Monday Quick Hits: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina

Transportation:
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
9:00am The Joint Legislative Transportation Committee Meeting, 1227 LB

There are currently two committees meeting to discuss the growing transportation needs in North Carolina. There have also been numerous stories regarding the state of the NCDOT. On Tuesday this committee will hear again about the NCDOT Transformation in a status report. The committee will then hear reports from the Charlotte Area Transit System and the Triangle Transit Authority. Funding is a key issue with expansion of transit options. Roberto Canales will present on public transportation funding options and Greg Thrope will close the day with a presentation on compliance with federal guidelines.

Autism:
Wednesday, March 18, 2008
10:00am The Joint Study Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Public Safety, 1027 LB

This committee will continue its discussion regarding how to serve the Autism community in relation to public safety. During the last meeting, members were presented with information regarding the innovative program “Take Me Home”. Again we stress that what comes out of this meeting should be expanded to people with developmental and cognitive disabilities outside of the Autism spectrum.
No agenda available at this time.

Technology:
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
2:00pm The House Select Committee on High Speed Internet in Rural Areas Committee Meeting, 1124 LB
This is the first of two meetings this week that address technology initiatives. There exists a considerable technology gap in the disability community. In rural areas of this state high speed internet is limited. It is important as we move forward with education policy and health policy that we address the concerns of limited rural access to high speed internet.
No agenda available at this time.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
10:00am The Joint Select Committee on Information Technology Meeting, 544 LOB
Committee members will hear presentation by Gary Bartlett-State Board of Election, Hold Anderson-Executive Director of NC Healthcare Information, and Gordon Neff from the Department of Health and Human Services (MMIS presentation). All very timely subjects.


Extra Session:
Thursday, March 20, 2008
10:00am An Extra Session of the House will convene to consider a recommendation to expel Representative Thomas Wright, D-Hanover, House Chamber, Legislative Building.

Federal

U. S. Congress

The Congress is now on a two week spring recess. When they return to work on March 31, they will face an uninterrupted eight week session where practically all “must pass” bills will need to progress in order to have a chance to become law before the scheduled adjournment in early October.

No Child Left Behind

Tomorrow, U. S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings will join Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) in Saint Paul to make what is being couched as a major national policy announcement on No Child Left Behind.

Housing

On Tuesday, the House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), will hold an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its proposed budget for FY 2009. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson will testify.


Thanks to DPC for the Federal Update.