Good evening . . .
With preparations for John Paul II's funeral well underway, this has turned into a slow news day. There are, however, a few items that may interest or amuse you.
--
Indiana is one of a few states that does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Counties in the northwest and southeast corners of the state do observe the semi-annual clock change.
For many years the legislature has tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill that would put the entire state on Daylight Saving Time. This year the legislature is poised to pass a bill that is a centerpiece of Gov. Mitch Daniels(R) overall plan. There is, however, a hitch in the bill.
Yesterday the Indiana House added an amendment to the bill that would give counties the ability to "opt out" of Daylight Saving Time. The problem with the bill and its amendment is the federal government says it is illegal.
The Department of Transportation says that under federal statutes the amendment would be illegal and, of course, cause havoc for any business trying to do business with counties that do not change time.
The bill heads to the State Senate where it could be changed to make it legal for passage. See, there is more than corn in Indiana. It has a few nuts as well.
Not to be outdone by the state of Indiana, Congress is reviewing an amendment to the upcoming energy bill that would extend Daylight Saving Time. The provision has bipartisan support and would make Daylight Saving Time begin the first Sunday in March and end the last Sunday in November.
Supporters say it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day. The US currently uses 20 million barrels of oil each day.
Daylight Savings Time Extension
Daylight Savings Bill Vote?
--
Wednesday the Attorney General of Connecticut announced he will sue the Bush Administration over the No Child Left Behind Act. Well, he may have rushed to judgement.
Education Secretary Margaret Spelling vowed when she came into office to resolve some of the horror stories she heard from several states. Now several state leaders say she is making good on her promise - with a catch.
Spellings pledged Thursday to take a more sensible approach to enforcing the law, starting with allowing many more children with disabilities to be held to different academic standards. The flexibility isn't open to all states, only to those that prove they are committed to President Bush's education law, mainly by raising test scores.
Spellings said it makes sense to require the states to follow the intent of the law while using federal funds. "Others looking for loopholes to simply take federal funds . . . and have minimal results . . .will be disappointed," said Spellings.
More Education Aid . . . With a Catch
--
Any Briefings or Updates tomorrow will be posted late. I intend to watch the funeral of John Paul II. It starts at 4AM Eastern time. Good night.
No comments:
Post a Comment