For many decades, the six national disability advocacy organizations that endorse the legislative agenda contained in this document have recognized the vital role the federal government plays in the everyday lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. From civil rights protections to community housing, from…

This memorandum responds to a request from the House Subcommittee on Census and Population for information concering the planning for the 1990 Census. It identifies eleven major issues concerning the implementation of the 1990 Census: (1) determination of who shall be counted; (2) provision of data for apportionment and redistricting; (3)…

Discusses the policy of using tax incentives to stimulate investment in training, which allows the federal government to offer financial support without getting directly involved. The popularity of this policy and the reasons for it are examined. Proposed legislation directed at training needs is described. (CT)

The author explains why he supports the establishment of a National Commission on Teacher Education. (FL)

Discusses historical precedents that established presidential papers as the private property of presidents; the Historical Records Act of 1978 which assigned ownership of official presidential papers to the federal government; and the Presidential Library Act of 1986 which provides a uniform system of standards and access to presidential records…

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the late 1980s appeared to pursue its own agenda of broadcast deregulation, notwithstanding congressional pressures. The apparent power shift is evident in a case study of the interactions between Congress and the FCC on the subject of children's television. In the early 1970s, the FCC tended to…

The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act seeks to expand access to postsecondary education by recognizing the changing demographics of the campus community and by increasing potential funding for crucial programs. Other major changes enacted during the reauthorization process are discussed. (MLW)

Describes Head Start's financial uncertainty for the future due to the government's budget battle. Presents information on the key points in the budget process, how that process got off track in fiscal year 1996, the resulting government shutdowns, and how Head Start can prepare for the 1997 budget debates. (MOK)

This working paper presents options for federal and state policymaking to create incentives for states and communities to make preschool education available to all young children. The majority of 3- to- 5-year-olds are engaged in preschool programs of one form or another, and one answer to questions regarding the quality of these programs is…

First tracing the historical background of Canadian-Indian policy, article then presents an in-depth analysis of the Indian Act, the mainstay of that policy. Apparently little has changed over the years: the Indian Act continues to thwart Indian sovereignty and self-determination. (Author/DS)

Important issues facing the 101st Congress are discussed including: reform of the way Medicare pays for physician services; efforts to review the appropriateness and quality of care furnished; volume of services being furnished; long-term care; AIDS epidemic; and the needs of those who lack basic health insurance. (MLW)

The changes in postsecondary education's relationship to government generally and to the federal government specifically are discussed. It is concluded that, as the array of issues, participants, and special interests mounts, the academy is less and less able to speak with a single voice in Washington. (MLW)

William Blakey, staff director and chief counsel to the Subcommittee on Employment and Productivity of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, was interviewed on the issues facing black progress in higher education. Leadership, change, TRIO programs, and public policy are discussed. (MLW)

It is argued that the Federal government's youth employment and training policy is at a crossroads and that a budget-cutting Administration and a deficit-conscious Congress face a choice between shortchanging American youth with subminimum pay or investing in employment, training, and education for the present and future of young people. First,…

Examines the state of early childhood policy in the United States and presents critical policy considerations and solutions. Discusses current trends of devolution of authority to the states, block grants, and budget control. Asserts that educators must work to effect positive change rather than despair over recent policy developments. (BGC)