BLS news release: “In 2014, 17.1 percent of persons with a disability were employed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported [June 16, 2015] . In contrast, the employment-population ratio for those without a disability was 64.6 percent. The ratio for persons with a disability declined by 0.5 percentage point from 2013 to 2014, while… Continue Reading
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Monthly Archives: June 2015
Paper – How Not to Save the Planet
Brooks, Thom, How Not to Save the Planet (June 19, 2015). Brooks, Thom “How Not to Save the Planet,” Ethics, Policy & Environment (target article) (Forthcoming). Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2620647 “Climate change presents us with perhaps the most pressing challenge today. But is it a problem we can solve? This article argues that… Continue Reading
FCC Implements Strict Rules to Halt Unwanted Telemarketing
EPIC: “The Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules that impose strict limits on telemarketing practices. Under the rules, consumers can halt unwanted messages by telling companies to stop calling. The rules also allow phone companies to offer call-blocking services to screen out automated telemarketing calls. In 2014, the FCC received more than 215,000 complaints… Continue Reading
Cleanup Solution for Massive Ocean Plastic Problem
“About 8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean each year (Jambeck et al., 2015). Part of this accumulates in 5 areas where currents converge: the gyres. At least 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic are currently in the oceans (Eriksen et al., 2014), a third of which is concentrated in the infamous Great Pacific Garbage… Continue Reading
Census considers new approach to asking about race
Pew FactTank, June 18, 2015: “The Census Bureau is experimenting with new ways to ask Americans about their race or origin in the 2020 census – including not using the words “race” or “origin” at all. Instead, the questionnaire may tell people to check the “categories” that describe them. Census officials say they want the… Continue Reading
Bing to implement HTTPS summer 2015
Bing Moving to Encrypt Search Traffic by Default: “At Microsoft, we’re committed to helping users keep their data safe and secure. That’s why we support the industry’s move to use of TLS protocols as part of our effort to expand encryption across our networks and services. Bing has already been offering users the option to… Continue Reading
GAO Report – Justice Could Better Measure Progress Addressing Incarceration Challenges
Federal Prison System: Justice Could Better Measure Progress Addressing Incarceration Challenges, GAO-15-454: Published: Jun 19, 2015. Publicly Released: Jun 19, 2015. “The Department of Justice (DOJ) has implemented three key initiatives to address the federal incarceration challenges of overcrowding, rising costs, and offender recidivism, which includes the return of offenders to prison after release. The… Continue Reading
GAO Reports – Arctic Planning, Farm Program Modernization, Underutilized Military Facilities
Arctic Planning: DOD Expects to Play a Supporting Role to Other Federal Agencies and Has Efforts Under Way to Address Capability Needs and Update Plans, GAO-15-566: Published: Jun 19, 2015. Publicly Released: Jun 19, 2015. Farm Program Modernization: Farm Service Agency Needs to Demonstrate the Capacity to Manage IT Initiatives, GAO-15-506: Published: Jun 18, 2015.… Continue Reading
2015 Long-Term Budget Outlook
“The long-term outlook for the federal budget has worsened dramatically over the past several years, in the wake of the 2007–2009 recession and slow recovery. Between 2008 and 2012, financial turmoil and a severe drop in economic activity, combined with various policies implemented in response to those conditions, sharply reduced federal revenues and increased spending.… Continue Reading
Budgetary and Economic Effects of Repealing Affordable Care Act
“CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that, over the next decade, a repeal of the Affordable Care Act would probably increase budget deficits with or without considering the effects of macroeconomic feedback.” Continue Reading
Updated Guide to Mass Shootings in America
This guide by Mother Jones has been updated numerous times to include information on recurring mass shooting that involved the murder of Americans in houses of worship, schools, work places, and public places. Please note, the majority of weapons used in these murders were purchased legally and ..”More than half of the cases involved school… Continue Reading
How Does Gaining Health Coverage Affect People’s Lives?
Kaiser – “In 2014, millions of people gained health insurance as the major coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were implemented. While much attention has been paid to enrollment in new coverage options and changes in the number of uninsured over the past year, less is known about how this coverage has affected… Continue Reading
