified above.
During the 2013 legislative session, two proposed Public Health Committee bills (HB 5537 and SB 61) would have allowed school nurses to administer epinephrine to a student in an emergency, without requiring a written order from the student’s physician or other health care provider. One of the bills (SB 61) received a public hearing, but the committee took no further action on it.
Another proposed Education Committee bill (SB 84) would have required school bus drivers to be trained by the Connecticut School Transportation Association to administer epinephrine. It did not receive a public hearing.
Currently, four states (Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and Virginia) require schools to maintain an emergency stock of EpiPens. For more information on other states’ laws on this issue, see OLR Report 2013-R-0399.
For more information, read the full report.
‘Tis the Season for Sales Tax Evasion
A recent National Retail Federation survey found that the average Thanksgiving weekend shopper spent 43.7% of his or her total spending online ($177.67), up from 40.7% last year. But is the average shopper paying sales taxes on those purchases?
As Joseph Henchman from the Tax Foundation points out, the answer depends on what state the shopper is in and whether the online retailer has “nexus” (or physical presence) in the state. And in some states, including Connecticut, certain online retailers with affiliates must collect sales taxes even if they have no property or employees in the state. But even if the online retailer does not collect state sales tax, the purchase is not necessarily tax-free. In many cases, taxpayers owe use tax on those purchases.
That’s the message Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is trying to spread. As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, DRS is reminding taxpayers that they owe use tax on online purchases if they were not charged sales tax at the point of sale. The use tax (6.35% for most taxable goods and services) is due by April 15, along with the personal income tax, for purchases made during the preceding calendar year.
As Joseph Henchman from the Tax Foundation points out, the answer depends on what state the shopper is in and whether the online retailer has “nexus” (or physical presence) in the state. And in some states, including Connecticut, certain online retailers with affiliates must collect sales taxes even if they have no property or employees in the state. But even if the online retailer does not collect state sales tax, the purchase is not necessarily tax-free. In many cases, taxpayers owe use tax on those purchases.
That’s the message Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is trying to spread. As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, DRS is reminding taxpayers that they owe use tax on online purchases if they were not charged sales tax at the point of sale. The use tax (6.35% for most taxable goods and services) is due by April 15, along with the personal income tax, for purchases made during the preceding calendar year.
December 12, 2013
Allentown Revisited
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| photo: flickr user sludgegulper |
And they're closing all the factories down
Out in Bethlehem they're killing time
Filling out forms
Standing in line, sang Billy Joel in his 1982 hit, “Allentown,” a song that for many symbolized the decline of American manufacturing and expressed the despair many factory workers felt after losing their jobs.
There were other Allentowns dotting America’s industrial heartland, including Louisville, Kentucky, home of GE’s Appliance City, where the number of people making appliances peaked at 23,000 in 1973 before dropping to under 1,900 in 2011 as jobs were outsourced to China. Well, those jobs are coming back to Appliance City, Charles Fishman explained in his December 2012 Atlantic article.
Why are they coming back? Fishman cites some obvious and not so obvious reasons.
- Appliances made abroad can be copied and manufactured more cheaply by competitors.
- Oil prices have tripled since 2000, driving up cargo shipping costs.
- America’s abundant natural gas supply has lowered factories’ energy costs.
- Labor costs are rising in China as workers are making five times more than they did in 2000, with wages expected to increase 18% per year in the future.
- As American workers become more productive, labor costs become a smaller portion of the cost of producing goods.
Another lesson was a math lesson, namely labor isn’t the only variable that affects cost. According to manufacturing expert and Lean Enterprise Institute CEO John Shook, “There was a herd mentality to the offshoring…But it was also the inability to see the total costs—the engineers in the U.S. and factory managers in China who can’t talk to each other; the management hours and money flying to Asia to find out why the quality they wanted wasn’t being delivered. The cost of all that is huge.”
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| photo: GE |
Fishman concludes that these lessons add up to this: “GE is rediscovering that how you run a factory is a technology in and of itself. Your factory is really a laboratory—and the R&D that can happen there, if you pay attention, is worth a lot more to the bottom line than the cost savings of cheap labor in someone else’s factory.”
Beginning to Discover the Causes of Autism
A team of researchers, including researchers at Yale University, recently found which regions of the brain and cell types are subject to gene mutations that lead to autism. The team published their results in the journal Cell.
“Although other genes and neural circuits that contribute to autism spectrum still remain to be found, the new findings suggest new targeted treatments for autism may be possible,” said Nenad Sestan, professor of neurobiology, investigator for the Kavli Institute for Neuroscience at Yale, and co-senior author of the paper, told Yale News.
The team found that one group of genes affected the brain three to five months after conception. The genes change the growth of a particular type of neuron cell. Another group of genes affects the mid-frontal cortex region of the brain.
The researchers don’t yet know how the changes result in autism and the disorder’s symptoms.
“Although other genes and neural circuits that contribute to autism spectrum still remain to be found, the new findings suggest new targeted treatments for autism may be possible,” said Nenad Sestan, professor of neurobiology, investigator for the Kavli Institute for Neuroscience at Yale, and co-senior author of the paper, told Yale News.
The team found that one group of genes affected the brain three to five months after conception. The genes change the growth of a particular type of neuron cell. Another group of genes affects the mid-frontal cortex region of the brain.
The researchers don’t yet know how the changes result in autism and the disorder’s symptoms.
December 11, 2013
IRS Proposes New Political Activity Rules for 501(c)(4) Organizations
The IRS recently proposed new rules concerning political activity by 501(c)(4) organizations (i.e., social welfare organizations). The proposed rules, which are currently subject to public comment, are intended to provide the organizations with guidance on political activities that will not be considered to promote social welfare. Under existing IRS rules, 501(c)(4) organizations may make expenditures for political campaign activities so long as such activities do not constitute the organization’s primary activity (generally they can spend up to half of their money on political activity). However, the existing rules do not specify what constitutes political activity.
A 501(c)(4) organization is tax-exempt and may receive anonymous donations of any size. Its primary purpose must be to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community.
A 501(c)(4) organization is tax-exempt and may receive anonymous donations of any size. Its primary purpose must be to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community.
Hot Report: Pesticide Issues
OLR Report 2013-R-0436 answers three questions
There is a voluminous and evolving scientific literature on pesticides and it is beyond our capacity to summarize even the most recent developments in this field. Nonetheless, it is clear that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the health and environmental effects of some widely used pesticides. Partially as a result of this, different jurisdictions have handled the same pesticide in different ways. This report summarizes a handful of recent scientific studies.
The report also summarizes significant pesticide legislation that has been enacted in California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. These states have regulated pesticides in various ways. For example, the District of Columbia limits the application of certain pesticides at schools and day care centers, near waterways, and on district property. Illinois requires licensed day care centers to ensure that pesticide products will not be applied to their grounds when children are present. Maine required the Board of Pesticides Control to develop best management practices for establishing and maintaining school lawns, playgrounds, and playing fields. New York (1) prohibits the use of certain pesticides for commercial lawn application and at certain locations including schools and day care centers. Virginia requires the (1) Department of Education to make information on IPM programs available to school boards and (2) state Cooperative Extension Service, in cooperation with the Pesticide Control Board, to develop guidelines for IPM.
For more information, read the full report.
- What is the definition of integrated pest management (IPM)?
- What have been recent developments in the scientific understanding of pesticides, particularly when used in settings such as schools and parks?
- What significant pesticide legislation have other states, including New York, adopted in recent years?
While there are many definitions of IPM, it generally refers to a way of managing pests using a variety of management methods, which may include the use of pesticides, to keep pest populations at an acceptable level. Connecticut law contains two definitions of IPM that identify a range of techniques to cope with pests. Both of Connecticut’s statutory definitions, as well as one developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allow for the “judicious” use of pesticides, which include substances used to kill or control weeds, insects, and rodents. The definitions generally call for taking a context-specific approach to pest management.
There is a voluminous and evolving scientific literature on pesticides and it is beyond our capacity to summarize even the most recent developments in this field. Nonetheless, it is clear that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the health and environmental effects of some widely used pesticides. Partially as a result of this, different jurisdictions have handled the same pesticide in different ways. This report summarizes a handful of recent scientific studies.
The report also summarizes significant pesticide legislation that has been enacted in California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. These states have regulated pesticides in various ways. For example, the District of Columbia limits the application of certain pesticides at schools and day care centers, near waterways, and on district property. Illinois requires licensed day care centers to ensure that pesticide products will not be applied to their grounds when children are present. Maine required the Board of Pesticides Control to develop best management practices for establishing and maintaining school lawns, playgrounds, and playing fields. New York (1) prohibits the use of certain pesticides for commercial lawn application and at certain locations including schools and day care centers. Virginia requires the (1) Department of Education to make information on IPM programs available to school boards and (2) state Cooperative Extension Service, in cooperation with the Pesticide Control Board, to develop guidelines for IPM.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Conducting Massive Study of Vets’ Health
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting a longitudinal study of 60,000 vets and their health. Called the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans, the department wants to study this group for 10 years.
The study aims to:
The study aims to:
- provide insight on the overall health of recent veterans,
- improve the VA’s understanding of what health services veterans need, and
- maximize the quality of care that the VA offers.
- 30,000 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans;
- 30,000 veterans who served elsewhere during the same time period;
- veterans from each branch of the military;
- active duty, reserve, and National Guard members; and
- a sample of women veterans amounting to 20% of the total group.
December 10, 2013
Watch Out For Falling Gas Prices
The Atlantic notes that gasoline prices have fallen to their lowest levels in more than two years. Part of the decline is attributable to soft demand resulting from Americans buying more fuel-efficient cars and younger people driving less. But another part of the decline is due to the international market for diesel fuel. According to the article, demand for diesel is strong in Europe and Asia. But when you make diesel, you also make other petroleum products like gasoline. In trying to take advantage of high diesel prices abroad, refiners may be driving down gasoline prices in this country.
According to the Energy Information Administration, it is likely that gasoline prices will remain relatively low for some time. It has forecast that the U.S. annual average regular gasoline retail price will be $3.50 per gallon in 2013 and $3.39 per gallon in 2014, compared to $3.63 per gallon in 2012. On the other hand, the article notes that oil is getting harder to find and extract, requiring greater and greater investments of time, money, and energy. Thus, the current positive outlook is not necessarily indicative of a long-term trend.
According to the Energy Information Administration, it is likely that gasoline prices will remain relatively low for some time. It has forecast that the U.S. annual average regular gasoline retail price will be $3.50 per gallon in 2013 and $3.39 per gallon in 2014, compared to $3.63 per gallon in 2012. On the other hand, the article notes that oil is getting harder to find and extract, requiring greater and greater investments of time, money, and energy. Thus, the current positive outlook is not necessarily indicative of a long-term trend.
Online Student Advising
Education Advisory Board, a Washington, D.C. research and consulting company, has developed advisement software that encourages students to define their academic goals and alerts them when they are straying from their plan. The Atlantic reports that this software is designed to help students who are enrolled in four-year colleges or universities. However, it may be especially helpful for community college students who traditionally struggle to complete their two-year programs on time.
Federal statistics show that only 20% of first-time, full-time community college students obtain an associate’s degree within three years when enrolled in a traditional two-year program. Several factors may contribute to this low number. For instance, the ratio of students to advisors at the average community college is 1,000 to 1. Also, community colleges serve a very diverse student body, from working adults seeking higher credentials to newly-graduated high school students, who have vastly different advisement needs. As these institutions work under budget constraints, many students are left to navigate the academic system on their own.
Education Advisory Board’s web-based software for four-year institutions alerts advisors when a student fails to sign up for a required course, risks losing financial aid, or earns a low grade in a required course for his or her major. For two-year schools, the company is developing a tool that asks students questions about their academic strengths, interests, family income, time constraints, and desired degree. The tool would then suggest majors and degree programs for students and provide information on salaries earned by comparable graduates. The goal is to compile this information to allow the current community college administrative systems and advisors to better help their students.
Federal statistics show that only 20% of first-time, full-time community college students obtain an associate’s degree within three years when enrolled in a traditional two-year program. Several factors may contribute to this low number. For instance, the ratio of students to advisors at the average community college is 1,000 to 1. Also, community colleges serve a very diverse student body, from working adults seeking higher credentials to newly-graduated high school students, who have vastly different advisement needs. As these institutions work under budget constraints, many students are left to navigate the academic system on their own.
Education Advisory Board’s web-based software for four-year institutions alerts advisors when a student fails to sign up for a required course, risks losing financial aid, or earns a low grade in a required course for his or her major. For two-year schools, the company is developing a tool that asks students questions about their academic strengths, interests, family income, time constraints, and desired degree. The tool would then suggest majors and degree programs for students and provide information on salaries earned by comparable graduates. The goal is to compile this information to allow the current community college administrative systems and advisors to better help their students.
December 9, 2013
Veteran Homelessness Decreased Since 2010
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the number of homeless veterans in the U.S. decreased between 2010 and 2013. HUD conducts an annual “point in time” survey in January. The 2013 survey showed a 24% decrease in homeless vets over the 2010 survey.
In January 2010, there were 76,329 homeless veterans found in the U.S. and in January 2013, 57,849 were found.
The report points to the joint HUD-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program HUD-VA Supportive Housing as a significant reason behind the decrease. The program provides veterans with housing along with support services such as substance abuse treatment.
HUD also found a 6.1% reduction in homelessness in the population at large over the three-year period.
In January 2010, there were 76,329 homeless veterans found in the U.S. and in January 2013, 57,849 were found.
The report points to the joint HUD-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program HUD-VA Supportive Housing as a significant reason behind the decrease. The program provides veterans with housing along with support services such as substance abuse treatment.
HUD also found a 6.1% reduction in homelessness in the population at large over the three-year period.
Hot Report: State Distracted Driving Policies and Practices
OLR Report 2013-R-0438 summarizes how states, including Connecticut, are trying to reduce the incidence of drivers' texting or using cell phones (distracted driving). Much of the following information is from a July 2013 Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report: “Distracted Driving: Survey of the States,” and a November 2013 GHSA summary of state distracted driving laws.
The states generally address distracted driving by banning specific distracted driving practices, identifying strategies for combatting distracted driving, collecting data on distracted driving-related crashes, and educating the public about its hazards.
GHSA, a nonprofit association representing state highway safety offices, surveyed its members about distracted driving in 2010 and in 2012. In 2012, 43 states said that they had increased their emphasis on distracted driving since the earlier survey. They did this by stepping up public education, tightening distracted driving laws, adding a distracted driving category to the information collected on crashes, reaching out to the public through social media, and other means.
The states generally address distracted driving by banning specific distracted driving practices, identifying strategies for combatting distracted driving, collecting data on distracted driving-related crashes, and educating the public about its hazards.
GHSA, a nonprofit association representing state highway safety offices, surveyed its members about distracted driving in 2010 and in 2012. In 2012, 43 states said that they had increased their emphasis on distracted driving since the earlier survey. They did this by stepping up public education, tightening distracted driving laws, adding a distracted driving category to the information collected on crashes, reaching out to the public through social media, and other means.
According to GHSA, as of November 2013:
- 41 states, including Connecticut, banned texting for all drivers and six other states prohibited texting for novice drivers;
- 12 states, including Connecticut, banned drivers from using hand-held cell phones; and
- 37 states, including Connecticut, banned all cell phone use (hand-held or hands-free) by novice drivers.
For more information, read the full report.
Number of U.S. Banks at Lowest Level Since Great Depression
According to a Wall Street Journal article, the U.S. now has the fewest banking institutions since at least the Great Depression. Using data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the article states that there were 6,891 federally insured institutions nationwide in the third quarter of 2013, the lowest number since regulators began tracking banks in 1934.
The article states that the number of banks reached a high of more than 18,000, and the bulk of the drop was due to the loss of banks with less than $100 million in assets between 1984 and 2011. The decline in banks primarily occurred because of mergers, consolidations, and failures.
The article notes that every year from 1934 to 2009 new banks received U.S. charters, with some years seeing hundreds of new banks. But a new bank opening this week was the first startup since December 2010.
The article states that the number of banks reached a high of more than 18,000, and the bulk of the drop was due to the loss of banks with less than $100 million in assets between 1984 and 2011. The decline in banks primarily occurred because of mergers, consolidations, and failures.
The article notes that every year from 1934 to 2009 new banks received U.S. charters, with some years seeing hundreds of new banks. But a new bank opening this week was the first startup since December 2010.
December 6, 2013
Insurance Coverage for Contraception Cases Go to the Supreme Court
On November 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases based on the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The cases question whether corporations may refuse to provide insurance coverage for contraception to employees based on the corporation owners’ religious beliefs, according to the New York Times. The ACA requires that employers’ health plans cover birth control, but exempts houses of worship and certain nonprofit religious and church-affiliated organizations. According to the New York Times, the Obama administration has “said that commercial corporations could not rely on religious objections to opt out of compliance with the law.” Lower courts are divided on this issue, prompting requests for the Supreme Court to take on the matter. The two cases, Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius, will likely be argued in March and decided by June.
“Right-Sizing” Blighted Cities
The New York Times recently reported on efforts underway in several major cities to demolish large tracts of vacant and abandoned structures in underpopulated neighborhoods. Detroit, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Buffalo are among the cities the article cites as embracing a “form of creative destruction” to “stimulate economic growth, reduce crime and blight, and increase environmental sustainability.”
In some cases, the cities are turning the vacant lots into community spaces and urban farms. Cleveland, for example, has more than 200 urban gardens (and one vineyard) spread throughout the city. Philadelphia has taken it a step further by allowing property owners to purchase city-owned vacant lots that are adjacent to their own lots for as little as $1.
In some cases, the cities are turning the vacant lots into community spaces and urban farms. Cleveland, for example, has more than 200 urban gardens (and one vineyard) spread throughout the city. Philadelphia has taken it a step further by allowing property owners to purchase city-owned vacant lots that are adjacent to their own lots for as little as $1.
Hot Report: Major Issues for 2014
The Office of Legislative Research has released Major Issues for 2014.
Every year, legislative leaders ask the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) to identify and provide brief descriptions of important issues that the General Assembly may face in the coming session.
The report represents the professional, nonpartisan views of staff in OLR, the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), and the Legislative Commissioners’ Office (LCO) regarding possible upcoming legislative issues. It does not represent staff suggestions or recommendations. The office identified issues based on interim studies; research requests; non-confidential discussions with legislators, other legislative participants, and executive branch agencies; and our general subject matter knowledge.
OLR compiled this report on the major issues for the 2014 session in consultation with OFA and LCO. OLR analysts wrote the issue descriptions below, except for the Appropriations Committee description, which OFA provided.
The report lists the issues according to the committee in whose jurisdiction they primarily fall. Since more than one committee may consider aspects of the same issue, descriptions may overlap. Where appropriate, it provides links to OLR Reports and other online documents that contain additional information about particular issues.
Every year, legislative leaders ask the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) to identify and provide brief descriptions of important issues that the General Assembly may face in the coming session.
The report represents the professional, nonpartisan views of staff in OLR, the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), and the Legislative Commissioners’ Office (LCO) regarding possible upcoming legislative issues. It does not represent staff suggestions or recommendations. The office identified issues based on interim studies; research requests; non-confidential discussions with legislators, other legislative participants, and executive branch agencies; and our general subject matter knowledge.
OLR compiled this report on the major issues for the 2014 session in consultation with OFA and LCO. OLR analysts wrote the issue descriptions below, except for the Appropriations Committee description, which OFA provided.
The report lists the issues according to the committee in whose jurisdiction they primarily fall. Since more than one committee may consider aspects of the same issue, descriptions may overlap. Where appropriate, it provides links to OLR Reports and other online documents that contain additional information about particular issues.
December 5, 2013
Cities Need to Hunker Down for Fiscal Storms
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| photo: Jay Daverth |
Given this continuous exodus pattern, cities should be able to forecast fiscal storm clouds and batten down the hatches before the storm hits. Instead, “most cities seem to be in a perpetual state of budget crisis,” Renn wrote, a condition that makes residents and business owners anxious and uncertain, causing many to leave for places where taxes and services are stable and predictable.
How can cities reduce uncertainty and make things more predictable, thereby reducing the “endless stream of crisis management?” By taking a “realistic forward look at their civic trajectory—medium-term revenue forecasting, . . . capital asset replacement cycles, and so on—and restructure the services delivered and revenues raised in order to create a sustainable baseline that can be defended over at least the medium term.”
Can cities pull this off? Renn seems skeptical. Restructuring “involves choices and leadership we don’t see a lot in politics: a willingness to face financial problems boldly instead of deferring them; transparency; and a public dialogue about the tough choices that are needed to bring fiscal sustainability.”
Hot Report: Short Sales
OLR Report 2013-R-0400 summarizes the potential impact of requiring banks to (1) set a floor on any given short sale price in Connecticut and (2) accept or reject offers above that threshold within a certain time period. It also examines what other states have legislated in this area.
A short sale, also known as a pre-foreclosure sale, is when a person sells his or her home for less than the balance remaining on the mortgage. If the mortgage company agrees to a short sale the property is sold and the proceeds are used to pay off all, or a portion of, the mortgage balance.
The report does not identify any state that has passed legislation specifically requiring banks to (1) set a floor on any given short sale price and (2) accept or reject offers above that threshold within a certain time period. It did not find any study that assesses the potential impact of making such requirements law. However, various sources addressing similar proposals to increase regulation of short sales indicate that such measures could have several potential effects. These range from removing barriers to short sales and preventing foreclosures to increasing the cost of getting mortgages and decreasing their availability.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), in 2013, 38 states considered legislation regarding foreclosures. At least seven states considered bills regarding short sales. None of these bills specifically addressed setting a floor on short sale prices. However, both Florida and Connecticut considered legislation that would establish decision-making timelines. One Florida bill would require a lienholder to approve a short sale and execute any documents necessary to close the sale within a specified time period, if a debtor finds a buyer who makes an offer in writing equal to the property's fair market value. The Connecticut bills would add a foreclosure option called foreclosure by market sale. This is a court-approved sale on the open market where the court, as opposed to the bank, sets the sale date which must be a certain number of days of approving an offer.
In general, Connecticut law does not specifically govern short sale transactions, other than debt negotiators' licensure requirements. OLR Report 2013-R-0083 summarizes these requirements in short sale negotiations.
In assessing the impact of making changes to state foreclosure laws, note that the banking industry operates under a dual regulatory system, federal law and state law. Federal law preempts state law regarding federally chartered banks on a number of issues. As such, the impact of certain changes in state law is generally limited to state chartered banks.
Also note that federal guidelines expediting the short sale process went into effect in 2012 for mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), these federal agencies back three out of every four residential mortgages in the United States.
For more information, read the full report.
A short sale, also known as a pre-foreclosure sale, is when a person sells his or her home for less than the balance remaining on the mortgage. If the mortgage company agrees to a short sale the property is sold and the proceeds are used to pay off all, or a portion of, the mortgage balance.
The report does not identify any state that has passed legislation specifically requiring banks to (1) set a floor on any given short sale price and (2) accept or reject offers above that threshold within a certain time period. It did not find any study that assesses the potential impact of making such requirements law. However, various sources addressing similar proposals to increase regulation of short sales indicate that such measures could have several potential effects. These range from removing barriers to short sales and preventing foreclosures to increasing the cost of getting mortgages and decreasing their availability.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), in 2013, 38 states considered legislation regarding foreclosures. At least seven states considered bills regarding short sales. None of these bills specifically addressed setting a floor on short sale prices. However, both Florida and Connecticut considered legislation that would establish decision-making timelines. One Florida bill would require a lienholder to approve a short sale and execute any documents necessary to close the sale within a specified time period, if a debtor finds a buyer who makes an offer in writing equal to the property's fair market value. The Connecticut bills would add a foreclosure option called foreclosure by market sale. This is a court-approved sale on the open market where the court, as opposed to the bank, sets the sale date which must be a certain number of days of approving an offer.
In general, Connecticut law does not specifically govern short sale transactions, other than debt negotiators' licensure requirements. OLR Report 2013-R-0083 summarizes these requirements in short sale negotiations.
In assessing the impact of making changes to state foreclosure laws, note that the banking industry operates under a dual regulatory system, federal law and state law. Federal law preempts state law regarding federally chartered banks on a number of issues. As such, the impact of certain changes in state law is generally limited to state chartered banks.
Also note that federal guidelines expediting the short sale process went into effect in 2012 for mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), these federal agencies back three out of every four residential mortgages in the United States.
For more information, read the full report.
Study Examines Alarming Tendency of Autistic Children to Wander
A study in Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics journal, examined wandering, or “elopement,” behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). (The authors define “elopement” as “a dependent person exposing him or herself to potential danger by leaving a supervised, safe space or the care of a responsible person.”) The study results were based on survey responses from 1,218 families registered with the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), an online research database and autism registry. (To register with IAN, a family must live in the United States and have a child with professionally diagnosed ASD.)
According to the study:
According to the study:
- 49% of survey respondents reported their child with ASD had attempted to elope after age four, and of those children, 53% went missing long enough to cause their caregivers concern;
- between ages four and seven, 46% of children with ASD eloped at least once compared to 11% of siblings without ASD;
- on average, children with ASD who eloped went missing for 41.5 minutes;
- elopement resulted in close calls with traffic injury (65% reported) and drowning (24% reported);
- “greater autism severity was associated with increased elopement risk”; and
- 56% of respondents reported elopement as one of the most stressful behaviors they had to cope with as caregivers.
December 4, 2013
Economic Mobility and the American Dream
A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that 40% of Americans believe it is common for someone in the U.S. to start poor and become rich through hard work. But the report finds that 43% of Americans raised at the bottom of the income ladder do not rise above that level and 70% do not rise to the middle of the income ladder.
The report also finds that a college degree and whether a family has two incomes are factors that promote upward mobility. It also finds that whites are twice as likely to move up from the bottom of the income ladder as blacks are.
For more information, view charts and the full report.
The report also finds that a college degree and whether a family has two incomes are factors that promote upward mobility. It also finds that whites are twice as likely to move up from the bottom of the income ladder as blacks are.
For more information, view charts and the full report.
Placing Children on Sex Offender Registries Causes Irreparable Harm
The advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has harshly criticized laws placing youth or children on a sex offender registry. In a report released earlier this year, HRW challenges the view that registration laws and related restrictions are an appropriate response to sex offenses committed by children. It contends that, contrary to common public perceptions, the empirical evidence suggests that placing a child on a sex offender registry does little to advance community safety. But the practice “overburdens law enforcement with large numbers of people to monitor, undifferentiated by their dangerousness.” And “the harm befalling youth sex offenders can be severe. Youth sex offenders on the registry experience severe psychological harm. They are stigmatized, isolated, [and] often depressed,” according to the report.
The report cites several studies that place the recidivism rate for youth sex offenders at between four and 10 % compared to 40% nationally for all crimes. The organization is calling on the states and federal government to exempt youth sex offenders from registration in combination with community notification.
The report cites several studies that place the recidivism rate for youth sex offenders at between four and 10 % compared to 40% nationally for all crimes. The organization is calling on the states and federal government to exempt youth sex offenders from registration in combination with community notification.
December 3, 2013
Open Space Grants Funding Announced
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced a new round of grant funding is available to assist municipalities and land conservation groups purchase open space lands through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program. The funds come from Community Investment Act funds.
According to DEEP, open space conservation efforts are helping Connecticut meet its open space goal of preserving 21% of Connecticut’s land – or 673,210 acres – by the year 2023. DEEP and its partners have preserved nearly 500,000 acres already, which is almost 74% of the goal. Since the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program began in 1998, DEEP has provided more than $109 million in grants to assist with the purchase of approximately 27,440 acres of open space in 128 municipalities.
According to DEEP, open space conservation efforts are helping Connecticut meet its open space goal of preserving 21% of Connecticut’s land – or 673,210 acres – by the year 2023. DEEP and its partners have preserved nearly 500,000 acres already, which is almost 74% of the goal. Since the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program began in 1998, DEEP has provided more than $109 million in grants to assist with the purchase of approximately 27,440 acres of open space in 128 municipalities.
Hot Report: Freedom of Information Laws and the First Amendment
OLR Report 2013-R-0439 summarizes case law concerning the relationship between the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and freedom of information (FOI) laws.
Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, access to government records is a policy question to be decided by legislative bodies; it is not a constitutional question. As the Court wrote in a recent opinion, it “has repeatedly made clear that there is no constitutional right to obtain all the information provided by FOI[Act] laws” (McBurney v. Young, 133 S.Ct.1709, 1718 (2013)).
The primary Supreme Court case concerning a constitutional right of access to government records is Houchins v. KQED, 438 U.S. 1 (1978). In Houchins, the plurality opinion and concurrence both held that neither the First nor the Fourteenth amendments “mandates a right of access to government information or sources of information within the government's control” (id., at 15), nor do they grant the media a right of access that is greater than the public's right of access. The plurality opinion noted that, while previous Supreme Court cases upheld First Amendment rights to communicate information, those cases did not construe the First Amendment as providing a right to obtain information from the government.
Since Houchins, other Supreme Court cases have discussed the lack of a First Amendment right to government records. In one case, the Court upheld a California law that limited the purposes for which public records could be sought, noting that “California could decide not to give out arrestee information at all without violating the First Amendment” (Los Angeles Police Dept. v. United Reporting Publishing Corp., 528 U.S. 32, 40 (1999)). Similarly, in the McBurney opinion cited above, the Court noted that there is no constitutional right to obtain records under FOI laws.
In an appellate court case, the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, citing Houchins, held that the First Amendment did not compel the government to release information about individuals detained after the September 11 attacks (i.e., arrestee names, names of their attorneys, dates of arrest and release, locations of arrest and detention, and reasons for detention).
This report addresses access to government records only. In a separate line of cases, beginning with a Supreme Court decision in Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 (1980), courts have held that the First Amendment guarantees the public and media access to criminal trials. As Chief Justice Burger wrote in the Richmond Newspapers plurality opinion:
Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, access to government records is a policy question to be decided by legislative bodies; it is not a constitutional question. As the Court wrote in a recent opinion, it “has repeatedly made clear that there is no constitutional right to obtain all the information provided by FOI[Act] laws” (McBurney v. Young, 133 S.Ct.1709, 1718 (2013)).
The primary Supreme Court case concerning a constitutional right of access to government records is Houchins v. KQED, 438 U.S. 1 (1978). In Houchins, the plurality opinion and concurrence both held that neither the First nor the Fourteenth amendments “mandates a right of access to government information or sources of information within the government's control” (id., at 15), nor do they grant the media a right of access that is greater than the public's right of access. The plurality opinion noted that, while previous Supreme Court cases upheld First Amendment rights to communicate information, those cases did not construe the First Amendment as providing a right to obtain information from the government.
Since Houchins, other Supreme Court cases have discussed the lack of a First Amendment right to government records. In one case, the Court upheld a California law that limited the purposes for which public records could be sought, noting that “California could decide not to give out arrestee information at all without violating the First Amendment” (Los Angeles Police Dept. v. United Reporting Publishing Corp., 528 U.S. 32, 40 (1999)). Similarly, in the McBurney opinion cited above, the Court noted that there is no constitutional right to obtain records under FOI laws.
In an appellate court case, the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, citing Houchins, held that the First Amendment did not compel the government to release information about individuals detained after the September 11 attacks (i.e., arrestee names, names of their attorneys, dates of arrest and release, locations of arrest and detention, and reasons for detention).
This report addresses access to government records only. In a separate line of cases, beginning with a Supreme Court decision in Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 (1980), courts have held that the First Amendment guarantees the public and media access to criminal trials. As Chief Justice Burger wrote in the Richmond Newspapers plurality opinion:
What this means in the context of trials is that the First Amendment guarantees of speech and press, standing alone, prohibit government from summarily closing courtroom doors which had long been open to the public at the time that Amendment was adopted…we hold that the right to attend criminal trials is implicit in the guarantees of the First Amendment (id., at 576, 580).
For more information, read the full report.
New Guidelines for Cholesterol Drugs
As reported in the New York Times, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have released new guidelines to reduce cardiovascular risk, including the use of cholesterol-lowering statin medications. The new guidelines were based on a four-year review. Among other changes, the new guidelines (1) count strokes as well as heart attacks in risk calculations and (2) no longer tie cholesterol levels to numerical targets to support continued use of statins.
The new guidelines generally recommend statins (1) for all high risk patients (such as those with a previous heart attack) except in rare circumstances and (2) for other people with a risk of heart attack or stroke of 7.5% or greater over the next 10 years, based on various factors.
According to the article, a quarter of people in the country over age 40 take statin medications. The article states that it is unclear how the new guidelines will change clinical practice.
The article also points out criticisms by some in the medical community regarding the new guidelines, including controversy surrounding the new recommendations concerning cholesterol level targets. For example, some experts worry that patients will lose motivation to control their cholesterol without target numbers.
The new guidelines generally recommend statins (1) for all high risk patients (such as those with a previous heart attack) except in rare circumstances and (2) for other people with a risk of heart attack or stroke of 7.5% or greater over the next 10 years, based on various factors.
According to the article, a quarter of people in the country over age 40 take statin medications. The article states that it is unclear how the new guidelines will change clinical practice.
The article also points out criticisms by some in the medical community regarding the new guidelines, including controversy surrounding the new recommendations concerning cholesterol level targets. For example, some experts worry that patients will lose motivation to control their cholesterol without target numbers.
December 2, 2013
Innovative Cash Transfer Program Shows Some Promise for Eradicating Intergenerational Poverty
One of the country’s leading welfare-to-work evaluation organizations has looked at the results of and is helping to tweak a unique, privately funded cash transfer program that ties receipt of benefits to certain outcomes, including children’s education and family preventative health care.
The Family Rewards Program, as it has been dubbed, is the first comprehensive conditional cash transfer program of its kind to be offered in a developed country. Its initial launch in New York City provided cash assistance to low-income families to reduce immediate hardship for three years. Families received the money only if they met certain milestones, such as children’s attendance in school, preventive health care, and parents’ employment. On average, families received $8,700 over the three-year period.
The pilot program ran from 2007-2010 and showed mixed results. Researchers found that it reduced current poverty and material hardship, including hunger and some housing-related hardships, but these effects weakened when the cash transfers ended. The program also helped parents increase savings. It did not improve school outcomes for elementary or middle school students but high school students who were academically proficient readers when they began the program had positive outcomes.
Building on early lessons from the program, the Center for Economic Opportunity (the program’s founded) and the Manpower Demonstration Research Center (the program evaluator) have launched Family Rewards 2.0., which includes a focus on 9th and 10th grade students only, fewer rewards but more frequent disbursements, and one-on-one family guidance. (The original model provided no services, just the cash incentives.) The program will continue to be evaluated.
Click here to read the latest report on the program.
The Family Rewards Program, as it has been dubbed, is the first comprehensive conditional cash transfer program of its kind to be offered in a developed country. Its initial launch in New York City provided cash assistance to low-income families to reduce immediate hardship for three years. Families received the money only if they met certain milestones, such as children’s attendance in school, preventive health care, and parents’ employment. On average, families received $8,700 over the three-year period.
The pilot program ran from 2007-2010 and showed mixed results. Researchers found that it reduced current poverty and material hardship, including hunger and some housing-related hardships, but these effects weakened when the cash transfers ended. The program also helped parents increase savings. It did not improve school outcomes for elementary or middle school students but high school students who were academically proficient readers when they began the program had positive outcomes.
Building on early lessons from the program, the Center for Economic Opportunity (the program’s founded) and the Manpower Demonstration Research Center (the program evaluator) have launched Family Rewards 2.0., which includes a focus on 9th and 10th grade students only, fewer rewards but more frequent disbursements, and one-on-one family guidance. (The original model provided no services, just the cash incentives.) The program will continue to be evaluated.
Click here to read the latest report on the program.
Many Colleges and Universities Expecting Lower Tuition Revenue Growth
A new report by Moody’s Investors Service finds that many public and private higher education institutions expect their tuition revenues to fall short of inflation. According to the report, which was based on a survey of 114 public and 173 private higher education institutions, 44% of public institutions and 42% of private institutions expect that their growth in net tuition revenue in FY 14 will fall short of the 2% rate of inflation. Further, 28% of the public and 19% of the private institutions expect net tuition revenue to decrease in FY 14. The report attributed these figures to softening student demand at current tuition prices.
Net tuition measures the actual amount of tuition revenue an institution collects. Unlike the published or “sticker” tuition price, net tuition accounts for waivers, scholarships, and other aid the institution provides.
Net tuition measures the actual amount of tuition revenue an institution collects. Unlike the published or “sticker” tuition price, net tuition accounts for waivers, scholarships, and other aid the institution provides.
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