Hi, all. Today's report features:
• West Wing Week: The White House’s video retrospective.
• POTUS & VPOTUS meet with newly elected governors: Topic: Continuing the economic recovery, creating new jobs.
• DADT: Testimony to the SASC from Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen about repealing DADT; editorials supporting repeal.
• It Gets Better: Message from Labor Secretary Solis.
• Business and economy round-up: Economics Nobel winner visits Oval Office; tax credits help small businesses; health care reform will lower premiums; CEA: extend unemployment benefits; DOL brings discrimination suit.
• DREAM Act: Facts vs. myths; endorsements.
• Child Nutrition Act: USDA can now make reforms to school meals programs.
• Hanukkah Reception: White House ceremony on the second night.
• Deck the Halls: White House decorating, and Dr. Jill Biden welcomes National Guard kids.
And that's the Daily Report for this week. See you again on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010.
• WEST WING WEEK •
White House, Dec. 2, 2010:
West Wing Week: 12/03/10 or "Sharp Elbows"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Walk step by step with the President as he holds a meeting with bipartisan members of the Congressional Leadership at the White House, greets the American 2010 Nobel Laureates in the Oval Office, meets with General Colin Powell, makes a joint statement about the importance of ratifying the START treaty with Russia, and more...
• PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT MEET WITH NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNORS •
White House, Dec. 2, 2010:
President Obama Meets With Newly Elected Governors
President Obama and Vice President Biden meet with newly elected governors from both parties at Blair House and express their desire to work together to continue the economic recovery and create new jobs.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 2, 2010:
Remarks by the President and Vice President in a Meeting with Newly Elected Governors
THE VICE PRESIDENT
.... And I know all of you are facing, no matter how good a shape you’re in, your states because of this worldwide recession that hit us early on and because of the slowness of the recovery, although it’s recovering, you have a whole lot of daunting problems to face. And you all have to balance your budgets. And so we know it’s going to be tough.
What I can tell you, and if you talk to some of your colleagues who did not run this time, I’ve had the pleasure over the last year and a half literally to be in contact with every governor multiple times in trying to implement the Recovery Act. And I made a commitment to the governors, and I make it again. You may or may not need or want the assistance at the federal level on some of the things we might be able to be helpful on. But I guarantee you, any question you have, any difficulty you have in dealing with any aspect of the federal bureaucracy -- and I’ve kept this commitment -- pick up the phone and call me personally. I guarantee you I will have you an answer within 24 hours. And if I don’t have the final answer, I’ll call you within 24 hours and tell you when you’ll get the answer, because this is a partnership, whether we like it or not. I happen to like it....
THE PRESIDENT:
.... And as some of you I’m sure are aware, I read Lincoln a lot and think about Lincoln a lot. And I think one story that comes to mind right now is, at the time that he was President, visitors used to be able to come in -- Secret Service weren’t there to mag you and frisk you. And somebody demands to see him and insists on waiting. And finally Lincoln lets him in, and then guy says, "I’m responsible for you being elected President of the United States." And Lincoln says, "Really?" He says, "Yes, I did all the work. I was one of your hardest workers. And now I expect some help." And Lincoln says, "Well, let me tell you, if you are indeed responsible for helping me get elected, I forgive you." (Applause.)....
.... Obviously issue number one is making sure that on January 1st, middle-class families aren’t seeing their taxes go up as a consequence of the expiration of some of the Bush tax cuts that are currently in place and some of the tax cuts that we’ve put in place over the last two years. And so that’s going to be an important discussion over the next several days. I believe it will get resolved.
That doesn’t mean there may not be some posturing over the next several days. But I’m confident in the end people are going to recognize that it’s important for families who are still struggling to have some relief and it’s important for our economy to make sure that money is still out there circulating at a time when we are recovering but we’re not recovering as fast as we need to.
Along those same lines, I’m hopeful that we get the issue of unemployment insurance resolved. Some of you may be aware that as of today, you’ve got 2 million people who stand to lose their unemployment insurance over the course of the year. If we don’t do something, 7 million people could lose their unemployment insurance. That’s not also -- that’s not just a potential tragedy for those individual families. It could have a huge impact on your local economies because every economist of every stripe will tell you that unemployment insurance dollars are probably the ones that are most likely to be spent, most likely to be recirculated, most likely to help to boost small business and services all across your states and they’re going to have an effect on your sales revenue.
So our hope and expectation is, is that unemployment insurance -- something that traditionally has had bipartisan support -- is something that once again will be dealt with as part of a broader package.
Here’s the good news: The economy is on the uptick. We’ve now had five consecutive quarters of economic growth and we’ve had 10 consecutive months of private sector job growth. But I think we all recognize that it’s not moving as quickly as it needs to. And there are going to be a whole range of issues that we’re going to have to focus on together at the federal and state levels to assure not only that we get out of this crisis, but more importantly that we’re laying the foundation for long-term growth in the future.
And although there are going to be some disagreements on how we get there, there are going to be some areas where I think we agree. We all agree that we’re going to have to have the best educated workforce in the world because our children are now not just competing against other children in other states in our union, they’re now competing against kids in Beijing and Bangalore and Seoul, South Korea. And if they don’t have what it takes to compete, then America is going to have problems economically over the long term.
That’s why I’m so proud, under the guidance of Arne Duncan, that we have initiated some reforms that have garnered strong bipartisan support. And, frankly, as a Democrat, I’ve been willing to go after some long-held dogmas in our party in order to spring loose a smarter conversation about how we’re educating our kids.
Our Race to the Top program is something that has allowed states across the country to initiate reforms in a competitive way and make sure that ideas like charter schools get traction, despite previous resistance. And I’m hoping that we can cooperate with all of you to see how we can continue to make progress on the education front.
All of us are going to be interested in innovation and research and development. And there are governors here, or governors-elect here from both parties who are interested in clean energy, for example, and what can we do to make sure that wind turbines and solar panels and electric cars are made here in the United States, that that doesn’t become one more source of imports from other countries. And I’m eager to work with all of you on those issues....
If there’s red tape or bureaucracy that we can eliminate it, we want to eliminate that. We have no interest in making your life harder. We want to be a partner for all of you in being responsive to your constituencies.
Now, I will confess that there are going to be times where we do believe that having basic national standards are going to be important; that there are certain things that we as a country, we as a people, aspire to, and that we need to maintain some consistency across the states. But for the most part, if there are going to be -- if there’s going to be experimentation, if states are going to continue to be laboratories for democracy, that’s something that we welcome and embrace....
And the one thing that I would urge is don’t wait until you’re really mad about something before you call us. We’d prefer not to read about it in the press. (Laughter.) ....
And if we end up disagreeing on something, I promise you we will not be disagreeable about it. And we will keep on working until hopefully we can figure out a way to solve problems....
• DADT•
On Dec. 2, the Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen and other military officials about the Pentagon's report that supports a repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.
Department of Defense, Dec. 2, 2010:
Secretary Gates testifies to Senate Armed Services Committee
Despite concerns from a minority of servicemembers, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should move forward.
Department of Defense, Dec. 2, 2010:
Admiral Mullen testifies to Senate Armed Services Committee
Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen says, due to the pride and camaraderie among troops, repealing the ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy should be easier than expected.
White House Blog, Dec. 2, 2010:
What They’re Saying: Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Posted by Tom Gavin, Director of Media Affairs
After this week’s Pentagon report showing that a strong majority of America’s military men and women and their families are prepared to serve alongside Americans who are openly gay and lesbian, newspapers across the country have urged the Senate to step up and repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Many have echoed the President’s remarks earlier this week, when he said, "With our nation at war and so many Americans serving on the front lines, our troops and their families deserve the certainty that can only come when an act of Congress ends this discriminatory policy once and for all. The House of Representatives has already passed the necessary legislation. Today I call on the Senate to act as soon as possible so I can sign this repeal into law this year and ensure that Americans who are willing to risk their lives for their country are treated fairly and equally."
Here’s a roundup of some of the editorials.
Baltimore Sun: No more excuses for don’t ask, don’t tell
Kansas City Star: Congress should act on critical to-do list
Chicago Sun-Times: Positive Steps on Gay Rights
Austin American Statesman: Congress should be open-minded
Miami Herald: Remove the ban: let them speak, serve
The Oregonian: The Last Days of ‘Don’t Ask’
The Sacramento Bee: Pentagon study should clear way to end ‘don’t ask’
Seattle Times: End the military ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ ban
The Reporter: No more excuses, Senate Repeal ‘don’t ask, tell’
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: McCain v. Pentagon/Public/Troops on gays in military
The New York Times: The Pentagon, Pursuing Justice
Tacoma News Tribune: Pentagon study provides ammo: End ‘don’t ask’
The Metrowest Daily: Don’t ask, don’t tell, just repeal
The Charleston Gazette: Gays Getting Closer to Equality
Palm Beach Post: Finally, end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?
USA Today: Survey Provides New Fodder for ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal
Honolulu Advertiser: Repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Los Angeles Times: ‘Don’t ask’ death knell?
Louisville Courier-Journal: The Pentagon speaks
Washington Post: Pentagon report should quell fears on ending ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Concord Monitor: Scrap ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy
Alaska Daily News: Don’t ask: Gays who serve with honor deserve honorable treatment
The Macon Telegraph: It’s time to jettison don’t ask, don’t tell from military policy
The Daily Republic: It’s time to end ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy
The Livingston Daily: Survey supplies new fodder for ‘don’t ask’ repeal
The Berkshire Eagle: Anti-gay policy crumbles
Palm Beach Desert Sun: It’s time to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
San Francisco Chronicle: End discrimination against gays in military
• IT GETS BETTER •
Department of Labor, Nov. 26, 2010:
Secretary Hilda Solis and DOL colleagues: "It gets better."
It Gets Better Project
President Obama's video and Vice President Biden’s video are just a couple of the thousands of videos submitted by people across the country to inspire and encourage LGBT youth who are struggling. You can watch more videos at ItGetsBetterProject.com..
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LBGTQ youth by providing resources and a nationwide, 24 hour hotline. If you are considering suicide or need help, call: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
BullyingInfo.org
BullyingInfo.org is a project of the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP) focused on providing tools and resources for youth, parents, teachers and mental health providers to prevent and address bullying.
For even more information and resources visit or call:
• Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
• Matthew Shepard Foundation
• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
National Suicide Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
• BUSINESS AND ECONOMY ROUND-UP •
Associated Press, October 11, 2010 –
MIT Economist Peter Diamond: We are fortunate the Fed and Treasury acted to prevent slide into "something as bad as the Great Depression."
Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Peter A. Diamond is one of the three economists to win the 2010 Nobel economics prize for his research on unemployment. On Dec. 1, he and co-winner Dale Mortensen met with President Obama, senior Administration officials, representatives of the Swedish and Norwegian Embassies, and distinguished members of the science and technology community.
Office of Science and Technology Policy Blog, Dec. 1, 2010:
President Obama Congratulates American Nobel Winners in Oval Office Meeting
Posted by Bobby Rosen
A funny thing happened in the Oval Office yesterday when President Obama and a handful of Administration officials congratulated two of this year’s new American Nobel prize winners: There were more Nobel laureates among the greeting Administration officials than there were new ones being feted.
The White House welcome—for the 2010 Nobelists who hailed from the United States—featured Peter Diamond and Dale Mortensen, the winners of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Economics (the two other invitees, who won in Chemistry, could not attend because they were out of the country). But in a stark reflection of the oft-noted fact that this Administration is particularly well endowed with Nobel laureates, the two newbies were outnumbered by veteran laureates now working in the Executive Branch. There was Energy Secretary Steven Chu (Physics, 1997), OSTP Associate Director for Science Carl Wieman (Physics, 1995), the President himself (Peace, 2009), and OSTP Director John P. Holdren, who accepted the 1995 Peace Prize on behalf of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs.
The award-winning work by Dr. Diamond and Dr. Mortensen bears particular relevance in today’s difficult economic times. Along with a third co-recipient, Christopher Pissarides, they were cited for their analysis of markets, especially labor markets, with "search frictions." Markets with search frictions are those in which buyers and sellers have difficulty finding each other, making the process of finding an ideal match long and costly. The theoretical framework developed by the trio helps explain the underlying causes of phenomena like persistent unemployment, and has practical value as a means of investigating ways that government policies can improve the matching of workers to jobs.
President Obama nominated Diamond to the Federal Reserve Board last April, long before his selection to receive the Prize. Diamond is awaiting confirmation in the Senate.
The Oval Office meeting—which was also attended by Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström and Norwegian Ambassador Wegger Chr. Strommen—was followed by a reception at the Blair House, attended by senior Administration officials, representatives of the Swedish and Norwegian Embassies, and distinguished members of the science and technology community. In brief welcoming remarks, Dr. Holdren recognized the laureates for providing a better understanding of our society and economy:
"All of us here who are struggling in our respective ways to help get the American economy back into high gear—through policies that facilitate the matching of resources to individual, National, and global needs—salute you for your years of hard work, which have led to the extraordinary recognition we are celebrating today," Dr, Holdren said.
Dr. Holdren also noted the vital role that Federal funding played in supporting the laureates’ research over a period of many years, and underscored the importance of these investments to maintaining American competitiveness. "The advances made by this year’s laureates are the fruits of wise investments made by the American people," he said. "Over the years, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health provided millions of dollars in research support to these laureates—a poignant reminder in these times of fiscal constraints that America’s economic stature and strength have long been undergirded by Federal investments in science and technology."
White House Blog, Dec. 2, 2010:
Health Care Tax Credits for Small Businesses Nationwide
Posted by Stephanie Cutter, Assistant to the President for Special Projects
(Dec. 2), the Obama Administration issued new information that will help small businesses take advantage of new tax credits to reduce the cost of providing health coverage to their workers. The new information includes a full set of tools and documents small businesses can use to claim the credit this year, and also clarifies that a broad range of small employers, including religious institutions, can qualify.
These tax credits are just one part of President Obama’s work to strengthen small businesses across the country. In fact, the President has cut taxes for small businesses 16 times -- accelerating more than $55 billion in tax relief over the next year to businesses across the country.
Small businesses pay 18 percent more for health insurance premiums than large businesses. The Affordable Care Act changes that by providing tax credits for small businesses that offer employees health insurance and by leveling the playing field with larger employers. Up to 4 million small businesses could be eligible for relief from high health insurance premiums this year, and, according to the independent Congressional Budget Office, the tax credit will save small businesses $40 billion by 2019. Many small businesses are already benefitting from the new tax credits today:
• In Kansas City, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has enrolled more than 9,000 new members from over 400 employers. 38 percent of those employers did not previously offer health insurance.
• We’ve heard stories from small business owners like Lisa Kaye Reynolds Sharp of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jim Houser of Portland, Oregon and Betsy Button of Salt Lake City, Utah who have told us how the new credits will make it easier to give their workers the coverage they need. You can listen to Lisa, Jim and Betsy tell their story in their own words by clicking here.
The tax credits are just one of the ways the health reform law will help small businesses. The law will also helps level the playing field with large employers by allowing small businesses to band together to get a fairer deal from insurance companies through the creation of competitive private health insurance markets called Exchanges that go into effect in 2014. Exchanges help organize the health insurance marketplace to help consumers and small businesses shop for coverage in a way that permits easy comparison of available plan options based on price, benefits and services, and quality. Pooling people together can help bring costs down and Exchanges will make our health care system more transparent and competitive by making it easier for consumers to compare costs and benefits.
Small businesses are the engine of our economy and President Obama and his team will continue to do all we can to help small businesses grow and succeed.
The White House Blog, Dec. 2, 2010:
New Report: Affordable Care Act Could Save Families Over $3,000 Per Year
Posted by Stephanie Cutter, Assistant to the President for Special Projects
Today, a new report from the Commonwealth Fund demonstrates once again why we needed the Affordable Care Act and how the new law will help drive down premiums and save money for Americans across the country. The report found that premiums and deductibles in states were skyrocketing. According to the issue brief:
"(P)remiums for businesses and their employees increased 41 percent across states from 2003 to 2009, while per-person deductibles jumped 77 percent in large as well as small firms."
And without action, the situation only would have gotten worse. The Commonwealth Fund researchers found that if the trends continued the "average premium for family coverage will rise 79 percent by 2020, to more than $23,000."
Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act will help control premium cost growth, make our health care system more transparent and make care more affordable and accessible. Under the new law:
• Insurance companies will be required to spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care instead of overhead, salaries or administrative expenses, in 2011. If they fail to do so, they will be required to provide a rebate to consumers.
• Insurance companies must publicly justify any unreasonable premium increases in 2011 and post them on their websites.
• The law includes $250 million to help states improve oversight of proposed private health insurance premium increases and take action against insurers seeking unreasonable rate hikes. $46 million has already been distributed to 45 states and the District of Columbia.
• Families with low and moderate incomes will have new, affordable coverage options.
• Americans will have access to new competitive marketplaces -- health insurance Exchanges – that will provide affordable private insurance to individuals and small businesses beginning in 2014.
• Doctors and hospitals will be incentivized to better coordinate treatments and improve the quality of care for patients.
The Commonwealth Fund looks at these and other provisions in the law that could save money for American families. The report notes:
"If premium growth were to slow to 1 percentage point below the projected national growth rate, the cost of family coverage would drop an average of $995 annually by 2015. Annual savings for families and employers would increase to $2,323 by 2020...Even greater amounts could be saved if the annual premium growth rates were to slow by 1.5 percentage points. An average of $1,475 could be saved annually on family coverage by 2015. The savings would more than double to $3,403 annually by 2020."....
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 2, 2010:
New CEA Report Underscores Urgent Need to Extend Unemployment Benefits
Nearly 7 million Americans could lose coverage by end of next year; 600,000 jobs at stake
Failure by Congress to act on extending unemployment benefits will have stark consequences for Americans this holiday season, according to a new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Two million Americans in December alone – and nearly seven million over the course of the next year – will lose the temporary support that helps them keep food on the table and make ends meet while they search for a job if Congress fails to act.
"Extending this support to those hardest hit by this crisis is not only the right thing to do, it's the right economic policy," said CEA Chairman Austan Goolsbee. "Letting millions more Americans fall into hardship will hurt our economy at this critical point in our recovery and immediately undermine consumer spending."
Without extended benefits, the country would have had 800,000 fewer jobs as of September 2010, and failure to act to extend benefits again could cost the nation 600,000 jobs by the end of next year.
Benefits for the jobless are particularly important during the holiday season. In addition to providing support for families when they need it most, the positive effects of the program on the economy are likely to be greater since American families tend to spend more during the holiday season.
To view the full report, including state-by-state numbers, click HERE.
Department of Labor, Dec. 2, 2010:
US Labor Department sues nation's 2nd largest wholesale food distributor for discriminating against women
Complaint seeks back wages and job offers for more than 80 job applicants
LUMBERTON, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs today filed an administrative complaint against Nash Finch Co. for systematically discriminating against more than 80 qualified women who applied for order selector positions at the company's Lumberton facility. Nash Finch is the second-largest publicly traded wholesale food distributor in the United States and is based in Minneapolis, Minn. The company contracts with the federal government to provide goods and services to more than 200 military bases in the U.S. and overseas.
Over the past decade, OFCCP settled discrimination cases with Nash Finch facilities in Norfolk, Va., St. Cloud, Minn., and Omaha, Neb. In those cases, OFCCP uncovered serious violations of the law with regard to recordkeeping and hiring discrimination, and found the company's policies and procedures created an uneven playing field for women, minorities and veterans seeking employment with the company.
"It is unacceptable that a company which profits from lucrative federal contracts would repeatedly violate the law in this manner," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "Nash Finch has demonstrated an unfortunate pattern and practice of hiring discrimination, and the American taxpayers should not have to bankroll this company's bad behavior anymore." ....
The Labor Department's administrative complaint seeks remedies for the rejected applicants, including lost wages, benefits and interest for more than 80 affected class members, as well as job offers and retroactive seniority for at least 11 of the original applicants. Moreover, OFCCP is petitioning the Labor Department's administrative law judge to cancel all of Nash Finch's existing federal contracts and debar the company from entering into any future contracts until the violations are resolved and the company corrects its discriminatory employment practices.
• DREAM ACT •
PBS News Hour, Dec. 2, 2010:
NewsHour Connect: The DREAM Act
Senate Democrats have released the newest version of the DREAM Act which, eligibility restrictions. Hari talks with Lisa Berestein Rojas of Southern California Public Radio about the bill.
White House Blog, Dec. 1, 2010:
Get The Facts On The DREAM Act
Posted by Luis Miranda
Congress is preparing to vote on the DREAM Act in the coming days, so we thought it would be good to lay out what it means for our nation. The DREAM Act is common-sense legislation drafted by both Republicans and Democrats that would give students who grew up in the United States a chance to contribute to our country’s well-being by serving in the U.S. armed forces or pursuing a higher education. It’s good for our economy, our security, and our nation. That’s why the DREAM Act has long enjoyed bipartisan support. It’s limited, targeted legislation that will allow only the best and brightest young people to earn their legal status after a rigorous and lengthy process, and applies to those brought to the United States as minors through no fault of their own by their parents, and who know no other home.
Download the DREAM Act fact sheet.
The DREAM Act: Good for our economy, good for our security, good for our nation
The DREAM Act is common-sense legislation drafted by both Republicans and Democrats that would give students who grew up in the United States a chance to contribute to our country’s well-being by serving in the U.S. armed forces or pursuing a higher education. It’s good for our economy, our security, and our nation. That’s why the DREAM Act has long enjoyed bipartisan support. It’s limited, targeted legislation that will allow only the best and brightest young people to earn their legal status after a rigorous and lengthy process, and applies to those brought to the United States as minors through no fault of their own by their parents, and who know no other home.
Our country will reap enormous benefits when the DREAM Act is finally enacted:
• The DREAM Act will contribute to our military’s recruitment efforts and readiness.... The DREAM Act is also a part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts.
• The DREAM Act will make our country more competitive in the global economy....
• The DREAM Act will have important economic benefits. According to a recent UCLA study, students that would be impacted by the DREAM Act could add between $1.4 to $3.6 trillion in taxable income to our economy over the course of careers, depending on how many ultimately gain legal status....
• The DREAM Act will allow our immigration and border security experts to focus on those who pose a serious threat to our nation’s security....
Myths vs. Facts: DREAM Act
As the public debate on the DREAM Act moves forward, it is vital that the facts on this important legislation remain clear. The Dream Act is good for our economy, our security, and our nation. And the lengthy and rigorous process the DREAM Act establishes will ensure that our nation is enriched with only the most promising young people who have already grown up in America. In fact, according to a recent analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, just 38 percent of all potential beneficiaries will successfully complete the DREAM Act’s rigorous process and earn permanent immigration status.
Myth: Opponents claim the DREAM Act is "amnesty."
Fact: The Dream Act requires responsibility and accountability of young people who apply to adjust their status under the DREAM Act, creating a lengthy and rigorous process.
• Young people must meet several requirements in order to qualify....
• After their six year conditional status, these same individuals will need to meet additional requirements to move on to the next phase ....
• Only applies to individuals who entered the U.S. as children....
• DREAM Act applicants will be responsible for paying fees to cover the costs of USCIS processing their applications....
• DREAM Act applicants would be subject to rigorous criminal background checks and reviews.
Myth: Opponents claim the DREAM Act would encourage more students to immigrate illegally, and that applicants would just use it to petition for relatives.
Fact: The DREAM Act only applies to young people already in the United States who were brought here as children, it would not apply to anyone arriving later, so it cannot act as a "magnet" encouraging others to come. Furthermore,. DREAM Act applicants would not be able to petition for any family member until fulfilling lengthy and rigorous requirements outlined above, and even then, they would have to wait years before being able to successfully petition for parents or siblings.
Myth: Opponents claim the DREAM Act would result in taxpayers having to subsidize student loans for those students who register through the DREAM Act.
Fact: DREAM Act students would not be eligible for federal grants, period....
What They’re Saying
Editorials and experts around the country are agreeing that the DREAM Act is good for our nation, and have called on Congress to pass it....
View Editorial Pages supporting the DREAM Act http://www.whitehouse.gov/...
Department of Education, Dec. 1, 2010:
Economic Prosperity and National Security Through the DREAM Act
By Secretary Arne Duncan
.... Passing the DREAM Act will unleash the full potential of young people who live out values that all Americans cherish — a strong work ethic; service to others; and a deep loyalty to our country. It will also strengthen our military, bolster our global economic competitiveness and increase our educational standing in the world.
By opening the American Dream of college for these bright, talented youth, we will unleash an academic force into the U.S. higher-education system. The result will be a new generation of college graduates who will help strengthen our economic security. This new generation will be a new set of future taxpayers who will contribute much more as college graduates than they ever would as struggling workers moving from one under-the-table job to another. They will help build the economy of the 21st century....
.... unlike their classmates, DREAM Act students are in a bind. It goes against the basic American sense of fairness to punish children for the choices of their parents. But thousands of young people find themselves in that position. We can’t let them continue to live unfulfilled lives of fear and squandered hopes. We must rise above the heated political rhetoric and embrace this common-sense approach. And we need to do it now before we lose this generation. It’s who we are as Americans, at our best.
• CHILD NUTRITION ACT•
School Meals Matter, Feb. 23, 2010:
Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Child Nutrition Act
Earlier in the year, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack gave a speech to highlight the Obama administration's priorities for reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and called on Congress to act swiftly to pass a strong reauthorization bill to improve the health and nutrition of America's children.
Here, Secretary Vilsack answers a few questions about the Child Nutrition Act, which was passed by the Senate in August and by the House Dec. 2, 2010. It will now go to the President to be signed into law.
Department of Agriculture, Dec. 2, 2010:
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Statement on Passage of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement regarding House passage of S. 3307 "The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act."
"This is an historic victory for our nation's youngsters. This legislation will allow USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, the chance to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children.
"When President Obama first asked me to be the Secretary of Agriculture, he identified healthier school meals as one my top priorities and together with First Lady Michelle Obama's Lets Move! initiative, this administration has made it a goal to end childhood obesity within in a generation.
"Our national security, economic competitiveness and health and wellness of our children will improve as a result of the action Congress took today."
"I applaud Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, Chairman Miller, and Chairwoman DeLauro for their leadership on this legislation."
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act includes the following provisions which USDA will begin implementing after President Obama signs the legislation:
- Upgrading nutritional standards for school meals by increasing the federal reimbursement rate for school lunches by 6 cents for districts who comply with federal nutrition standards. This is the first real reimbursement rate increase in over 30 years.
- Improving the nutritional quality of all food in schools by providing USDA with the authority to set nutritional standards for all foods sold in schools, including in vending machines, the "a la carte" lunch lines, and school stores.
- Increases the number of eligible children enrolled in the school meals programs by using Medicaid data to directly certify children who meet income requirements without requiring individual applications connecting approximately 115,000 new students to the school meals program.
- Enhances universal meal access for eligible children in high poverty communities by eliminating paper applications and using census data to determine school wide income eligibility.
- Provides more meals for at-risk children nationwide by allowing Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) providers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to be reimbursed for providing a meal to at-risk children after school paving the way for an additional 21 million meals to children annually.
- Empowering parents by requiringschools to make information more readily available to parents about the nutritional quality of school meals, as well as the results of any audits.
- Improving the quality of foods supplied to schools by buildingon and further advancing the work USDA has been doing to improve the nutritional quality of the commodities that schools get from USDA and use in their lunch and breakfast programs.
- Improving WIC by making it easier for children to get recertified as eligible for the program, requiring greater use of EBT technology (debit cards), and expanding support for breastfeeding.
MSNBC.com, Dec. 2, 2010:
Congress sends child nutrition bill to Obama
By MARY CLARE JALONICK, AP
WASHINGTON — More children would eat lunches and dinners at school under legislation passed Thursday by the House and sent to the president, part of first lady Michelle Obama's campaign to end childhood hunger and fight childhood obesity.
The $4.5 billion bill approved by the House 264-157 would also try to cut down on greasy foods and extra calories by giving the government power to decide what kinds of foods may be sold in vending machines and lunch lines. The bill could even limit frequent school bake sales and fundraisers that give kids extra chances to eat brownies and pizza....
The new nutrition standards would be written by the Agriculture Department, which would decide which kinds of foods may be sold and what ingredients can be used on school lunch lines and in vending machines.
The new standards would likely keep popular foods like hamburgers and pizza in school cafeterias but make them healthier, using leaner meat or whole wheat crust, for example. Vending machines could be stocked with less candy and fewer high-calorie drinks.
Bake sales and other school sponsored fundraisers that sell unhealthy foods could be limited under the legislation, which only allows them if they are infrequent. The Agriculture Department would determine how often they could be held. Public health advocates pushed for the language, saying they are concerned about daily or weekly fundraisers that allow children to substitute junk food for a healthier meal.
The bill would increase eligibility and accessibility for school lunches by using Medicaid and census data and provide money to serve more than 20 million additional after-school meals annually in all 50 states. Most states now only serve after-school snacks.
The legislation would increase the amount of money schools are reimbursed for free lunches by 6 cents a meal, a priority for schools that say they don't have enough money to serve the meals....
The Senate passed the legislation in August. Republicans attempted to send the bill back to the Senate on Wednesday — instead of straight to President Barack Obama — by using a procedural maneuver to try and amend it with language that would require background checks for child care workers.
Democrats said the amendment was an attempt to kill the bill in the last few weeks of the congressional session because there would be no time for the Senate to pass it again and send it back to the House. They avoided the Senate detour and gave members of their party political cover by passing the background checks in a separate bill Thursday.
The child nutrition bill stalled in September when some liberal Democrats opposed it because it is partially paid for with $2.2 billion in future dollars for food stamps. But those Democrats dropped their opposition after Republicans made large gains in the November elections and the White House promised to find a way to restore the money.
Office of the First Lady, Dec. 2, 2010:
Statement from the First Lady on the House Passing Child Nutrition Legislation
I am so thrilled that the House of Representatives has passed "The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act" – a groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity. I particularly want to commend Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Majority Whip Clyburn, Chairman Miller, and Chairwoman DeLauro for their leadership in ensuring passage of the bill in the House, and I am grateful to all the Senators and House Members who worked so hard in recent months to make this critically important legislation a reality.
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of speaking with parents, educators, governors and mayors, medical professionals, community and business leaders, and students all across the country – all of whom are determined to ensure that our children have access to the nutritious food they need to learn and grow and fulfill their potential. I’m proud of what we’re doing to support these efforts through our Let’s Move! initiative, and I am confident that, together, we can turn the tide on childhood obesity and give all our children the happy, healthy lives they deserve.
• HANUKKAH RECEPTION •
White House, Dec. 2, 2010:
Hanukkah at the White House
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama celebrate Hanukkah with a reception at the White House. December 2, 2010.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 2, 2010:
Remarks by the President at a Hanukkah Reception
THE PRESIDENT:
.... We are joined tonight by Ambassador Michael Oren, of Israel. Where’s Michael? (Applause.) He’s way back there. And so I want to begin by offering our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all of those who’ve died as a result of the terrible forest fire in northern Israel.
As rescuers and firefighters continue in their work, the United States is acting to help our Israeli friends respond to the disaster. A short while ago, our ambassador in Tel Aviv, Jim Cunningham, issued a disaster declaration, which has launched an effort across the U.S. government to identify the firefighting assistance we have available and provide it to Israel as quickly as possible. Of course, that's what friends do for each other.
And, Mr. Ambassador, our thoughts and prayers are with everybody in Israel who is affected by this tragedy and the family and loved ones of those in harm’s way.
Tonight, it’s an honor to welcome so many friends and leaders from the Jewish community and beyond. And I want to start by recognizing my Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, George Mitchell, who is here. Please give him a round of applause. (Applause.) And all the other outstanding members of the diplomatic corps who are here....
Now, tonight, we gather to celebrate a story as simple as it is timeless. It’s a story of ancient Israel, suffering under the yoke of empire, where Jews were forbidden to practice their religion openly, and the Holy Temple -- including the holy of holies -- had been desecrated.
It was then that a small band of believers, led by Judah Maccabee, rose up to take back their city and free their people. And when the Maccabees entered the temple, the oil that should have lasted for a single night ended up burning for eight.
That miracle gave hope to all those who had been struggling in despair. And in the 2,000 years since, in every corner of the world, the tiny candles of Hanukkah have reminded us of the importance of faith and perseverance. They have illuminated a path for us when the way forward was shrouded in darkness.
And as we prepare to light another candle on the menorah, let us remember the sacrifices that others have made so that we may all be free. Let us pray for the members of our military who guard that freedom every day, and who may be spending this holiday far away from home.
Let us also think of those for whom these candles represent not just a triumph of the past, but also hope for the future -- the men, women and children of all faiths who still suffer under tyranny and oppression....
This beautiful menorah has been generously loaned to us by Congregation Beth Israel in New Orleans. (Applause.) Five years ago, when Hurricane Katrina hit, the synagogue was covered in eight feet of water. Later, as the cleanup crew dug through the rubble, they discovered this menorah, caked in dirt and mold. And today it stands as a reminder of the tragedy and a source of inspiration for the future....
So on this second night of Hanukkah, let us give thanks to the blessings that all of us enjoy. Let us be mindful of those who need our prayers. And let us draw strength from the words of a great philosopher, who said that a miracle is "a confirmation of what is possible."....
• DECK THE HALLS •
AssociatedPress, Dec. 1, 2010:
First Person: White House Gets Holiday Makeover
The White House unveils its array of holiday decorations, from trees brimming with ornaments to a gingerbread-and-white-chocolate White House, complete with a tiny Bo, the First Dog.
White House, Dec. 2, 2010:
Behind-the-Scenes Look: Time-Lapse Of The White House Christmas Tree
Watch a behind-the-scenes time lapse of the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, showing the work and energy that goes into decorating the White House for the holidays.
Department of Defense, Dec. 2, 2010:
Kids visit the Vice President’s Home
Children from National Guard families visit Vice President Biden's home, joining Dr. Jill Biden to make greeting cards, ornaments, and decorate Christmas cookies.