1:15 - Welcome / Opening Comments - Lisa
1:20 - Adoption of Standards – Cher Thomas
1:30 - EA Study team update – Cher
1:40 - Internet filtering – Lisa
2:00 - ADA compliance – Jeff Swank
2:05 - WSCA contract update – Pat Forster
2:15 - Break – reconvene – 2:30PM
2:30 - Agency reports – Mark Molesworth
New Project Notification:
2:30 - DOT – Facial Recognition
Variance Presentation:
2:40 - DOCR – Electronic Medical Records System (EMRS)
2:50 - WSI – ITTP (Schedule)
3:00 - Secretary of State – DPS (Schedule)
3:10 - JSND – Appeals/UI Easy Enhancement (Schedule)
3:20 - DHS – EBT (Budget)
3:30 - Discus
Professor Emeritus -- Dr. Tom Seymour from West Fargo, North Dakota -- Professor, Minot State University, MSU Faculty Regents Award (2015) -- PAST Peer Reviewer (Higher Learning Commission - Chicago); - Author and Presenter Board of Directors, SRT Communications, Inc and Minot City Alderman - Ward 5 (2010-June, 2016) PAST - Editor-in-Chief (North Dakota State Senator (2002-2010) 2017-Cass County Electric Cooperative- Board of Directors
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Microsoft Share Point Thoughts
Learn more about SharePoint and how it has captured the ECM market's attention in this resource below.
State of the Market: Microsoft SharePoint
While some may argue that SharePoint is not a panacea and is perhaps being over-used, many organizations around the world are reportedly using it for one or more ECM-related projects.
In fact, it is likely, based on the market data that is the focus of this white paper, that someone in your organization is using SharePointperhaps even you. But among this market fervor, there is still confusion regarding the depth and breadth by which SharePoint can have impact on the organization.
This paper sheds light on the reality of SharePoint adoption and practice within the enterprise.
http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/ifwcib0525/13/50387455/
Thank you,
InfoWorld
Don't miss out in this other resource below that is only available for a limited time.
Transform the Internet into a Business-Ready Application Delivery Platform
Enterprise applications are becoming increasingly Webified to leverage the reach and cost efficiencies of the Internet. However, this move can create conflicts. Learn how you can prevent these.
Learn more!
http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/ifwcib0525/13/50316585/
Let InfoWorld keep you informed about the resources and topics that are most important to you.
Sign up for InfoWorld Alerts, and receive customized information on topics including Security, Virtualization, Green IT, Networking, and many more!
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
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If the above URL is not enabled as a link, please copy it in to your browser window to access our Subscription Page.
View InfoWorld's online privacy policy .
Copyright 2009 | InfoWorld | 501 Second St | San Francisco CA 94107 | www.infoworld.com
State of the Market: Microsoft SharePoint
While some may argue that SharePoint is not a panacea and is perhaps being over-used, many organizations around the world are reportedly using it for one or more ECM-related projects.
In fact, it is likely, based on the market data that is the focus of this white paper, that someone in your organization is using SharePointperhaps even you. But among this market fervor, there is still confusion regarding the depth and breadth by which SharePoint can have impact on the organization.
This paper sheds light on the reality of SharePoint adoption and practice within the enterprise.
http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/ifwcib0525/13/50387455/
Thank you,
InfoWorld
Don't miss out in this other resource below that is only available for a limited time.
Transform the Internet into a Business-Ready Application Delivery Platform
Enterprise applications are becoming increasingly Webified to leverage the reach and cost efficiencies of the Internet. However, this move can create conflicts. Learn how you can prevent these.
Learn more!
http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/ifwcib0525/13/50316585/
Let InfoWorld keep you informed about the resources and topics that are most important to you.
Sign up for InfoWorld Alerts, and receive customized information on topics including Security, Virtualization, Green IT, Networking, and many more!
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
You are currently subscribed as seymour@srt.com. If you do not wish to receive future mailings from InfoWorld Online Resources, need to change your email or other preference, please visit: http://optout.newsletters.infoworld.com/infoworldonline.aspx?emid=1RCS3V1Uga5BqB02bc6%2fzX8WPB5iR8pAycrHJAf4W8U%3d
If the above URL is not enabled as a link, please copy it in to your browser window to access our Subscription Page.
View InfoWorld's online privacy policy .
Copyright 2009 | InfoWorld | 501 Second St | San Francisco CA 94107 | www.infoworld.com
Monday, May 25, 2009
400 Million Songs
From: "Pete MacKay"
Reply-To:
To:
Subject: [The Teacher List] JamsBio
Bernadette in New Zealand sent a few interesting sites along the other
day. I'll scatter them throughout the rest of the school year.
Today's is called JamsBio you can pick from more than 4 million
songs to create a musical timeline of your life, and then add your own
memories, reviews, dedications and favourite lists.
--
The URL: http://www.jamsbio.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the_teacher_list mailing list, managed by FreeLists.org
More Info (archives, subscription) - http://www.theteacherlist.ca
The Teacher List on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/theteacherlist
The Teacher List Gear - http://www.cafepress.com/TTLstore
Reply-To:
To:
Subject: [The Teacher List] JamsBio
Bernadette in New Zealand sent a few interesting sites along the other
day. I'll scatter them throughout the rest of the school year.
Today's is called JamsBio you can pick from more than 4 million
songs to create a musical timeline of your life, and then add your own
memories, reviews, dedications and favourite lists.
--
The URL: http://www.jamsbio.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the_teacher_list mailing list, managed by FreeLists.org
More Info (archives, subscription) - http://www.theteacherlist.ca
The Teacher List on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/theteacherlist
The Teacher List Gear - http://www.cafepress.com/TTLstore
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Medicare Update
Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. May Is Older Americans Month!
2. Pricer Updates
3. Note to Integrated Outpatient Code Editors (IOCE) Users
4. Special ODF on Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project
5. Five-Star Quality Rating System - May News
6. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. May Is Older Americans Month!
May is Older Americans Month ~ Please join with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in promoting increased awareness of Medicare-covered preventive services that can help older Americans live longer, fuller, healthier lives.
Medicare provides coverage for a variety preventive screenings. These screenings can help older Americans with Medicare stay healthy and detect conditions like cancer, glaucoma, and cardiovascular disease early when treatment works best.
CMS recognizes the crucial role the Medicare provider community plays in promoting and providing their patients to about potentially life-saving preventive services. Therefore, we have created a number of products available free of charge to help you educate yourselves and your patients about Medicare-covered preventive services, including:
o The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Web Page ~ provides descriptions and ordering information for Medicare Learning Network (MLN) preventive services educational products and resources for health care professionals and their staff. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp
o Preventive Services Brochures ~ provide information on bone mass measurements, cancer and glaucoma screenings, diabetes-related services, and expanded benefits. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/education_products_prevserv.pdf (scroll down to “Brochures” and choose the link for the brochure you’re interested in)
o Quick Reference Guides ~ provide additional information about initial preventive physical exams, immunization billing, and other preventive services. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/education_products_prevserv.pdf (scroll down to “Quick Reference Information” and choose the link for the brochure you’re interested in)
Thank you for your support in helping CMS spread the word about the benefits of Medicare-covered preventive series that can help older Americans live longer, healthier lives.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. Pricer Updates
FY 2009 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The IPPS PC Pricer for FY 2009 required a coding correction and has been updated with the April 2009 provider data. If you use the IPPS PC Pricer, please go to, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp, and download the FY 2009.5 version of the PC Pricer, updated 05/14/2009.
Skilled Nursing Facilities Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer File Updated
The FY 2009.0 SNF PPS PC Pricer has been updated with the latest April 2009 provider specific file (PSF) data. To download the latest FY 2009.0 version of the PC Pricer file (updated 05/14/2009), go to the “Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF PPS) PC Pricer” web page (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/04_SNF.asp), under the “Downloads” section.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Prospective Payment System (IPF PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricers Release -- 05/15/2009
The April provider data for the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility (IPF) PPS PC Pricers for FY 2009 has been updated. If you use the IPF PPS PC Pricer 2009.A and 2009.4, please go to the page, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/09_inppsy.asp, under the Downloads section, and download the latest versions of the IPF PPS PC Pricers, posted 05/15/2009.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. Note to Integrated Outpatient Code Editors (IOCE) Users
The October 2009 IOCE version 10.3 will contain several structural changes:
1) The software will be modified to retain 28 quarters (7 years) of programs and codes in each release. The earliest version date included in the October, 2009 release will be January 1, 2003. Going forward, the earliest start date will roll each quarter so that each release will conform to include only 28 quarters. If you need to access releases prior to 7 years, you will need to maintain a copy of the July 2009 IOCE in your system.
2) The tool set used to generate the Basic Assembler Language (BAL) for the Mainframe (MF) IOCE program will be updated. Though minor, the tool set change will slightly change the structure and source code of the mainframe IOCE, resulting in small changes in the procedure for installing the MF IOCE; complete instructions will be included in the MF Installation Manual.
More information on both of these changes is described in Change Requests 6401 (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R482OTN.pdf) and 6390 (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/Downloads/R484OTN.pdf).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. Special ODF on Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Special Open Door Forum:
Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
9:30 am – 11:30 am ET
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is holding a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) in order to solicit stakeholder input for the design and development of the Appropriate Use of Imaging Services Demonstration. This Special ODF will be a “listening session” in which CMS hopes to gather information from stakeholders about issues that will affect Demonstration design and implementation.
This demonstration was authorized by Section 135(b) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) for the purpose of collecting data regarding physician use of advanced diagnostic imaging services. For purposes of this demonstration, advanced diagnostic imaging services are defined as diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine (including positron emission tomography).
CMS is interested in holding this Special ODF to gather input related to the design and implementation of this provision. CMS will not be able to respond to comments at this Forum but intends to consider the information we obtain as input develop this demonstration.
CMS is especially interested in information and feedback in the following topic areas:
1. Demonstration Framework:
a. Given that prior authorization is excluded from the demonstration by legislative mandate, how can we best design the demonstration to test both point of order (POO) and point of service (POS) systems?
b. How could CMS assess the impact of POO and POS systems through randomized designs or other comparative models?
c. What will motivate physician participation in the demonstration? How should physicians be recruited? What is the role of economic and non-economic incentives in encouraging participation?
2. Point of Order (POO) and Point of Service Systems (POS):
a. What are the major characteristics of POO and POS? How are they similar and how are they different in their assessments of appropriateness? How are these systems currently used by providers and payers?
b. What data are captured by the systems and what is the comparability in data elements across systems? Are there distinctions in how appropriateness of individual procedures is assessed between these two systems?
c. Does use of POO versus POS systems vary systematically by type of service, service setting, type of physician, and/or geography? How common is the use of these systems by specialists, primary care physicians and performing physicians?
d. How do ordering and performing physicians interface with the POO or POS systems? Do individual physicians or group practices use of more than one system?
3. Imaging Procedures:
a. Specific procedures being considered for inclusion in the demonstration are likely to be high in volume, high in growth, exhibit geographic variation, and have consensus around clinical guidelines. Are there other criteria we should consider when selecting procedures for inclusion in the demonstration?
b. What procedures that have the characteristics described above have been incorporated into POO and POS?
c. Should the demonstration focus on applying a decision support system for only specific types of imaging procedure use (e.g., MRI for Lumbar Spine, rather than all MRIs)? Might a focus on only specific types of procedures cause confusion for physicians or increase burden on physicians?
For a more information, please see the demonstration website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DemoProjectsEvalRpts/MD/itemdetail.asp?filterType=none&filterByDID=-99&sortByDID=3&sortOrder=descending&itemID=CMS1222075&intNumPerPage=10
We ask that all interested parties who wish to present their positions or comments prepare to speak for no more than 2 minutes. Telephone participants will also be given an opportunity to speak and will be under the same time limitation.
CMS requests that interested parties prepare their comments or input in written form and submit this information to ImagingDemo135b@cms.hhs.gov . We also request that you bring a hard copy of your written material for collection at the Special ODF.
We look forward to your participation.
There are two ways to participate, by phone or "in-person".
1. To participate by phone:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 & Reference Conference ID: 90111467
Persons participating by phone are not required to RSVP.
Note: TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired. For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880. A Relay Communications Assistant will help.
2. To participate "in-person" at the CMS Baltimore Site, RSVP is required.
Please RSVP by 2pmET Thursday, May 21, 2009 to: SpecialODF@cms.hhs.gov . Please use “Medicare Imaging Demonstration” in the subject line, send your name along with the name of your organization, your contact information, and indicate whether or not you plan to speak.
Please plan to arrive no later than 9:00 AM to account for time required to pass through security. Visitors are subject to a vehicle search and an examination of all parcels (including purses) brought into the complex. Visitors all must have a valid Government-issued photo identification card or badge.
ADDRESS:
CMS Single Site Building
Auditorium
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
An audio recording and transcript of this Special Forum will be posted to the Special Open Door Forum website at, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/05_ODF_SpecialODF.asp and will be accessible for downloading beginning June 8, 2009.
For automatic emails of Open Door Forum schedule updates, E-Mailing list subscriptions and to view Frequently Asked Questions please visit our website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoorforums/ .
Thank you for your interest in CMS Open Door Forums.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. Five-Star Quality Rating System - May News
1. The Five-Star provider preview reports have begun as of Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Providers can access the report from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) State Welcome pages available at the state servers for submission of Minimum Data Set data.
Provider Preview access information:
· Visit the MDS State Welcome page available on the State servers where you submit MDS data to review your results.
· To access these reports, select the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting link located at the bottom of the login page.
· Once in the CASPER Reporting system,
i. Click on the 'Folders' button and access the Five-Star Report in your 'st LTC facid' folder,
ii. Where st is the 2-digit postal code of the state in which your facility is located, and
iii. Facid is the state assigned facid of your facility.
2. BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov is available to address May’s data concerns and/or issues. The helpline will reopen in July to coincide with quarterly Quality Measure (QM) data updates.
3. Nursing Home Compare will update with May’s Five-Star data on Thursday, May 28, 2009.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucretia James
Division for Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. May Is Older Americans Month!
2. Pricer Updates
3. Note to Integrated Outpatient Code Editors (IOCE) Users
4. Special ODF on Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project
5. Five-Star Quality Rating System - May News
6. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. May Is Older Americans Month!
May is Older Americans Month ~ Please join with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in promoting increased awareness of Medicare-covered preventive services that can help older Americans live longer, fuller, healthier lives.
Medicare provides coverage for a variety preventive screenings. These screenings can help older Americans with Medicare stay healthy and detect conditions like cancer, glaucoma, and cardiovascular disease early when treatment works best.
CMS recognizes the crucial role the Medicare provider community plays in promoting and providing their patients to about potentially life-saving preventive services. Therefore, we have created a number of products available free of charge to help you educate yourselves and your patients about Medicare-covered preventive services, including:
o The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Web Page ~ provides descriptions and ordering information for Medicare Learning Network (MLN) preventive services educational products and resources for health care professionals and their staff. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp
o Preventive Services Brochures ~ provide information on bone mass measurements, cancer and glaucoma screenings, diabetes-related services, and expanded benefits. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/education_products_prevserv.pdf (scroll down to “Brochures” and choose the link for the brochure you’re interested in)
o Quick Reference Guides ~ provide additional information about initial preventive physical exams, immunization billing, and other preventive services. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/education_products_prevserv.pdf (scroll down to “Quick Reference Information” and choose the link for the brochure you’re interested in)
Thank you for your support in helping CMS spread the word about the benefits of Medicare-covered preventive series that can help older Americans live longer, healthier lives.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. Pricer Updates
FY 2009 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The IPPS PC Pricer for FY 2009 required a coding correction and has been updated with the April 2009 provider data. If you use the IPPS PC Pricer, please go to, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp, and download the FY 2009.5 version of the PC Pricer, updated 05/14/2009.
Skilled Nursing Facilities Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer File Updated
The FY 2009.0 SNF PPS PC Pricer has been updated with the latest April 2009 provider specific file (PSF) data. To download the latest FY 2009.0 version of the PC Pricer file (updated 05/14/2009), go to the “Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF PPS) PC Pricer” web page (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/04_SNF.asp), under the “Downloads” section.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Prospective Payment System (IPF PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricers Release -- 05/15/2009
The April provider data for the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility (IPF) PPS PC Pricers for FY 2009 has been updated. If you use the IPF PPS PC Pricer 2009.A and 2009.4, please go to the page, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/09_inppsy.asp, under the Downloads section, and download the latest versions of the IPF PPS PC Pricers, posted 05/15/2009.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. Note to Integrated Outpatient Code Editors (IOCE) Users
The October 2009 IOCE version 10.3 will contain several structural changes:
1) The software will be modified to retain 28 quarters (7 years) of programs and codes in each release. The earliest version date included in the October, 2009 release will be January 1, 2003. Going forward, the earliest start date will roll each quarter so that each release will conform to include only 28 quarters. If you need to access releases prior to 7 years, you will need to maintain a copy of the July 2009 IOCE in your system.
2) The tool set used to generate the Basic Assembler Language (BAL) for the Mainframe (MF) IOCE program will be updated. Though minor, the tool set change will slightly change the structure and source code of the mainframe IOCE, resulting in small changes in the procedure for installing the MF IOCE; complete instructions will be included in the MF Installation Manual.
More information on both of these changes is described in Change Requests 6401 (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R482OTN.pdf) and 6390 (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/Downloads/R484OTN.pdf).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. Special ODF on Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Special Open Door Forum:
Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
9:30 am – 11:30 am ET
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is holding a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) in order to solicit stakeholder input for the design and development of the Appropriate Use of Imaging Services Demonstration. This Special ODF will be a “listening session” in which CMS hopes to gather information from stakeholders about issues that will affect Demonstration design and implementation.
This demonstration was authorized by Section 135(b) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) for the purpose of collecting data regarding physician use of advanced diagnostic imaging services. For purposes of this demonstration, advanced diagnostic imaging services are defined as diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine (including positron emission tomography).
CMS is interested in holding this Special ODF to gather input related to the design and implementation of this provision. CMS will not be able to respond to comments at this Forum but intends to consider the information we obtain as input develop this demonstration.
CMS is especially interested in information and feedback in the following topic areas:
1. Demonstration Framework:
a. Given that prior authorization is excluded from the demonstration by legislative mandate, how can we best design the demonstration to test both point of order (POO) and point of service (POS) systems?
b. How could CMS assess the impact of POO and POS systems through randomized designs or other comparative models?
c. What will motivate physician participation in the demonstration? How should physicians be recruited? What is the role of economic and non-economic incentives in encouraging participation?
2. Point of Order (POO) and Point of Service Systems (POS):
a. What are the major characteristics of POO and POS? How are they similar and how are they different in their assessments of appropriateness? How are these systems currently used by providers and payers?
b. What data are captured by the systems and what is the comparability in data elements across systems? Are there distinctions in how appropriateness of individual procedures is assessed between these two systems?
c. Does use of POO versus POS systems vary systematically by type of service, service setting, type of physician, and/or geography? How common is the use of these systems by specialists, primary care physicians and performing physicians?
d. How do ordering and performing physicians interface with the POO or POS systems? Do individual physicians or group practices use of more than one system?
3. Imaging Procedures:
a. Specific procedures being considered for inclusion in the demonstration are likely to be high in volume, high in growth, exhibit geographic variation, and have consensus around clinical guidelines. Are there other criteria we should consider when selecting procedures for inclusion in the demonstration?
b. What procedures that have the characteristics described above have been incorporated into POO and POS?
c. Should the demonstration focus on applying a decision support system for only specific types of imaging procedure use (e.g., MRI for Lumbar Spine, rather than all MRIs)? Might a focus on only specific types of procedures cause confusion for physicians or increase burden on physicians?
For a more information, please see the demonstration website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DemoProjectsEvalRpts/MD/itemdetail.asp?filterType=none&filterByDID=-99&sortByDID=3&sortOrder=descending&itemID=CMS1222075&intNumPerPage=10
We ask that all interested parties who wish to present their positions or comments prepare to speak for no more than 2 minutes. Telephone participants will also be given an opportunity to speak and will be under the same time limitation.
CMS requests that interested parties prepare their comments or input in written form and submit this information to ImagingDemo135b@cms.hhs.gov . We also request that you bring a hard copy of your written material for collection at the Special ODF.
We look forward to your participation.
There are two ways to participate, by phone or "in-person".
1. To participate by phone:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 & Reference Conference ID: 90111467
Persons participating by phone are not required to RSVP.
Note: TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired. For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880. A Relay Communications Assistant will help.
2. To participate "in-person" at the CMS Baltimore Site, RSVP is required.
Please RSVP by 2pmET Thursday, May 21, 2009 to: SpecialODF@cms.hhs.gov . Please use “Medicare Imaging Demonstration” in the subject line, send your name along with the name of your organization, your contact information, and indicate whether or not you plan to speak.
Please plan to arrive no later than 9:00 AM to account for time required to pass through security. Visitors are subject to a vehicle search and an examination of all parcels (including purses) brought into the complex. Visitors all must have a valid Government-issued photo identification card or badge.
ADDRESS:
CMS Single Site Building
Auditorium
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
An audio recording and transcript of this Special Forum will be posted to the Special Open Door Forum website at, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/05_ODF_SpecialODF.asp and will be accessible for downloading beginning June 8, 2009.
For automatic emails of Open Door Forum schedule updates, E-Mailing list subscriptions and to view Frequently Asked Questions please visit our website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoorforums/ .
Thank you for your interest in CMS Open Door Forums.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. Five-Star Quality Rating System - May News
1. The Five-Star provider preview reports have begun as of Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Providers can access the report from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) State Welcome pages available at the state servers for submission of Minimum Data Set data.
Provider Preview access information:
· Visit the MDS State Welcome page available on the State servers where you submit MDS data to review your results.
· To access these reports, select the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting link located at the bottom of the login page.
· Once in the CASPER Reporting system,
i. Click on the 'Folders' button and access the Five-Star Report in your 'st LTC facid' folder,
ii. Where st is the 2-digit postal code of the state in which your facility is located, and
iii. Facid is the state assigned facid of your facility.
2. BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov is available to address May’s data concerns and/or issues. The helpline will reopen in July to coincide with quarterly Quality Measure (QM) data updates.
3. Nursing Home Compare will update with May’s Five-Star data on Thursday, May 28, 2009.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucretia James
Division for Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Education Review
ED REVIEW
May 22, 2009
...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
______________________________________________________________________
FY 2010 BUDGET
On May 7, President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2010 budget request, including $46.7 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Education. The request (an increase of $1.3 billion over last year's regular appropriation) builds on the investments already made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to give preschoolers the skills they need to prepare for kindergarten, turn-around under-performing schools, and improve teacher effectiveness. It also significantly increases the federal government's commitment to make college accessible and affordable to all students. Among the highlights:
$500 million for a new program of Title I Early Childhood Grants, which would encourage school districts to use Title I funds under the ARRA to start or expand Title I preschool programs.
$300 million for a new Early Learning Challenge Fund, a central component of the President's Zero-to-Five initiative, to help states develop or refine systems for rating and improving the quality of early learning programs.
$10 million for the Promise Neighborhoods initiative, to provide one-year planning grants to non-profit, community-based organizations to develop comprehensive neighborhood programs that supply the necessary support for children and youth from preschool through college.
$162.5 million for Early Reading First, an increase of $50 million to expand support for high-quality, research-based early literacy services for preschool children.
$370.4 million for an expanded Striving Readers program, with a $35 million increase for adolescent literacy demonstration grants and $300 million for a new initiative to help districts implement comprehensive and coherent programs of reading instruction for elementary school children.
$517.3 million for the Teacher Incentive Fund, an increase of $420 million to stimulate state and local efforts to strengthen the educator workforce, in particular by providing financial rewards for teachers, principals, and other personnel who raise student achievement, close achievement gaps, and work in hard-to-staff schools.
$1.5 billion for Title I Improvement Grants, an increase of $1 billion to help ensure that states and districts have the resources to develop and implement improvement plans for the growing numbers of schools (including middle and high schools) identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring.
$50 million for a High School Graduation Initiative, to promote innovative strategies for increasing high school graduation rates, particularly in the "dropout factories" that graduate 60% or fewer of their students.
Raising the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,550, an increase of $200 over the 2009 level, indexing the maximum Pell Grant to grow faster than inflation in future years, and making Pell Grant funding mandatory, to eliminate the perennial uncertainty created for students and parents.
Saving $21 billion over five years by making all new higher education student loans through the Direct Loan program and saving $3.2 billion over five years by restructuring and expanding the Federal Perkins Loans program to serve five times as many students.
The request supports these priorities while proposing significant savings -- abolishing 12 ineffective programs and cutting unnecessary personnel -- that are essential to meeting the President's goal of reducing the annual federal deficit in half over the next five years. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget10/summary/. (State-by-state tables on allocations are available at http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/.)
Secretary Duncan recently testified before the House Education and Labor Committee on the President's plan for American education, including the Fiscal Year 2010 budget request. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/2009/05/05202009.html.
Also, at the Brookings Institution, the Secretary explained that the Obama Administration is changing the Title I program to aggressively drive reform in schools that need it the most. "When a school is chronically under-performing despite additional supports and other strategies," he said, "you have to consider bolder action, whether it's changing the leadership, hiring a new staff, or turning schools over to charter operators." If the nation's educators could turn-around 1,000 schools a year (approximately 1% of all U.S. schools) for five years in a row, "We could really move the needle, lift the bottom, and change the lives of tens of millions of under-served children." FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/05/05112009.html.
______________________________________________________________________
LISTENING AND LEARNING
Last week, Secretary Duncan traveled to Detroit, Michigan, and Vermont for his "Listening and Learning: A Conversation About Education Reform" tour. In Detroit, he met with state and community leaders; met with students, teachers, and administrators at Cody High School; and delivered a keynote address at the United Way's Community Leaders Conference. In Vermont, he gave the commencement address at St. Michael's College ("I believe that access to a high-quality education is the difference between a life lived on the margins and life lived in fulfillment of the American dream"); met with students at two area schools (Lawrence Barnes Elementary School in Burlington and Westford Elementary School in Westford); and visited with teachers at the Muddy Water Cafe in Burlington. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/topic/listening-tour/. (Do you have something to add to the conversation? The Secretary has taken his tour online. In the coming weeks, he will ask questions via the tour blog on raising standards, strengthening teacher quality, using data to improve learning, and turning around under-performing schools.)
______________________________________________________________________
ARRA OUTREACH
This week, Secretary Duncan urged states to submit their applications for ARRA stabilization funding as quickly as possible, saying teaching jobs are at risk and reforms must move forward. "We have an urgent need to reform schools and prevent teacher layoffs," he stressed. "The Department is turning around applications within, on average, nine days. States that have not yet applied need to do so now." So far, over $14 billion has been awarded to 16 states; the latest approved states are Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. Governors must submit an application by July 1, 4:30 p.m. ET. If a governor fails to submit an application by the deadline, the state will not receive any stabilization funding, and the Department will allocate the funds that were reserved for the state to the states that submitted timely applications. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/. (Note: Approved state applications are posted at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/resources.html.)
Aside from "Using ARRA Funds to Drive School Reform and Improvement" (http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/uses.doc), which includes framing questions for decision-making and examples of potential uses of ARRA funding to improve educational outcomes from early learning through high school, the Department has assembled a wide variety of agency and agency-funded publications and resources that may be useful as states and districts identify how to spend funding under the ARRA. The items are categorized by their area of assurance: effective use of data, improving teacher quality, and turning around under-performing schools. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/publications.html.
Moreover, many external organizations have created publications that specifically recommend ways to use funding under the ARRA. All of the items listed by the Department are available for free -- not promoting the purchase of specific products or services -- and offer useful and well-documented information relevant to a broad audience of policymakers, practitioners, and citizens. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/ideas.html.
______________________________________________________________________
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Recently, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, and Secretary Duncan announced that Joanne Weiss will lead development of the "Race to the Top Fund." Melendez is currently serving as superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District in California. Her work on improving teaching and learning and accelerating student performance also includes time with the Annenberg and Stupski foundations. She earned a B.A. at the University of California at Los Angeles and a Ph.D. at the University of Southern California and was a Broad Foundation Urban Superintendents Academy Fellow. Weiss has a record of success in investment strategy and management assistance that includes a portfolio of ventures at the New Schools Venture Fund over the last eight years. Previously, she was the co-founder, CEO, or product development director for several different education and technology companies. She has a degree in biochemistry from Princeton University. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts-5/19/09/ AND http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/05/05192009c.html.
______________________________________________________________________
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESSES
The following excerpts are from the President's 2009 commencement addresses.
"Find someone to be successful for. Raise to their hopes and their needs. As you think about life after graduation, as you look in that mirror tonight, you may see somebody with no idea what to do with their life. But a troubled child might look at you and see a mentor. A homebound senior citizen might see a lifeline. The folks at your homeless shelter might see a friend. None of them care how much money is in your bank account, or whether you're important at work, or famous around town. They just know that you're someone who cares, someone who makes a difference in their lives. That is what building a body of work is all about. It's about the daily labor, the many individual acts, the choices large and small that add up to a lasting legacy. It's about not being satisfied with the latest achievement because one thing I know about a body of work is that it's never finished. It's cumulative; it deepens and expands with each day that you give your best, and give back, and contribute to the life of this great nation."
-- President Barack Obama (5/13/09), at Arizona State University
"You are about to enter the next phase of your life at a time of great uncertainty. You will be called upon to help restore a free market that is also fair to all who are willing to work; to seek new sources of energy that can save our planet; to give future generations the same chance that you had to receive an extraordinary education. And, whether as a person drawn to public service or someone who simply insists on being an active citizen, you will be exposed to more opinions and ideas broadcast through more means of communications than have ever existed before. You will hear talking heads scream on cable, read blogs that claim definitive knowledge, and watch politicians pretend to know what they're talking about…. In this world of competing claims about what is right and what is true, have confidence in the values with which you've been raised and educated. Be unafraid to speak your mind when those values are at stake. Hold firm to your faith and allow it to guide you on your journey. Stand as a lighthouse."
-- President Barack Obama (5/17/09), at the University of Notre Dame
______________________________________________________________________
OPPORTUNITY.GOV
The Departments of Education and Labor have established a new web site to assist those who are unemployed. Indeed, many unemployed individuals do not know they may be eligible for Pell Grants and other need-based student aid. Most also do not know of the ability of financial aid administrators to adjust financial aid eligibility based on their special circumstances. The web site provides information on financial aid, labor tools, and other key resources available for unemployed workers. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.opportunity.gov/.
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTE TO NOTE
"If we are going to be successful in rebuilding our economy, our early childhood programs need to prepare our young children for kindergarten so they're ready to start reading and learning, our K-12 schools need to make sure our students have all of the academic knowledge and skills that they need to enter college or the workforce, and our higher education system needs to offer whatever advanced learning students need to be successful in a career, whether they will become a plumber, a teacher, or a business executive…. I'm proud to work for a President who has created a comprehensive [cradle to career] agenda that addresses the needs at every level of our educational system…."
-- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (5/20/09), testifying on the President's plan for education
______________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reminder! On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans are asked to stop what they are doing and spend one minute in a Moment of Remembrance. The mid-afternoon time was chosen because it is when a majority of Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the holiday. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.remember.gov/.
On May 28, at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) will release "The Condition of Education 2009." This year's report contains 46 indicators on conditions and trends in elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/.
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director -- Stacey Jordan, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Stacey.Jordan@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.
May 22, 2009
...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
______________________________________________________________________
FY 2010 BUDGET
On May 7, President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2010 budget request, including $46.7 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Education. The request (an increase of $1.3 billion over last year's regular appropriation) builds on the investments already made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to give preschoolers the skills they need to prepare for kindergarten, turn-around under-performing schools, and improve teacher effectiveness. It also significantly increases the federal government's commitment to make college accessible and affordable to all students. Among the highlights:
$500 million for a new program of Title I Early Childhood Grants, which would encourage school districts to use Title I funds under the ARRA to start or expand Title I preschool programs.
$300 million for a new Early Learning Challenge Fund, a central component of the President's Zero-to-Five initiative, to help states develop or refine systems for rating and improving the quality of early learning programs.
$10 million for the Promise Neighborhoods initiative, to provide one-year planning grants to non-profit, community-based organizations to develop comprehensive neighborhood programs that supply the necessary support for children and youth from preschool through college.
$162.5 million for Early Reading First, an increase of $50 million to expand support for high-quality, research-based early literacy services for preschool children.
$370.4 million for an expanded Striving Readers program, with a $35 million increase for adolescent literacy demonstration grants and $300 million for a new initiative to help districts implement comprehensive and coherent programs of reading instruction for elementary school children.
$517.3 million for the Teacher Incentive Fund, an increase of $420 million to stimulate state and local efforts to strengthen the educator workforce, in particular by providing financial rewards for teachers, principals, and other personnel who raise student achievement, close achievement gaps, and work in hard-to-staff schools.
$1.5 billion for Title I Improvement Grants, an increase of $1 billion to help ensure that states and districts have the resources to develop and implement improvement plans for the growing numbers of schools (including middle and high schools) identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring.
$50 million for a High School Graduation Initiative, to promote innovative strategies for increasing high school graduation rates, particularly in the "dropout factories" that graduate 60% or fewer of their students.
Raising the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,550, an increase of $200 over the 2009 level, indexing the maximum Pell Grant to grow faster than inflation in future years, and making Pell Grant funding mandatory, to eliminate the perennial uncertainty created for students and parents.
Saving $21 billion over five years by making all new higher education student loans through the Direct Loan program and saving $3.2 billion over five years by restructuring and expanding the Federal Perkins Loans program to serve five times as many students.
The request supports these priorities while proposing significant savings -- abolishing 12 ineffective programs and cutting unnecessary personnel -- that are essential to meeting the President's goal of reducing the annual federal deficit in half over the next five years. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget10/summary/. (State-by-state tables on allocations are available at http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/.)
Secretary Duncan recently testified before the House Education and Labor Committee on the President's plan for American education, including the Fiscal Year 2010 budget request. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/2009/05/05202009.html.
Also, at the Brookings Institution, the Secretary explained that the Obama Administration is changing the Title I program to aggressively drive reform in schools that need it the most. "When a school is chronically under-performing despite additional supports and other strategies," he said, "you have to consider bolder action, whether it's changing the leadership, hiring a new staff, or turning schools over to charter operators." If the nation's educators could turn-around 1,000 schools a year (approximately 1% of all U.S. schools) for five years in a row, "We could really move the needle, lift the bottom, and change the lives of tens of millions of under-served children." FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/05/05112009.html.
______________________________________________________________________
LISTENING AND LEARNING
Last week, Secretary Duncan traveled to Detroit, Michigan, and Vermont for his "Listening and Learning: A Conversation About Education Reform" tour. In Detroit, he met with state and community leaders; met with students, teachers, and administrators at Cody High School; and delivered a keynote address at the United Way's Community Leaders Conference. In Vermont, he gave the commencement address at St. Michael's College ("I believe that access to a high-quality education is the difference between a life lived on the margins and life lived in fulfillment of the American dream"); met with students at two area schools (Lawrence Barnes Elementary School in Burlington and Westford Elementary School in Westford); and visited with teachers at the Muddy Water Cafe in Burlington. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/topic/listening-tour/. (Do you have something to add to the conversation? The Secretary has taken his tour online. In the coming weeks, he will ask questions via the tour blog on raising standards, strengthening teacher quality, using data to improve learning, and turning around under-performing schools.)
______________________________________________________________________
ARRA OUTREACH
This week, Secretary Duncan urged states to submit their applications for ARRA stabilization funding as quickly as possible, saying teaching jobs are at risk and reforms must move forward. "We have an urgent need to reform schools and prevent teacher layoffs," he stressed. "The Department is turning around applications within, on average, nine days. States that have not yet applied need to do so now." So far, over $14 billion has been awarded to 16 states; the latest approved states are Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. Governors must submit an application by July 1, 4:30 p.m. ET. If a governor fails to submit an application by the deadline, the state will not receive any stabilization funding, and the Department will allocate the funds that were reserved for the state to the states that submitted timely applications. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/. (Note: Approved state applications are posted at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/resources.html.)
Aside from "Using ARRA Funds to Drive School Reform and Improvement" (http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/uses.doc), which includes framing questions for decision-making and examples of potential uses of ARRA funding to improve educational outcomes from early learning through high school, the Department has assembled a wide variety of agency and agency-funded publications and resources that may be useful as states and districts identify how to spend funding under the ARRA. The items are categorized by their area of assurance: effective use of data, improving teacher quality, and turning around under-performing schools. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/publications.html.
Moreover, many external organizations have created publications that specifically recommend ways to use funding under the ARRA. All of the items listed by the Department are available for free -- not promoting the purchase of specific products or services -- and offer useful and well-documented information relevant to a broad audience of policymakers, practitioners, and citizens. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/ideas.html.
______________________________________________________________________
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Recently, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, and Secretary Duncan announced that Joanne Weiss will lead development of the "Race to the Top Fund." Melendez is currently serving as superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District in California. Her work on improving teaching and learning and accelerating student performance also includes time with the Annenberg and Stupski foundations. She earned a B.A. at the University of California at Los Angeles and a Ph.D. at the University of Southern California and was a Broad Foundation Urban Superintendents Academy Fellow. Weiss has a record of success in investment strategy and management assistance that includes a portfolio of ventures at the New Schools Venture Fund over the last eight years. Previously, she was the co-founder, CEO, or product development director for several different education and technology companies. She has a degree in biochemistry from Princeton University. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts-5/19/09/ AND http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/05/05192009c.html.
______________________________________________________________________
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESSES
The following excerpts are from the President's 2009 commencement addresses.
"Find someone to be successful for. Raise to their hopes and their needs. As you think about life after graduation, as you look in that mirror tonight, you may see somebody with no idea what to do with their life. But a troubled child might look at you and see a mentor. A homebound senior citizen might see a lifeline. The folks at your homeless shelter might see a friend. None of them care how much money is in your bank account, or whether you're important at work, or famous around town. They just know that you're someone who cares, someone who makes a difference in their lives. That is what building a body of work is all about. It's about the daily labor, the many individual acts, the choices large and small that add up to a lasting legacy. It's about not being satisfied with the latest achievement because one thing I know about a body of work is that it's never finished. It's cumulative; it deepens and expands with each day that you give your best, and give back, and contribute to the life of this great nation."
-- President Barack Obama (5/13/09), at Arizona State University
"You are about to enter the next phase of your life at a time of great uncertainty. You will be called upon to help restore a free market that is also fair to all who are willing to work; to seek new sources of energy that can save our planet; to give future generations the same chance that you had to receive an extraordinary education. And, whether as a person drawn to public service or someone who simply insists on being an active citizen, you will be exposed to more opinions and ideas broadcast through more means of communications than have ever existed before. You will hear talking heads scream on cable, read blogs that claim definitive knowledge, and watch politicians pretend to know what they're talking about…. In this world of competing claims about what is right and what is true, have confidence in the values with which you've been raised and educated. Be unafraid to speak your mind when those values are at stake. Hold firm to your faith and allow it to guide you on your journey. Stand as a lighthouse."
-- President Barack Obama (5/17/09), at the University of Notre Dame
______________________________________________________________________
OPPORTUNITY.GOV
The Departments of Education and Labor have established a new web site to assist those who are unemployed. Indeed, many unemployed individuals do not know they may be eligible for Pell Grants and other need-based student aid. Most also do not know of the ability of financial aid administrators to adjust financial aid eligibility based on their special circumstances. The web site provides information on financial aid, labor tools, and other key resources available for unemployed workers. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.opportunity.gov/.
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTE TO NOTE
"If we are going to be successful in rebuilding our economy, our early childhood programs need to prepare our young children for kindergarten so they're ready to start reading and learning, our K-12 schools need to make sure our students have all of the academic knowledge and skills that they need to enter college or the workforce, and our higher education system needs to offer whatever advanced learning students need to be successful in a career, whether they will become a plumber, a teacher, or a business executive…. I'm proud to work for a President who has created a comprehensive [cradle to career] agenda that addresses the needs at every level of our educational system…."
-- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (5/20/09), testifying on the President's plan for education
______________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reminder! On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans are asked to stop what they are doing and spend one minute in a Moment of Remembrance. The mid-afternoon time was chosen because it is when a majority of Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the holiday. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.remember.gov/.
On May 28, at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) will release "The Condition of Education 2009." This year's report contains 46 indicators on conditions and trends in elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/.
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director -- Stacey Jordan, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Stacey.Jordan@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Midwest Energy Group
MEEA Minute — May 2009
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
645 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 990
Chicago, IL 60611
312.587.8390 phone
312.587.8391 fax
www.mwalliance.org
Join our mailing list
Update your contact info
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events
Ohio Energy Expo
June 2
West Plaza
State Capitol
Columbus, OH
See the "Join Us..." article for further info!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Introduction to Solid State Lighting Workshop
July 13-15
Chicago Mariott Downtown
Chicago, IL
See the "DOE SSL Workshop..." article for more info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAMP EE Working Group In-Person Meeting
July 29-30
Madison, WI
Save the Date and watch the REAMP Commons for updated information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midwest Energy Solutions: Opportunity Now!
January 13-15, 2010
Hotel Intercontinental
Chicago, IL
Save the Date postcard and 2010 Sponsor Prospectus are available for download. Registration is not yet open, but it will be open on our Conference and Events website in the near future.
In this Issue
Welcome to the MEEA Minute, the monthly newsletter of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. In this issue read about:
2009 Annual Meeting of the Membership – A Success!
Congratulations to Change A Light Pledge Drive Winners
New Board Members Elected
New Member Spotlight: Serious Materials
Join us at the Ohio Energy Expo
DOE SSL Workshop to be Co-Hosted by MEEA
New Member Spotlight: Green Dream Group
Update on Federal Energy Legislation
Lights for Learning YouTube Contest Winners!
MEEA Members – Join a Committee!
Update on Illinois Natural Gas Portfolio Standard
Six Midwest Cities in ENERGY STAR Top 25
Michigan Introduces Building Code Legislation
Articles
2009 Annual Meeting of the Membership – A Success!
The MEEA Board and staff would like to thank all MEEA members who attended our Annual Meeting of the Membership on Tuesday, May 19th at the Affinia Hotel in Chicago. The meeting was a great success reflecting the growing prominence of energy efficiency in the Midwest and of MEEA. Nearly 70 energy professionals representing over half of our 97 member organization were in attendance. Members were briefed on MEEAs program activities, policy initiatives, and plans for the 2010 Midwest Energy Solutions conference. They also heard presentations on the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from Gil Sperling of the U.S. Department of Energy; Amy Butler of Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; Richard Schlimm of the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association; and Martha Dooley of the Village of Schaumburg, Illinois. The panel discussed the desired impact of the stimulus funds at the federal, state and local sectors and how MEEA members could get involved.
As a special surprise for our members, MEEA had a raffle of energy efficiency gadgets. Congratulations to our winners:
EcoHatchey eco starter kit – Jim Larsen, Cardinal Glass Industries
Free Play Eyemax Solar Powered Radio – Mary Ann Emmons, Commonwealth Edison
Belkin Conserve Energy Smart Strip w/remote control – Diane Munns, MidAmerican Energy Company
Blue Line Innovations Power Cost Monitor – Pat Michalkiewicz, Peoples Gas
< top
Congratulations to Change A Light Pledge Drive Winners
The Change a Light, Change the World pledge drive for 2008-2009 from the US EPA has come to an end, and winners have been announced. MEEA was in the running for a Top 5 slot, but was pushed out of that position, a bittersweet loss for MEEA but a boost in overall energy efficiency and greenhouse gas savings that we can still celebrate. We would like to congratulate a few MEEA members who held on to top spots in the following categories:
Top Overall: ComEd (98,416,895 lbs of CO2 savings)
Top Energy Efficiency Program: ComEd (98,416,895 lbs of CO2 savings); Ameren Illinois Utilities (33,397,501 lbs of CO2 savings)
MEEA came in at 6th Place for Energy Efficiency Programs, saving 18,775,007 lbs of CO2
< top
New Board Members Elected
We are proud to announce these new members of the MEEA Board of Directors.
Jeff Haase–Demand Efficiency Program Supervisor, MN DOC
Greg Mueller–Marketing Director, Beta/Kramer
Diane Munns–VP of Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Affairs, MidAmerican Energy
Tom Van Paris–Manager of Marketing & Member Services, Hoosier Energy
Jan Patrick–Section Manager, MI DELEG
Karen Rhodes–Manager, Energy Efficiency Marketing, Xcel Energy
Dan York–Senior Research Associate for the Utilities Program, ACEEE
Emmett Romine–Manager, Energy Optimization, DTE Energy (Ex-Officio)
Don Nichols–Consumer Programs Manager, AEP (Ex-Officio)
They join our returning Board members to form the Board of Directors for FY2010. Board Officer elections have not yet been held. The full list of MEEA Board members is available on our website.
< top
New Member Spotlight: Serious Materials
Serious Materials develops and manufactures sustainable green building materials that save energy, save money, improve comfort and aggressively address climate change. SeriousWindows™ and SeriousGlass™ reduce heating and cooling energy costs by up to 50% and improve occupant comfort.
QuietRock® soundproof drywall and QuietGlass® reduce material use, enhance livability, and support dense sustainable urban construction. EcoRock™ uses 80% less energy in its core production and has the potential to save billions of pounds of CO2 annually making it the only true green alternative to gypsum drywall and five times more environmentally friendly.
SeriousWindows, SeriousGlass and super-insulating ThermaRock™ drywall support energy efficiency funding programs as outlined under The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) including Weatherization (WAP), Green Federal Buildings, State Energy Program (SEP), Energy Efficiency Block Grants, Energy Tax Credit for Consumers, and Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings. The company was commended by President Obama for the work it is doing to create American green jobs. For more information visit www.SeriousMaterials.com
< top
Join us at the Ohio Energy Expo
With the generous support of Columbia Gas of Ohio and the Energy Foundation, MEEA will host the 2009 Ohio Energy Expo at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on Tuesday, June 2nd. The event will feature 20 exhibitors from all sectors of Ohio's energy efficiency community, including utilities, government agencies, consulting businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturers of energy efficient products. The event will provide an opportunity to bring these diverse organizations together to educate legislators and attendees on efficient, renewable and alternative forms of energy being produced and supported in Ohio. The 2009 Ohio Energy Expo will also highlight the positive economic impact that progressive energy policies, programs, and best practices can generate for all residents and the substantial opportunity that these policies yield for job creation in the state of Ohio.
Please join us from 10:30am to 2:30pm on the West Plaza of the State Capital grounds in Columbus. The Energy Expo will feature a short program, a barbecue-style lunch, and exhibits by Ohio companies. To RSVP or request more information regarding this event, please contact Ellen Carter at ecarter@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7249.
< top
DOE SSL Workshop to be Co-Hosted by MEEA
The U.S. Department of Energy has long been leading the pack in the realm of solid-state lighting, so it’s with great excitement that MEEA is partnering with DOE to act as the local host to the annual Market Introduction to Solid-State Lighting Workshop, taking place from July 13-15th, 2009 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown. MEEA is assisting DOE on logistical elements such as agenda development, event marketing and promotion, and sponsorship coordination. MEEA will also be developing a walking tour through which attendees will be able to observe in situ LED installations in downtown Chicago. Keep an eye on future issues of the MEEA Minute for more details, or stay tuned to www.meeaconference.org , which will soon have a page dedicated to promoting this great event.
< top
New Member Spotlight: Green Dream Group
Green Dream Group, LLC is a Chicago-based building performance firm, specializing in home energy audits, commercial building energy modeling, and assistance with green building certifications and financial incentive programs. Through third-party, scientific testing, the company helps home and business owners lower utility bills, increase the comfort, durability, and air quality of the living space, and do good for the environment. Green Dream also provides independent verification of building performance for both Delta Institute's residential low-income weatherization program and SEDAC's commercial building program.
Diagnostics include: Energy Modeling, Blower Door, Infrared, Consumption Analysis, Moisture Detection, Combustion Analysis and Safety Testing, Tax Credit Verification and Energy Star Homes certification.
< top
Update on Federal Energy Legislation
On May 15, 2009 the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act , House Bill 2454, commonly referred to as "Waxman-Markey" was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Education and Labor, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Ways and Means. Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Representative Henry Waxman, and Chairman of the Energy and Environmental Subcommittee, Representative Edward Markey, are currently co-sponsors of the comprehensive environmental legislation. The ACES Act has been heavily debated by legislators from both parties and all regions of the country; however lawmakers have still indicated that they would like to report the bill by the Memorial Day recess.
Among the many proposals within the ACES Act are:
a combined efficiency and renewable electricity standard;
a strategy for carbon capture and sequestration;
a program to invest in cleaner transportation and infrastructure;
the development and deployment of smart grid technologies;
the advancement of energy efficiency in building codes, appliance standards, transportation, and other sectors;
goals for reducing global warming causing pollutants;
a greenhouse gas cap and trade program; and
a plan to create green jobs.
The Obama Administration has made it clear that they want progressive energy and climate legislation to be on the agenda for the 111th United States Congress. The President has encouraged both Parties to find common ground on the subjects being disputed and come to a consensus so that, as a nation, we can begin addressing our escalating climate and energy issues.
For more the full text and status of the ACES Act, search by the bill number (HB 2454) on THOMAS
< top
Lights for Learning YouTube Contest Winners!
MEEA has just wrapped up the first annual Lights for Learning™ "How Do You Shine Like An ENERGY STAR®?" contest, which was initiated in April to drum up interest in Lights for Learning™ and encourage students to apply their own creativity in promoting energy efficiency. Students across Illinois were asked to submit YouTube videos explaining how they conserve energy. The contest was advertised in both major Chicago-area newspapers and a variety of creative, educational videos were submitted. We are pleased to announce the winners and invite everyone to view their videos!
First place – Won a Mac Book, iPod touch & docking station
Green Club, led by Mr. John Murray
Clinton Rosette Middle School in DeKalb, IL
Second place – Won a Nintendo Wii
Challenge Class - Gabby, Alex, and Robert - led by Mrs. Grace Finn
Forest Park Middle School in Forest Park, IL
Third place – Won an iPod touch
Katie O'Brien, Kindergarten
St. Philip the Apostle School in Addison, IL
< top
MEEA Members – Join a Committee!
We would like to invite all of our Board and Members to consider joining one of our Committees to become more involved with MEEA. A list of committees, with a brief description and staff contact is below:
Policy Committee: This committee will provide you with the opportunity to assist in developing MEEA's policy positions, shaping our advocacy messages, engaging other members to advance policy goals and identifying additional regional stakeholders.
Contact: Anne McKibbin at amckibbin@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7265
Program Committee: On the Program Committee you will have the ability to discuss regional collaboration and partnerships for new and ongoing programs. You will also have the opportunity to develop agendas to facilitate information exchange on programs and help MEEA explore future program ideas as energy efficient practices and technologies emerge.
Contact: Jay Wrobel at jwrobel@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7245
Membership Committee: The role of the committee to ensure that MEEA is serving our members and to grow the membership to include efficiency stakeholders in each industry and state.
Contact: Stacey Paradis at sparadis@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7267
Conference Committee: This committee is open to all members who are interested in collaborating with MEEA's staff for our 2010 Annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference: Opportunity Now! The committee meets via conference call every 2 months for strategic planning and brainstorming on conference themes, panel topics, speakers and overall messaging. Committee members are encouraged to participate in the committee by bringing forth any suggestions and recommendations that will ensure a successful year for Midwest Energy Solutions and engage every professional in the energy efficiency industry.
Contact: Erin McAllister at emcallister@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7263
< top
Update on Illinois Natural Gas Portfolio Standard
Floor Amendment 2 to Illinois Senate Bill 1918 was filed on May 15th, 2009 by Representative Robert Flider. MEEA had been involved in ongoing discussions with the Attorney General’s office, the City of Chicago, regulated utilities, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), and with environmental and low-income advocates regarding the development of the amended bill.
There are several efficiency-promoting aspects to this bill. The first, and most important, is an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) for regulated natural gas utilities, adding to the EEPS that already exists for electric utilities in Illinois. An EEPS would require these utilities to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures in order to achieve a determined amount of natural gas savings per year. A natural gas EEPS could save a substantial amount of money on energy bills for Illinois' residential, commercial, and industrial natural gas consumers. These savings can then be spent and invested in state and local economies, stimulating the recovery of businesses and growing jobs. In addition to significant savings of natural gas, and consequential savings on customers’ utility bills, the reduction of natural gas usage would also decrease harmful carbon dioxide emissions.
MEEA analyzed an earlier version of the natural gas EEPS bill (then HB4321) earlier this spring to estimate the ensuing benefits for the people of Illinois. The EEPS that MEEA analyzed, as with that contained in SB1918, bases efficiency savings for each year off of the amount of natural gas used in 2009, starting with 0.2% in 2012, ramping up to 1.0% by 2016, reaching further to 1.5% by 2019, and remaining at that level thereafter. By 2030 utilities could cumulatively have saved 10 billion therms of natural gas, leaving approximately $10.4 billion in the pockets of natural gas customers. The resulting reduction in carbon dioxide emissions could total over 53 million metric tons. Bill savings for customers would not only come from decreased use. A 2005 study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) estimates that the shift in demand from a 1% per year reduction in natural gas consumption could result in price reductions at the wholesale level of 10-20%, savings which utilities would pass along to the consumers in the form of lower prices.
SB1918 would also create a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) to help low- and fixed-income households better manage their utility bills and avoid disconnection. This program would additionally promote efficiency measures to aide these households in reducing their energy use. Though this provision is aimed at low-income consumers, it can benefit all utility customers by reducing costs for the utility associated with disconnecting and reconnecting service, as well as from these households' contribution to the market effects from demand reduction.
To review the full text of the bill, please visit the IL General Assembly bill listing; MEEA has reposted a factsheet and list of current supporters, including ourselves, on our website.
< top
Six Midwest Cities in ENERGY STAR Top 25
In March the US EPA released a list of the top 25 cities with the largest number of homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label for high energy efficiency. Cities within MEEA's Midwestern footprint include:
No. 6 – Chicago (Chicago is a MEEA Member!)
No. 8 – Minneapolis-St. Paul (St. Paul is a MEEA Member!)
No. 14 – Detroit, MI
No. 15 – Milwaukee, WI
No. 20 – Grand Rapids, MI
No. 25 – Madison, WI
Congratulations to all the cities that made the list and especially to the homebuilders in those cities who have been working hard to ensure that new home buyers save energy and money with high efficiency homes!
< top
Michigan Introduces Building Code Legislation
On April 1, 2009 Representative Rebekah Warren introduced HB4756 to amend the "Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act" ( 1972 Public Act 230) which governs the adoption of building codes within the state. The bill currently has six additional co-sponsors in the House and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology.
This amendatory act would put Michigan residential and commercial energy building codes in full compliance with the requirements for receiving additional State Energy Program (SEP) funds from the Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The ARRA requires that all states have a residential energy code that meets or exceeds the current (2009) version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and a commercial code that meets or exceeds ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Each state must also have an 8 year plan in place to achieve 90% compliance for new and renovated buildings.
The current Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) for residential buildings is based on the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) with the 2004 IECC supplement, and the commercial code is equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-1999. Both codes are on a three year review cycle, however there is no automatic upgrade, and the last long-overdue update was effective October, 2008.
< top
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attrib-Noncom-Share Alike 3.0 US License.
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Sent to: tseymour@nd.gov
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645 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 990
Chicago IL 60611
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Chicago, IL 60611
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Upcoming Events
Ohio Energy Expo
June 2
West Plaza
State Capitol
Columbus, OH
See the "Join Us..." article for further info!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Introduction to Solid State Lighting Workshop
July 13-15
Chicago Mariott Downtown
Chicago, IL
See the "DOE SSL Workshop..." article for more info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAMP EE Working Group In-Person Meeting
July 29-30
Madison, WI
Save the Date and watch the REAMP Commons for updated information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midwest Energy Solutions: Opportunity Now!
January 13-15, 2010
Hotel Intercontinental
Chicago, IL
Save the Date postcard and 2010 Sponsor Prospectus are available for download. Registration is not yet open, but it will be open on our Conference and Events website in the near future.
In this Issue
Welcome to the MEEA Minute, the monthly newsletter of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. In this issue read about:
2009 Annual Meeting of the Membership – A Success!
Congratulations to Change A Light Pledge Drive Winners
New Board Members Elected
New Member Spotlight: Serious Materials
Join us at the Ohio Energy Expo
DOE SSL Workshop to be Co-Hosted by MEEA
New Member Spotlight: Green Dream Group
Update on Federal Energy Legislation
Lights for Learning YouTube Contest Winners!
MEEA Members – Join a Committee!
Update on Illinois Natural Gas Portfolio Standard
Six Midwest Cities in ENERGY STAR Top 25
Michigan Introduces Building Code Legislation
Articles
2009 Annual Meeting of the Membership – A Success!
The MEEA Board and staff would like to thank all MEEA members who attended our Annual Meeting of the Membership on Tuesday, May 19th at the Affinia Hotel in Chicago. The meeting was a great success reflecting the growing prominence of energy efficiency in the Midwest and of MEEA. Nearly 70 energy professionals representing over half of our 97 member organization were in attendance. Members were briefed on MEEAs program activities, policy initiatives, and plans for the 2010 Midwest Energy Solutions conference. They also heard presentations on the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from Gil Sperling of the U.S. Department of Energy; Amy Butler of Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; Richard Schlimm of the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association; and Martha Dooley of the Village of Schaumburg, Illinois. The panel discussed the desired impact of the stimulus funds at the federal, state and local sectors and how MEEA members could get involved.
As a special surprise for our members, MEEA had a raffle of energy efficiency gadgets. Congratulations to our winners:
EcoHatchey eco starter kit – Jim Larsen, Cardinal Glass Industries
Free Play Eyemax Solar Powered Radio – Mary Ann Emmons, Commonwealth Edison
Belkin Conserve Energy Smart Strip w/remote control – Diane Munns, MidAmerican Energy Company
Blue Line Innovations Power Cost Monitor – Pat Michalkiewicz, Peoples Gas
< top
Congratulations to Change A Light Pledge Drive Winners
The Change a Light, Change the World pledge drive for 2008-2009 from the US EPA has come to an end, and winners have been announced. MEEA was in the running for a Top 5 slot, but was pushed out of that position, a bittersweet loss for MEEA but a boost in overall energy efficiency and greenhouse gas savings that we can still celebrate. We would like to congratulate a few MEEA members who held on to top spots in the following categories:
Top Overall: ComEd (98,416,895 lbs of CO2 savings)
Top Energy Efficiency Program: ComEd (98,416,895 lbs of CO2 savings); Ameren Illinois Utilities (33,397,501 lbs of CO2 savings)
MEEA came in at 6th Place for Energy Efficiency Programs, saving 18,775,007 lbs of CO2
< top
New Board Members Elected
We are proud to announce these new members of the MEEA Board of Directors.
Jeff Haase–Demand Efficiency Program Supervisor, MN DOC
Greg Mueller–Marketing Director, Beta/Kramer
Diane Munns–VP of Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Affairs, MidAmerican Energy
Tom Van Paris–Manager of Marketing & Member Services, Hoosier Energy
Jan Patrick–Section Manager, MI DELEG
Karen Rhodes–Manager, Energy Efficiency Marketing, Xcel Energy
Dan York–Senior Research Associate for the Utilities Program, ACEEE
Emmett Romine–Manager, Energy Optimization, DTE Energy (Ex-Officio)
Don Nichols–Consumer Programs Manager, AEP (Ex-Officio)
They join our returning Board members to form the Board of Directors for FY2010. Board Officer elections have not yet been held. The full list of MEEA Board members is available on our website.
< top
New Member Spotlight: Serious Materials
Serious Materials develops and manufactures sustainable green building materials that save energy, save money, improve comfort and aggressively address climate change. SeriousWindows™ and SeriousGlass™ reduce heating and cooling energy costs by up to 50% and improve occupant comfort.
QuietRock® soundproof drywall and QuietGlass® reduce material use, enhance livability, and support dense sustainable urban construction. EcoRock™ uses 80% less energy in its core production and has the potential to save billions of pounds of CO2 annually making it the only true green alternative to gypsum drywall and five times more environmentally friendly.
SeriousWindows, SeriousGlass and super-insulating ThermaRock™ drywall support energy efficiency funding programs as outlined under The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) including Weatherization (WAP), Green Federal Buildings, State Energy Program (SEP), Energy Efficiency Block Grants, Energy Tax Credit for Consumers, and Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings. The company was commended by President Obama for the work it is doing to create American green jobs. For more information visit www.SeriousMaterials.com
< top
Join us at the Ohio Energy Expo
With the generous support of Columbia Gas of Ohio and the Energy Foundation, MEEA will host the 2009 Ohio Energy Expo at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on Tuesday, June 2nd. The event will feature 20 exhibitors from all sectors of Ohio's energy efficiency community, including utilities, government agencies, consulting businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturers of energy efficient products. The event will provide an opportunity to bring these diverse organizations together to educate legislators and attendees on efficient, renewable and alternative forms of energy being produced and supported in Ohio. The 2009 Ohio Energy Expo will also highlight the positive economic impact that progressive energy policies, programs, and best practices can generate for all residents and the substantial opportunity that these policies yield for job creation in the state of Ohio.
Please join us from 10:30am to 2:30pm on the West Plaza of the State Capital grounds in Columbus. The Energy Expo will feature a short program, a barbecue-style lunch, and exhibits by Ohio companies. To RSVP or request more information regarding this event, please contact Ellen Carter at ecarter@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7249.
< top
DOE SSL Workshop to be Co-Hosted by MEEA
The U.S. Department of Energy has long been leading the pack in the realm of solid-state lighting, so it’s with great excitement that MEEA is partnering with DOE to act as the local host to the annual Market Introduction to Solid-State Lighting Workshop, taking place from July 13-15th, 2009 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown. MEEA is assisting DOE on logistical elements such as agenda development, event marketing and promotion, and sponsorship coordination. MEEA will also be developing a walking tour through which attendees will be able to observe in situ LED installations in downtown Chicago. Keep an eye on future issues of the MEEA Minute for more details, or stay tuned to www.meeaconference.org , which will soon have a page dedicated to promoting this great event.
< top
New Member Spotlight: Green Dream Group
Green Dream Group, LLC is a Chicago-based building performance firm, specializing in home energy audits, commercial building energy modeling, and assistance with green building certifications and financial incentive programs. Through third-party, scientific testing, the company helps home and business owners lower utility bills, increase the comfort, durability, and air quality of the living space, and do good for the environment. Green Dream also provides independent verification of building performance for both Delta Institute's residential low-income weatherization program and SEDAC's commercial building program.
Diagnostics include: Energy Modeling, Blower Door, Infrared, Consumption Analysis, Moisture Detection, Combustion Analysis and Safety Testing, Tax Credit Verification and Energy Star Homes certification.
< top
Update on Federal Energy Legislation
On May 15, 2009 the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act , House Bill 2454, commonly referred to as "Waxman-Markey" was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Education and Labor, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Ways and Means. Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Representative Henry Waxman, and Chairman of the Energy and Environmental Subcommittee, Representative Edward Markey, are currently co-sponsors of the comprehensive environmental legislation. The ACES Act has been heavily debated by legislators from both parties and all regions of the country; however lawmakers have still indicated that they would like to report the bill by the Memorial Day recess.
Among the many proposals within the ACES Act are:
a combined efficiency and renewable electricity standard;
a strategy for carbon capture and sequestration;
a program to invest in cleaner transportation and infrastructure;
the development and deployment of smart grid technologies;
the advancement of energy efficiency in building codes, appliance standards, transportation, and other sectors;
goals for reducing global warming causing pollutants;
a greenhouse gas cap and trade program; and
a plan to create green jobs.
The Obama Administration has made it clear that they want progressive energy and climate legislation to be on the agenda for the 111th United States Congress. The President has encouraged both Parties to find common ground on the subjects being disputed and come to a consensus so that, as a nation, we can begin addressing our escalating climate and energy issues.
For more the full text and status of the ACES Act, search by the bill number (HB 2454) on THOMAS
< top
Lights for Learning YouTube Contest Winners!
MEEA has just wrapped up the first annual Lights for Learning™ "How Do You Shine Like An ENERGY STAR®?" contest, which was initiated in April to drum up interest in Lights for Learning™ and encourage students to apply their own creativity in promoting energy efficiency. Students across Illinois were asked to submit YouTube videos explaining how they conserve energy. The contest was advertised in both major Chicago-area newspapers and a variety of creative, educational videos were submitted. We are pleased to announce the winners and invite everyone to view their videos!
First place – Won a Mac Book, iPod touch & docking station
Green Club, led by Mr. John Murray
Clinton Rosette Middle School in DeKalb, IL
Second place – Won a Nintendo Wii
Challenge Class - Gabby, Alex, and Robert - led by Mrs. Grace Finn
Forest Park Middle School in Forest Park, IL
Third place – Won an iPod touch
Katie O'Brien, Kindergarten
St. Philip the Apostle School in Addison, IL
< top
MEEA Members – Join a Committee!
We would like to invite all of our Board and Members to consider joining one of our Committees to become more involved with MEEA. A list of committees, with a brief description and staff contact is below:
Policy Committee: This committee will provide you with the opportunity to assist in developing MEEA's policy positions, shaping our advocacy messages, engaging other members to advance policy goals and identifying additional regional stakeholders.
Contact: Anne McKibbin at amckibbin@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7265
Program Committee: On the Program Committee you will have the ability to discuss regional collaboration and partnerships for new and ongoing programs. You will also have the opportunity to develop agendas to facilitate information exchange on programs and help MEEA explore future program ideas as energy efficient practices and technologies emerge.
Contact: Jay Wrobel at jwrobel@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7245
Membership Committee: The role of the committee to ensure that MEEA is serving our members and to grow the membership to include efficiency stakeholders in each industry and state.
Contact: Stacey Paradis at sparadis@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7267
Conference Committee: This committee is open to all members who are interested in collaborating with MEEA's staff for our 2010 Annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference: Opportunity Now! The committee meets via conference call every 2 months for strategic planning and brainstorming on conference themes, panel topics, speakers and overall messaging. Committee members are encouraged to participate in the committee by bringing forth any suggestions and recommendations that will ensure a successful year for Midwest Energy Solutions and engage every professional in the energy efficiency industry.
Contact: Erin McAllister at emcallister@mwalliance.org or 312.784.7263
< top
Update on Illinois Natural Gas Portfolio Standard
Floor Amendment 2 to Illinois Senate Bill 1918 was filed on May 15th, 2009 by Representative Robert Flider. MEEA had been involved in ongoing discussions with the Attorney General’s office, the City of Chicago, regulated utilities, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), and with environmental and low-income advocates regarding the development of the amended bill.
There are several efficiency-promoting aspects to this bill. The first, and most important, is an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) for regulated natural gas utilities, adding to the EEPS that already exists for electric utilities in Illinois. An EEPS would require these utilities to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures in order to achieve a determined amount of natural gas savings per year. A natural gas EEPS could save a substantial amount of money on energy bills for Illinois' residential, commercial, and industrial natural gas consumers. These savings can then be spent and invested in state and local economies, stimulating the recovery of businesses and growing jobs. In addition to significant savings of natural gas, and consequential savings on customers’ utility bills, the reduction of natural gas usage would also decrease harmful carbon dioxide emissions.
MEEA analyzed an earlier version of the natural gas EEPS bill (then HB4321) earlier this spring to estimate the ensuing benefits for the people of Illinois. The EEPS that MEEA analyzed, as with that contained in SB1918, bases efficiency savings for each year off of the amount of natural gas used in 2009, starting with 0.2% in 2012, ramping up to 1.0% by 2016, reaching further to 1.5% by 2019, and remaining at that level thereafter. By 2030 utilities could cumulatively have saved 10 billion therms of natural gas, leaving approximately $10.4 billion in the pockets of natural gas customers. The resulting reduction in carbon dioxide emissions could total over 53 million metric tons. Bill savings for customers would not only come from decreased use. A 2005 study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) estimates that the shift in demand from a 1% per year reduction in natural gas consumption could result in price reductions at the wholesale level of 10-20%, savings which utilities would pass along to the consumers in the form of lower prices.
SB1918 would also create a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) to help low- and fixed-income households better manage their utility bills and avoid disconnection. This program would additionally promote efficiency measures to aide these households in reducing their energy use. Though this provision is aimed at low-income consumers, it can benefit all utility customers by reducing costs for the utility associated with disconnecting and reconnecting service, as well as from these households' contribution to the market effects from demand reduction.
To review the full text of the bill, please visit the IL General Assembly bill listing; MEEA has reposted a factsheet and list of current supporters, including ourselves, on our website.
< top
Six Midwest Cities in ENERGY STAR Top 25
In March the US EPA released a list of the top 25 cities with the largest number of homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label for high energy efficiency. Cities within MEEA's Midwestern footprint include:
No. 6 – Chicago (Chicago is a MEEA Member!)
No. 8 – Minneapolis-St. Paul (St. Paul is a MEEA Member!)
No. 14 – Detroit, MI
No. 15 – Milwaukee, WI
No. 20 – Grand Rapids, MI
No. 25 – Madison, WI
Congratulations to all the cities that made the list and especially to the homebuilders in those cities who have been working hard to ensure that new home buyers save energy and money with high efficiency homes!
< top
Michigan Introduces Building Code Legislation
On April 1, 2009 Representative Rebekah Warren introduced HB4756 to amend the "Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act" ( 1972 Public Act 230) which governs the adoption of building codes within the state. The bill currently has six additional co-sponsors in the House and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology.
This amendatory act would put Michigan residential and commercial energy building codes in full compliance with the requirements for receiving additional State Energy Program (SEP) funds from the Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The ARRA requires that all states have a residential energy code that meets or exceeds the current (2009) version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and a commercial code that meets or exceeds ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Each state must also have an 8 year plan in place to achieve 90% compliance for new and renovated buildings.
The current Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) for residential buildings is based on the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) with the 2004 IECC supplement, and the commercial code is equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-1999. Both codes are on a three year review cycle, however there is no automatic upgrade, and the last long-overdue update was effective October, 2008.
< top
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attrib-Noncom-Share Alike 3.0 US License.
(cc)2008 Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance: a 501(c)(3) organization
Sent to: tseymour@nd.gov
If you prefer not to receive
future e-mails of this type,
Leave this List. Sent By:
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
645 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 990
Chicago IL 60611
U.S.A.
To view as a web page.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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Newly Tenured ... at Maryville, New Haven, Valley City State
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Motherhood After Tenure: professors and money
Mama PhD
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I love Suze Orman; I canbt help it. Like her counterpart, Doctor Ruth, Orman speaks frankly about a charged topic and is a mesmerizing speaker. And so I happily devoured Susan Dominusbs ...
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Assistant Director of Foundation Relations
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University, one of the top ranked liberal arts universities in the Northeast, is seeking an experienced development professional to serve as Assistant Director of Foundation Relations ...
» Learn more
Executive Director of Accreditation
Kaplan Higher Education
Req #: 8877BRKaplan Division: Kaplan Higher Ed CampusesJob Level: DirectorRequired Working Hours: DaysJob Description: Reporting to the Vice President of Accreditation, you will provide oversight to ...
» Learn more
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News
California Calamity
May 21, 2009
After state voters nix a budget bailout, one community college district prepares to do what two-year institutions always try to avoid -- turn away students.
» View full article
The Evolving Google Library
May 21, 2009
New deal with U. of Michigan offers more details on how the company plans to market the millions of digital copies of books it is creating. Will the skeptics be won over?
» View full article
Credit Limit
May 21, 2009
Congress passes legislation that will help shield students from credit card companies' aggressive tactics, but not everyone is cheering.
» View full article
Arne Duncan, Free Market Economist?
May 21, 2009
Questioned on college prices by House members, education secretary suggests that students and parents will increasingly abandon high-tuition institutions for less-costly alternatives.
» View full article
Newly Tenured ... at Maryville, New Haven, Valley City State
May 21, 2009
» View full article
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Quick Takes
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Why Ibm Sticking With FFELP
May 21, 2009
Bill Spiers explains why he and his community college think President Obama's proposal to end the lender-based student loan program may be bad for students and colleges.
» View full article
BlogU
Motherhood After Tenure: professors and money
Mama PhD
May 20, 2009
I love Suze Orman; I canbt help it. Like her counterpart, Doctor Ruth, Orman speaks frankly about a charged topic and is a mesmerizing speaker. And so I happily devoured Susan Dominusbs ...
The Platinum Rule
Confessions of a Community College Dean
May 20, 2009
Twice in the last month, I've been in meetings at which somebody suggested that the solution to some ongoing dilemma was to use b the platinum rule.b As it was explained to me, the platinum rule ...
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Featured Jobs
Executive Director of Individual Giving
Oberlin College
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INDIVIDUAL GIVING The Division of Development and Alumni Affairs of Oberlin College invites applications for the position of Executive Director of Individual Giving. This is a ...
» Learn more
Dean, Claire Trevor School of the Arts
University of California at Irvine
Ref.No. OEOD-4308 The University of California, Irvine invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean, Claire Trevor School of the Arts. We seek an inspiring artist or scholar with ...
» Learn more
Executive Director for Student Life
Southern Oregon University
Position Summary: The Executive Director for Student Life reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The selected individual will oversee and direct the efforts of several student ...
» Learn more
Assoc Director, Capital Giving Strategy
Princeton University
Position Summary: Working closely with the Director of Capital Giving, the Directors of Regional Development, and the Senior Associate Director for Administration, the Associate Director works to ...
» Learn more
Assistant Director of Foundation Relations
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University, one of the top ranked liberal arts universities in the Northeast, is seeking an experienced development professional to serve as Assistant Director of Foundation Relations ...
» Learn more
Executive Director of Accreditation
Kaplan Higher Education
Req #: 8877BRKaplan Division: Kaplan Higher Ed CampusesJob Level: DirectorRequired Working Hours: DaysJob Description: Reporting to the Vice President of Accreditation, you will provide oversight to ...
» Learn more
Looking for more information?
To make sure you get the next issue of our newsletter, please add newsroom@insidehighered.com to your address book.
If you would no longer like to receive Daily Updates from Inside Higher Ed, please remove yourself by clicking here. For questions or comments about this service, please e-mail newsroom@insidehighered.com.
© Copyright 2009 Inside Higher Ed.
Inside Higher Ed · 1320 18th Street NW, 5th Floor · Washington, DC 20036
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