Thursday, July 7, 2011
Revenues and Expenditures for Public Elementary and Secondary Education: School Year 2008–09
This First Look report presents state-level data on revenues by source and expenditures by function for public elementary and secondary education for school year 2008-09. Part of the Common Core of Data (CCD), this report presents data submitted annually to NCES by state education agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Findings include: • Current expenditures per pupil for public elementary and secondary education were $10,591 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009. • Adjusting for inflation, per pupil state and local revenues decreased by 1 percent or more in 16 states and increased by 1 percent or more in 25 states from FY 08 to FY 09. • Between FY 08 and FY 09, per pupil current expenditures decreased by 1 percent or more in 8 states and increased by 1 percent or more in 36 states.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
E-Reader Ownership Doubles in Six Months
From the Pew Internet & American Life Project
The percent of U.S. adults with an e-book reader doubled from 6% to 12% between November 2010 and May 2011. Hispanic adults, adults younger than age 65, college graduates and those living in households with incomes of at least $75,000 are most likely to own e-book readers. Parents are also more likely than non-parents to own these devices.
Tablet computers have not seen the same level of growth among U.S. adults in recent months. In May 2011, 8% of adults report owning a tablet computer such as an iPad, Samsung Galaxy or Motorola Xoom. This is roughly the same percentage of adults who reported owning this kind of device in January 2011 (7%), and represents just a 3 percentage-point increase in ownership since November 2010. Overall, the highest rates of tablet ownership are among Hispanic adults and those with household incomes of at least $75,000 annually.
The percent of U.S. adults with an e-book reader doubled from 6% to 12% between November 2010 and May 2011. Hispanic adults, adults younger than age 65, college graduates and those living in households with incomes of at least $75,000 are most likely to own e-book readers. Parents are also more likely than non-parents to own these devices.
Tablet computers have not seen the same level of growth among U.S. adults in recent months. In May 2011, 8% of adults report owning a tablet computer such as an iPad, Samsung Galaxy or Motorola Xoom. This is roughly the same percentage of adults who reported owning this kind of device in January 2011 (7%), and represents just a 3 percentage-point increase in ownership since November 2010. Overall, the highest rates of tablet ownership are among Hispanic adults and those with household incomes of at least $75,000 annually.
International Data Base
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts demographic and economic studies and strengthens statistical development around the world through technical assistance, training, and software products. For over 60 years, the Census Bureau has assisted in the collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, and use of statistics with counterpart governments in over 100 countries.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
How Far Can You Get From McDonald's?
From Data Pointed:
"Just how far away can you get from our world of generic convenience? And how would you figure that out?
"As I hurtled down the highway, a pair of golden arches crept over the horizon, and the proverbial lightbulb smacked me in the forehead. To gauge the creep of cookie-cutter commercialism, there’s no better barometer than McDonald’s – ubiquitous fast food chain and inaugural megacorporate colonizer of small towns nationwide.
"So, I set out to determine the farthest point from a Micky Dee’s – in the lower 48 states, at least."
"Just how far away can you get from our world of generic convenience? And how would you figure that out?
"As I hurtled down the highway, a pair of golden arches crept over the horizon, and the proverbial lightbulb smacked me in the forehead. To gauge the creep of cookie-cutter commercialism, there’s no better barometer than McDonald’s – ubiquitous fast food chain and inaugural megacorporate colonizer of small towns nationwide.
"So, I set out to determine the farthest point from a Micky Dee’s – in the lower 48 states, at least."
U.S. Net International Investment Position at Yearend 2010
From the Bureau of Economic Analysis:
The U.S. net international investment position at yearend 2010 was -$2,471.0 billion (preliminary), as the value of foreign investments in the United States continued to exceed the value of U.S. investments abroad. At yearend 2009, the U.S. net international investment position was -$2,396.4 billion (revised).
The -$74.6 billion change in the U.S. net investment position from yearend 2009 to yearend 2010 primarily reflected net foreign acquisitions of financial assets in the United States that exceeded net U.S. acquisitions of
financial assets abroad. The impact of these financial flows was partly offset
by the net change in valuation adjustments, which include price changes,
exchange-rate changes, and other changes such as more complete source data.
The U.S. net international investment position at yearend 2010 was -$2,471.0 billion (preliminary), as the value of foreign investments in the United States continued to exceed the value of U.S. investments abroad. At yearend 2009, the U.S. net international investment position was -$2,396.4 billion (revised).
The -$74.6 billion change in the U.S. net investment position from yearend 2009 to yearend 2010 primarily reflected net foreign acquisitions of financial assets in the United States that exceeded net U.S. acquisitions of
financial assets abroad. The impact of these financial flows was partly offset
by the net change in valuation adjustments, which include price changes,
exchange-rate changes, and other changes such as more complete source data.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Segregation in the land of limousine liberalism
From Salon.com:
Westchester County is far from the streets of Birmingham and the lunch counters of Greensboro, but the super-affluent suburban swath just north of New York City may be the premier civil rights battleground of 2011. Westchester is defying a landmark federal court order to desegregate housing in its whitest and wealthiest towns, prompting civil rights activists to return to court. The federal government has allowed wealthy municipalities to keep the poor and black out for decades, and municipal leaders nationwide are watching closely to see if the Obama administration forces the county to comply.
Westchester County is far from the streets of Birmingham and the lunch counters of Greensboro, but the super-affluent suburban swath just north of New York City may be the premier civil rights battleground of 2011. Westchester is defying a landmark federal court order to desegregate housing in its whitest and wealthiest towns, prompting civil rights activists to return to court. The federal government has allowed wealthy municipalities to keep the poor and black out for decades, and municipal leaders nationwide are watching closely to see if the Obama administration forces the county to comply.
New Pool Regs - and a Tax Credit Offset
There are new Americans with Disabilities Act regulations regarding many swimming pools.
To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses.
The tax credit is available to businesses that have total revenues of $1,000,000 or less in the previous tax year or 30 or fewer full-time employees. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in
a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). The tax credit can be used to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility; providing accessible formats such as Braille, large print and audio tape; making available a sign language interpreter or a reader for customers or employees, and for purchasing certain adaptive equipment.
The tax deduction is available to all businesses with a maximum deduction of $15,000 per year. The tax deduction can be claimed for expenses incurred in barrier removal and alterations.
To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses.
The tax credit is available to businesses that have total revenues of $1,000,000 or less in the previous tax year or 30 or fewer full-time employees. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in
a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). The tax credit can be used to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility; providing accessible formats such as Braille, large print and audio tape; making available a sign language interpreter or a reader for customers or employees, and for purchasing certain adaptive equipment.
The tax deduction is available to all businesses with a maximum deduction of $15,000 per year. The tax deduction can be claimed for expenses incurred in barrier removal and alterations.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Statistics - 2010
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics [PDF]
The proportion of the population employed in 2010—the employment-population ratio—was 18.6 percent among those with a disability, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The employment-population ratio for persons without a disability was 63.5 percent. The ratios in 2010 for both persons with and without a disability were lower than those recorded in 2009. The unemployment rate of persons with a disability was 14.8 percent in 2010, higher than the rate for those with no disability, which was 9.4 percent.
The data on persons with a disability are collected as part of the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly sample survey of about 60,000 households that provides statistics on employment and unemployment in the United States. The collection of data on persons with a disability is sponsored by
the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Also: Students with Disabilities at Degree-Granting Postsecondary Institutions from National Center for Education Statistics.
The proportion of the population employed in 2010—the employment-population ratio—was 18.6 percent among those with a disability, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The employment-population ratio for persons without a disability was 63.5 percent. The ratios in 2010 for both persons with and without a disability were lower than those recorded in 2009. The unemployment rate of persons with a disability was 14.8 percent in 2010, higher than the rate for those with no disability, which was 9.4 percent.
The data on persons with a disability are collected as part of the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly sample survey of about 60,000 households that provides statistics on employment and unemployment in the United States. The collection of data on persons with a disability is sponsored by
the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Also: Students with Disabilities at Degree-Granting Postsecondary Institutions from National Center for Education Statistics.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Cities Beyond the Horizon
An article about what urban is.
"The CIA Factbook...puts the United States’ urbanization rate at 82%, or about 255 million people, but what does that really mean? According the U.S. Department of Transportation...tells us that “[a]n urbanized area is comprised of one or more places and the adjacent densely settled surrounding area together include at least 50,000 people.” A nebulous definition, at best."
"The CIA Factbook...puts the United States’ urbanization rate at 82%, or about 255 million people, but what does that really mean? According the U.S. Department of Transportation...tells us that “[a]n urbanized area is comprised of one or more places and the adjacent densely settled surrounding area together include at least 50,000 people.” A nebulous definition, at best."
American Time Use Survey - 2010 Results
Bureau of Labor Statistics [PDF]
In 2010, 82 percent of employed persons worked on an average weekday, compared with 35 percent on an average weekend day, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) data include the average amount of time per day in 2010 that individuals worked, did household activities, and engaged in leisure and sports activities. Additionally, measures of the average time per day spent providing childcare —both as a main activity and while doing other things — for the combined years 2006-10 are provided.
In 2010, 82 percent of employed persons worked on an average weekday, compared with 35 percent on an average weekend day, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) data include the average amount of time per day in 2010 that individuals worked, did household activities, and engaged in leisure and sports activities. Additionally, measures of the average time per day spent providing childcare —both as a main activity and while doing other things — for the combined years 2006-10 are provided.
Friday, July 1, 2011
County Business Patterns: 2009
Census Bureau Reports U.S. Employer Firms Show Declines in Number of Establishments and Employees
In 2009, businesses with paid employees numbered 7.4 million, a decline of 168,000 establishments from 2008, marking the second consecutive year of decline, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Further, between 2008 and 2009, employment dropped 5.3 percent, a decrease of more than 6 million employees, for a total of 114,509,626.
In 2008, the number of establishments decreased by about 104,000, although the number of employees increased by almost 300,000.
These findings are from County Business Patterns: 2009, which provides the only detailed annual information on the number of establishments, employees, and first-quarter and annual payroll for most of the 1,100 industries covered at the national, state and county levels.
The statistics are broken down according to employment-size classes (for example, number of establishments with one to four employees) and legal form of organization (for example, corporations and partnerships).
In 2009, businesses with paid employees numbered 7.4 million, a decline of 168,000 establishments from 2008, marking the second consecutive year of decline, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Further, between 2008 and 2009, employment dropped 5.3 percent, a decrease of more than 6 million employees, for a total of 114,509,626.
In 2008, the number of establishments decreased by about 104,000, although the number of employees increased by almost 300,000.
These findings are from County Business Patterns: 2009, which provides the only detailed annual information on the number of establishments, employees, and first-quarter and annual payroll for most of the 1,100 industries covered at the national, state and county levels.
The statistics are broken down according to employment-size classes (for example, number of establishments with one to four employees) and legal form of organization (for example, corporations and partnerships).
Emergency Department Visits in Rural and Non-Rural Community Hospitals, 2008
From the http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb116.pdf Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality
Emergency departments (EDs) are an important consideration in today’s health policy dialogue. Previous studies note that annual ED visits have increased over time, while reimbursement for emergency care by insurers has steadily decreased. These challenges are magnified in rural areas, which typically have fewer health care resources, including medical staff, facilities, adequate financing, and modern technologies. More information is needed on the patient and hospital attributes of rural ED visits to further improve the emergency and overall care of rural patients.
This Statistical Brief presents data on the use of EDs in rural areas from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). The information focuses on patient and hospital characteristics of rural and non-rural emergency department visits in the United States in 2008. Variations in the most frequently listed conditions for adults and children are also discussed.
Emergency departments (EDs) are an important consideration in today’s health policy dialogue. Previous studies note that annual ED visits have increased over time, while reimbursement for emergency care by insurers has steadily decreased. These challenges are magnified in rural areas, which typically have fewer health care resources, including medical staff, facilities, adequate financing, and modern technologies. More information is needed on the patient and hospital attributes of rural ED visits to further improve the emergency and overall care of rural patients.
This Statistical Brief presents data on the use of EDs in rural areas from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). The information focuses on patient and hospital characteristics of rural and non-rural emergency department visits in the United States in 2008. Variations in the most frequently listed conditions for adults and children are also discussed.
Going to the Beach?
If you're going to the beach this summer, use these resources to help you plan ahead:
Beach Safety -- Learn about rip currents and other beach dangers to be aware of.
Sun Protection -- Use sunscreen, clothing, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the dangerous and aging effects of UV radiation.
Coastal Water Temperatures -- Find out how warm (or cold) the water will be in the area you'll be visiting.
Weather Forecast -- Check the forecast as it may affect your beach plans.
You received
Beach Safety -- Learn about rip currents and other beach dangers to be aware of.
Sun Protection -- Use sunscreen, clothing, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the dangerous and aging effects of UV radiation.
Coastal Water Temperatures -- Find out how warm (or cold) the water will be in the area you'll be visiting.
Weather Forecast -- Check the forecast as it may affect your beach plans.
You received
Thursday, June 30, 2011
AVERAGE HOURS AND EARNINGS IN NEW YORK – MAY 2011
Average weekly earnings for all employees on private sector payrolls in New York State increased 2.1 percent to $909.04 over the year ending in May 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The average work week lengthened by 0.2 hour (0.6 percent) to 34.2 hours, while average hourly earnings rose 1.5 percent to $26.58. Regional Commissioner Michael L. Dolfman pointed out that the percentage rise in New York average
weekly wages was not as large as the gain in the United States.
Other findings in today's release:
• New York’s average weekly earnings of $909.04 ranked sixth highest in the Nation.
• New York was 1 of 38 states and the District of Columbia with an over-the-year increase in average weekly earnings.
• New York was 1 of 32 states and the District of Columbia to register lengthier weeks in May 2011 compared to one year earlier.
• The information industry recorded the highest average weekly earnings for all employees ($1,380.83), followed by financial activities ($1,307.21), professional and business services ($1,226.88), and construction ($1,190.69).
• Seven of New York’s supersectors had over-the-year increases in average weekly wages.
• Eight of 12 metropolitan areas in New York registered gains in average weekly earnings, led by Ithaca, which registered a 13.5 percent increase.
• Average hours rose in 6 of the 12 areas, with Elmira recording the largest increase, up 1.5 hour. The workweek was unchanged in New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island.
• The average workweek for all private sector employees in New York was 34.2 hours; New York City posted a 34.9-hour average.
Please read the complete release in text (NYLS 7945) or in PDF.
weekly wages was not as large as the gain in the United States.
Other findings in today's release:
• New York’s average weekly earnings of $909.04 ranked sixth highest in the Nation.
• New York was 1 of 38 states and the District of Columbia with an over-the-year increase in average weekly earnings.
• New York was 1 of 32 states and the District of Columbia to register lengthier weeks in May 2011 compared to one year earlier.
• The information industry recorded the highest average weekly earnings for all employees ($1,380.83), followed by financial activities ($1,307.21), professional and business services ($1,226.88), and construction ($1,190.69).
• Seven of New York’s supersectors had over-the-year increases in average weekly wages.
• Eight of 12 metropolitan areas in New York registered gains in average weekly earnings, led by Ithaca, which registered a 13.5 percent increase.
• Average hours rose in 6 of the 12 areas, with Elmira recording the largest increase, up 1.5 hour. The workweek was unchanged in New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island.
• The average workweek for all private sector employees in New York was 34.2 hours; New York City posted a 34.9-hour average.
Please read the complete release in text (NYLS 7945) or in PDF.
Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000
Census of Population and Housing data present here ranges from our most recent census to the historical decennial census conducted throughout the decades. Some of the data were scanned as an effort to make historical census information available to the public.
Census Bureau Announces Field Management Reforms
The U.S. Census Bureau announced this week a realignment of its national field office structure and management reforms designed to keep pace with modern survey collection methods worldwide and reduce costs by an estimated $15 million to $18 million annually beginning in 2014. The reforms build on the work the Bureau’s leadership did in bringing in the 2010 Census on time and 25 percent under budget.
The changes are the first to the field office structure since 1961 and will result in the permanent closing of six of the agency’s 12 Regional Offices, affecting approximately 330 employees in a national field force of about 7,200. The six remaining Regional Offices will increase slightly in size, although a net loss of approximately 115-130 positions nationally is expected. Most staff reductions will happen through attrition, early
retirements, or transfers to vacant jobs at Census headquarters or
elsewhere across the federal government.
“Director Groves and his staff at Census are making good on the President’s charge to cut costs and change the way the government does business,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “This reorganization supports the administration’s ongoing effort to make government more efficient, effective and accountable to the American people.”
The realignment will close Regional Offices located in Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City and Seattle. The remaining six Regional Offices and their new boundaries will be located in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.
“As we go through this transition over the next 18 months, our Regional Office employees affected by this realignment will be our first priority,” U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said.
Advances in technology have allowed survey organizations to provide field interviewers with better tools and move to a leaner management structure. Increasing virtualization of supervision using more timely management information can yield both cost and quality advantages.
“Our professional field interviewers across the country are critical to helping us generate vital statistics about our economy, our communities and our households,” Groves said. “We owe it to them and the American people to constantly improve our processes and become more efficient, using taxpayer money wisely while maintaining the highest quality statistics.”
The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to finding the best possible outcome for each affected employee in a closing office and is seeking approval from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to provide these employees with transition assistance, early retirement, retirement incentives, and job opportunities.
To learn more about the Census Bureau’s new Regional Office structure, visit HERE.
The changes are the first to the field office structure since 1961 and will result in the permanent closing of six of the agency’s 12 Regional Offices, affecting approximately 330 employees in a national field force of about 7,200. The six remaining Regional Offices will increase slightly in size, although a net loss of approximately 115-130 positions nationally is expected. Most staff reductions will happen through attrition, early
retirements, or transfers to vacant jobs at Census headquarters or
elsewhere across the federal government.
“Director Groves and his staff at Census are making good on the President’s charge to cut costs and change the way the government does business,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “This reorganization supports the administration’s ongoing effort to make government more efficient, effective and accountable to the American people.”
The realignment will close Regional Offices located in Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City and Seattle. The remaining six Regional Offices and their new boundaries will be located in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.
“As we go through this transition over the next 18 months, our Regional Office employees affected by this realignment will be our first priority,” U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said.
Advances in technology have allowed survey organizations to provide field interviewers with better tools and move to a leaner management structure. Increasing virtualization of supervision using more timely management information can yield both cost and quality advantages.
“Our professional field interviewers across the country are critical to helping us generate vital statistics about our economy, our communities and our households,” Groves said. “We owe it to them and the American people to constantly improve our processes and become more efficient, using taxpayer money wisely while maintaining the highest quality statistics.”
The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to finding the best possible outcome for each affected employee in a closing office and is seeking approval from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to provide these employees with transition assistance, early retirement, retirement incentives, and job opportunities.
To learn more about the Census Bureau’s new Regional Office structure, visit HERE.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Geographical Mobility/Migration
From The American Consumers Newsletter:
The mobility rate of the nation's homeowners remained at the record low of 5.2 percent in 2009-10, unchanged from the rate of 2008-09. The Census Bureau's latest geographic mobility figures, available at this site, show a nation of movers paralyzed by the collapse of the housing market. Among renters, a much larger 29.0 percent moved in 2009-10, down slightly from the 29.6 percent who moved between 2008-09. Renter mobility has changed little over the decade--it peaked at 30.8 percent in 2001-02. During the past decade, homeowner mobility has been as high as 8.1 percent
http://www.census.gov/hhes/migration/data/cps/cps2010.html
The mobility rate of the nation's homeowners remained at the record low of 5.2 percent in 2009-10, unchanged from the rate of 2008-09. The Census Bureau's latest geographic mobility figures, available at this site, show a nation of movers paralyzed by the collapse of the housing market. Among renters, a much larger 29.0 percent moved in 2009-10, down slightly from the 29.6 percent who moved between 2008-09. Renter mobility has changed little over the decade--it peaked at 30.8 percent in 2001-02. During the past decade, homeowner mobility has been as high as 8.1 percent
http://www.census.gov/hhes/migration/data/cps/cps2010.html
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
How We Pay for Things
You have $34 in your wallet right now. That is the median amount of cash carried by the average American.
This paper presents results of the 2009 Survey of Consumer Payment Choice (SCPC), along with revised 2008 SCPC data. In 2009, the average U.S. consumer held 5.0 of the nine payment instruments available, including cash, and used 3.8 of them during a typical month. Between the 2008 and 2009 surveys, a period that includes the trough of the latest recession, consumers significantly increased their use of cash and close substitutes for cash, such as money orders and prepaid cards. At the same time, consumers reduced their use of credit cards and (to a lesser extent) debit cards, as well as payments made using a bank account number. Weaker economic conditions, new government regulations, and bank pricing of payment card services all likely contributed to the shift back toward cash. However, it is difficult to determine how much each of these factors contributed, and whether the shift is transitory or permanent, without more data and research on consumer payment choice. In 2009, one in three consumers had a prepaid card and nearly as many had a nonbank payment account online, while 3 percent made a mobile payment. By focusing on payments by consumers only, the SCPC complements the recent 2010 Federal Reserve Payment Study, which describes the entire noncash payments economy.
This paper presents results of the 2009 Survey of Consumer Payment Choice (SCPC), along with revised 2008 SCPC data. In 2009, the average U.S. consumer held 5.0 of the nine payment instruments available, including cash, and used 3.8 of them during a typical month. Between the 2008 and 2009 surveys, a period that includes the trough of the latest recession, consumers significantly increased their use of cash and close substitutes for cash, such as money orders and prepaid cards. At the same time, consumers reduced their use of credit cards and (to a lesser extent) debit cards, as well as payments made using a bank account number. Weaker economic conditions, new government regulations, and bank pricing of payment card services all likely contributed to the shift back toward cash. However, it is difficult to determine how much each of these factors contributed, and whether the shift is transitory or permanent, without more data and research on consumer payment choice. In 2009, one in three consumers had a prepaid card and nearly as many had a nonbank payment account online, while 3 percent made a mobile payment. By focusing on payments by consumers only, the SCPC complements the recent 2010 Federal Reserve Payment Study, which describes the entire noncash payments economy.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Fortune 500
The full list starts with:
Wal-Mart Stores
Exxon Mobil
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
Fannie Mae
General Electric
Berkshire Hathaway
General Motors
Bank of America
Ford Motor
Wal-Mart Stores
Exxon Mobil
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
Fannie Mae
General Electric
Berkshire Hathaway
General Motors
Bank of America
Ford Motor
Saturday, June 25, 2011
NYS Sales Tax Guide
Here's a numerical listing by publication number of documents addressing particular topics of interest to taxpayers
From that list, A Guide to Sales Tax in New York State (PDF)
Also, sales tax for specific industries.
From that list, A Guide to Sales Tax in New York State (PDF)
Also, sales tax for specific industries.
Friday, June 24, 2011
The 10 most affordable U.S. home markets
Weak local economies take toll on home prices in these cities
Niagara Falls, N.Y. is well known for its beautiful views and its popularity among tourists. But here’s something you might not have known: It also has the most affordable housing market in the country.
Niagara Falls, N.Y. is well known for its beautiful views and its popularity among tourists. But here’s something you might not have known: It also has the most affordable housing market in the country.
Disaster Survivors Urged to Beware of Recovery Scams
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration is urging disaster victims seeking federal aid to be alert to scam artists posing as federal officials and to be cautious about any solicitations for fees to perform services that are available from federal agency staff for free.
In the wake of widespread flooding, wildfires and tornados in many areas across the country over the past few months, the SBA is particularly concerned about flyers that have appeared in tornado-damaged areas asking for non-refundable fees of up to $450 to help disaster victims fill out their loan applications and as much as $1,000 to verify losses and file loan applications.
Federal agencies involved in disaster recovery will never ask for a fee or payment to file an application for financial assistance or to inspect damaged property.
“Historically, natural disasters bring out the very best in people, and there are countless stories of the selfless acts of helpful neighbors and volunteers,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.
“Unfortunately, we have also seen in the past individuals who attempt to take advantage of people who need assistance. Disaster survivors should be vigilant in protecting their personal assets, particularly in the stressful environment of a disaster recovery.
“The SBA will not tolerate the defrauding of those who have already lost so much in the aftermath of these devastating disasters,” Mills said. “Those who are found taking advantage of disaster victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent provided by law.”
If you suspect a person is posing as a local or federal agent, or encounter what you believe are fraudulent activities connected with disaster relief operations, contact your local law enforcement officials, phone the toll-free National Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or send an email to disaster@leo.gov. The phone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To register for federal help after a disaster declaration, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (800-426-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired).
Disaster survivors may also visit one of the local recovery centers to get help with filing for assistance. To get help with the disaster loan application, contact the SBA by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for those with speech or hearing disabilities). Those affected by recent disasters may also file a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
The SBA makes low-interest, taxpayer-backed disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes. More information about the disaster assistance program is available at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance.
In the wake of widespread flooding, wildfires and tornados in many areas across the country over the past few months, the SBA is particularly concerned about flyers that have appeared in tornado-damaged areas asking for non-refundable fees of up to $450 to help disaster victims fill out their loan applications and as much as $1,000 to verify losses and file loan applications.
Federal agencies involved in disaster recovery will never ask for a fee or payment to file an application for financial assistance or to inspect damaged property.
“Historically, natural disasters bring out the very best in people, and there are countless stories of the selfless acts of helpful neighbors and volunteers,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.
“Unfortunately, we have also seen in the past individuals who attempt to take advantage of people who need assistance. Disaster survivors should be vigilant in protecting their personal assets, particularly in the stressful environment of a disaster recovery.
“The SBA will not tolerate the defrauding of those who have already lost so much in the aftermath of these devastating disasters,” Mills said. “Those who are found taking advantage of disaster victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent provided by law.”
If you suspect a person is posing as a local or federal agent, or encounter what you believe are fraudulent activities connected with disaster relief operations, contact your local law enforcement officials, phone the toll-free National Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or send an email to disaster@leo.gov. The phone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To register for federal help after a disaster declaration, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (800-426-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired).
Disaster survivors may also visit one of the local recovery centers to get help with filing for assistance. To get help with the disaster loan application, contact the SBA by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for those with speech or hearing disabilities). Those affected by recent disasters may also file a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
The SBA makes low-interest, taxpayer-backed disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes. More information about the disaster assistance program is available at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Census Bureau Director Groves Blogs
Census Bureau Director Robert Groves recently appeared as a guest blogger on the Department of Commerce’s website. Director Groves discusses the importance of the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee in this blog entry. He also recently discussed his personal lessons learned from the 2010 Census in his blog,located here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
ETA Releases Internet Links for State and Local Employment Projections
The Employment and Training Administration’s Office of Workforce Investment recently released Internet Links for State and Local Employment Projections. This guide provides users with direct links to:
All published industry and occupational projections for the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
Long-term (usually 10 years) and short-term projections (usually 2 years), including the dates of the projections
Statewide and local projections, including an explanation of the type of locality
Each state's employment projections web page (if available)
A statistical table summarizing the availability of different types of projections
Each state's primary labor market information web site
The key BLS employment projections web sites
All published industry and occupational projections for the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
Long-term (usually 10 years) and short-term projections (usually 2 years), including the dates of the projections
Statewide and local projections, including an explanation of the type of locality
Each state's employment projections web page (if available)
A statistical table summarizing the availability of different types of projections
Each state's primary labor market information web site
The key BLS employment projections web sites
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Gross Domestic Product by State
Bureau of Economic Analysis: Gross Domestic Product by State, 2010 (advance estimate) and 2007-2009 (revised estimate).
Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 48 states and the District of Columbia in 2010, according to new statistics released this month by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis that breakdown GDP by state. Durable–goods manufacturing, retail trade, and finance and insurance were leading contributors to the upturn in U.S. economic growth. U.S. real GDP by state grew 2.6 percent in 2010 after declining 2.5 percent in 2009.
Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 48 states and the District of Columbia in 2010, according to new statistics released this month by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis that breakdown GDP by state. Durable–goods manufacturing, retail trade, and finance and insurance were leading contributors to the upturn in U.S. economic growth. U.S. real GDP by state grew 2.6 percent in 2010 after declining 2.5 percent in 2009.
Monday, June 20, 2011
2010 National Healthcare Quality & Disparities Reports
For the eighth year in a row, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has produced the National Healthcare Quality Report (NHQR) and the National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR). These reports measure trends in effectiveness of care, patient safety, timeliness of care, patient centeredness, and efficiency of care. New this year are chapters on care coordination, health system infrastructure. The reports present, in chart form, the latest available findings on quality of and access to health care.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Entrepreneurship and the U.S. Economy
Business Employment Dynamics
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the growth of the U.S. economy. As the primary source for information on the nation’s labor market, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on new businesses and job creation. The following highlights from data series produced by BLS Business Employment Dynamics (BED) program provide some insights on the contribution of new and small businesses to the number of businesses and jobs in the economy.
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the growth of the U.S. economy. As the primary source for information on the nation’s labor market, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on new businesses and job creation. The following highlights from data series produced by BLS Business Employment Dynamics (BED) program provide some insights on the contribution of new and small businesses to the number of businesses and jobs in the economy.
Regional Price Parities by Expenditure Class
For 2005-2009 from the Bureau of Economic Analysis [PDF]
Saturday, June 18, 2011
National and State Foster Care Data
From the Annie E. Casey Foundation – Kids Count Data Center: National and State Foster Care Data from the Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Consumer Reports re sunscreen.
As ABC News reported, most sunscreens that protect against UVB rays that prevent sunburn do little to nothing against UVA rays that could lead to skin cancer. The link provides a lists the best buys for products that protect against both types of rays.
FDIC bank failure tracking tool
One can generate a report using the FDIC's Failures and Assistance Transactions search engine, to track historic bank failures, going back to the 1930s.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
IRS list of organizations that have automatically had their federal tax exempt status revoked
The IRS has published the first Automatic Revocation of Exemption List. It indicates approximately 275,000 nonprofits whose tax-exempt status has been revoked because they failed to file a Form 990, 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990-PF for three consecutive years; the list is available for downloading in both Excel and PDF form. Here's the PDF of the New York State list.
As GuideStar notes, if an organization appears on the list, it must now must file a federal income tax return and pay federal income taxes. If it previously could accept tax-deductible contributions, it no longer can do so. "If your organization is not on the list, technically you don't have to do anything. This a good time, however, to reach out to your donors, funders, and other constituents and assure them that you are in good standing with the IRS. You may also wish to suggest that your supporters consult the list to ensure that the other nonprofits they give to are still exempt."
As GuideStar notes, if an organization appears on the list, it must now must file a federal income tax return and pay federal income taxes. If it previously could accept tax-deductible contributions, it no longer can do so. "If your organization is not on the list, technically you don't have to do anything. This a good time, however, to reach out to your donors, funders, and other constituents and assure them that you are in good standing with the IRS. You may also wish to suggest that your supporters consult the list to ensure that the other nonprofits they give to are still exempt."
Links for downloading the new AFF Webinars
Still baffled by AFF2? Check out these webinars from State Data Centers.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A strategy for economic development
How can the U.S. recover from the current prolonged bout of unemployment and generate many good, sustainable jobs in a relentlessly globalizing economy? It’s a question Rockefeller Institute Director Thomas Gais asks in a new commentary. He suggests the country’s future success will depend upon building on its economic strengths, which include an entrepreneurial culture, the excellence of its higher education institutions and its regional diversity. These strengths can be combined to great effect, Gais writes, as recent Institute studies of the State University of New York and other institutions have shown.
We must exploit and expand upon universities’ role as the engines of innovation in an economy increasingly reliant on knowledge, Gais writes in “A Home-Grown Strategy for Economic Growth.” Read his commentary on the Institute’s Web site.
We must exploit and expand upon universities’ role as the engines of innovation in an economy increasingly reliant on knowledge, Gais writes in “A Home-Grown Strategy for Economic Growth.” Read his commentary on the Institute’s Web site.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Coffee or tea?
My buddy Arthur did a great post about coffee and tea consumption in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and his expat home of New Zealand.
The coffee numbers come from the Wikipedia, which in turn comes from this detailed chart.
The tea numbers are from here and/or here via the Wikipedia.
The coffee numbers come from the Wikipedia, which in turn comes from this detailed chart.
The tea numbers are from here and/or here via the Wikipedia.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Business Expenses Survey
The Business Expenses Survey has information of various types of expenditures, such as materials and fuels, for ALL businesses. There is also some info available for specific industries. You can find the 2007 data HERE.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Embeddable Interactive Population Comparison Widget
The Center for New Media and Promotions has launched the 2010 Population Comparison Widget. This embeddable widget is part of the Interactive Population Map. The widget is a comparison chart of population data for user-defined geographic locations, from State down to Place level, e.g., Florida, Navajo Nation Reservation, Kent County, MI, China Town, ME or Boston City, MA. After completing five geographic locations, the widget can be embedded in the user's website with easy to follow instructions. Once embedded in the user's website, the user can interact with the widget via mouse hover to appreciate the chosen geographic locations.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Population Center Videos
VIDEO: Population Center: What can we learn from these changes?
Description: In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau talks about the story the movement of the center of population tells about nation over the years and discusses four of the most prominent shifts throughout the centuries.
VIDEO: Population Center: What trends or changes can we see?
Description: In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau discusses the two major trends to the shifts of the center of population.
VIDEO: Population Center: How are the centers of population marked and can I go see them?
Description: In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau describes how the centers of population are marked and where you can find them.
Description: In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau talks about the story the movement of the center of population tells about nation over the years and discusses four of the most prominent shifts throughout the centuries.
VIDEO: Population Center: What trends or changes can we see?
Description: In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau discusses the two major trends to the shifts of the center of population.
VIDEO: Population Center: How are the centers of population marked and can I go see them?
Description: In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau describes how the centers of population are marked and where you can find them.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
How to Avoid Mistakes When Applying for Citizenship
Learn some helpful tips and guidance on the citizenship application process from the USA.gov Blog.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Getting rid of old videos
This web site is great: Earth 911.
You type in what you want to recycle, along with your zip code, and you get a list back of places where you can take your items.
You type in what you want to recycle, along with your zip code, and you get a list back of places where you can take your items.
Choose My Plate.Gov
Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for guidance on which foods to add to your diet and which foods you may want to consider reducing. You'll find resources to help you plan a healthy menu, lose weight, analyze your diet, and more.
Balancing Calories
● Enjoy your food, but eat less.
● Avoid oversized portions.
Foods to Increase
● Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
● Make at least half your grains whole grains.
● Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
Foods to Reduce
● Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.
● Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
But I miss the pyramid!
Balancing Calories
● Enjoy your food, but eat less.
● Avoid oversized portions.
Foods to Increase
● Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
● Make at least half your grains whole grains.
● Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
Foods to Reduce
● Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.
● Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
But I miss the pyramid!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Number of Minority-Owned Firms Increased at More Than Double the Rate of All U.S. Businesses From 2002 to 2007
In 2007, minority-owned firms numbered 5.8 million, up from 4.0 million in 2002, an increase of 45.5 percent, more than double the 17.9 percent increase for all U.S. businesses, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners. Receipts of minority-owned firms increased 55.0 percent to $1.0 trillion over the five-year period, compared with the 32.9 percent increase for all businesses nationwide. In 2007, more than one-fifth (21.3 percent) of the nation’s 27.1 million firms were minority-owned.
Of the 5.8 million minority-owned firms, 766,533 had paid employees, an increase of 21.7 percent from 2002. These firms employed 5.8 million people, a 24.4 percent increase from 2002, and their payrolls totaled $164.1 billion, an increase of 42.2 percent. Receipts of minority-owned employer firms totaled $860.5 billion, an increase of 54.3 percent from 2002.
In 2007, minority firms with no paid employees (nonemployers) numbered 5.0 million, an increase of 50.0 percent from 2002. These firms had receipts totaling $164.3 billion, an increase of 58.9 percent...
The new data are from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners: Company Summary, which provides statistics on minority and nonminority business ownerships every five years, as well as breakdowns and cross-tabulations by gender, race, ethnicity and veteran status. Separate data are provided on firms equally owned by minorities and nonminorities, by men and women and by Hispanics and non-Hispanics.
For most minority groups, the gains in the number of women owners were higher than for men.
The three states with the largest number of minority-owned firms in
2007 were California, Texas and Florida. California had 1.2 million minority-owned firms, or more than a fifth of all minority-owned firms in the United States. Texas had 723,057 minority-owned firms, or 12.6 percent of all minority-owned firms, and Florida had 680,069 minority-owned firms, or 11.8 percent.
The Survey of Business Owners defines minority-owned firms as firms in which blacks, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, or Hispanics own 51 percent or more of the equity, interest or stock of the business. Additional reports from the survey highlight other characteristics of businesses and owners.
The Survey of Business Owners is conducted every five years as part of the economic census. The 2007 survey collected data from a sample of more than
2.3 million businesses. More details concerning the SBO survey design, methodology, comparability and data limitations can be found at here.
Of the 5.8 million minority-owned firms, 766,533 had paid employees, an increase of 21.7 percent from 2002. These firms employed 5.8 million people, a 24.4 percent increase from 2002, and their payrolls totaled $164.1 billion, an increase of 42.2 percent. Receipts of minority-owned employer firms totaled $860.5 billion, an increase of 54.3 percent from 2002.
In 2007, minority firms with no paid employees (nonemployers) numbered 5.0 million, an increase of 50.0 percent from 2002. These firms had receipts totaling $164.3 billion, an increase of 58.9 percent...
The new data are from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners: Company Summary, which provides statistics on minority and nonminority business ownerships every five years, as well as breakdowns and cross-tabulations by gender, race, ethnicity and veteran status. Separate data are provided on firms equally owned by minorities and nonminorities, by men and women and by Hispanics and non-Hispanics.
For most minority groups, the gains in the number of women owners were higher than for men.
The three states with the largest number of minority-owned firms in
2007 were California, Texas and Florida. California had 1.2 million minority-owned firms, or more than a fifth of all minority-owned firms in the United States. Texas had 723,057 minority-owned firms, or 12.6 percent of all minority-owned firms, and Florida had 680,069 minority-owned firms, or 11.8 percent.
The Survey of Business Owners defines minority-owned firms as firms in which blacks, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, or Hispanics own 51 percent or more of the equity, interest or stock of the business. Additional reports from the survey highlight other characteristics of businesses and owners.
The Survey of Business Owners is conducted every five years as part of the economic census. The 2007 survey collected data from a sample of more than
2.3 million businesses. More details concerning the SBO survey design, methodology, comparability and data limitations can be found at here.
Free Books From the National Academies Press
The National Academies — National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council—are committed to distributing their reports to as wide an audience as possible. Since 1994 we have offered “Read for Free” options for almost all of their titles. In addition, they have been offering free downloads of most of their titles to everyone and of all titles to readers in the developing world.
Effective June 2nd, PDFs of reports that are currently for sale on the National Academies Press (NAP) Website and PDFs associated with future reports will be offered free of charge to all Web visitors.
For more than 140 years, the NAS, NAE, IOM, and NRC have been advising the nation on issues of science, technology, and medicine. Like no other collection of organizations, the Academies enlist the nation’s foremost scientists, engineers, health professionals, and other experts to address the scientific and technical aspects of society’s most pressing problems.
Effective June 2nd, PDFs of reports that are currently for sale on the National Academies Press (NAP) Website and PDFs associated with future reports will be offered free of charge to all Web visitors.
For more than 140 years, the NAS, NAE, IOM, and NRC have been advising the nation on issues of science, technology, and medicine. Like no other collection of organizations, the Academies enlist the nation’s foremost scientists, engineers, health professionals, and other experts to address the scientific and technical aspects of society’s most pressing problems.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Zoomable block-level Census change maps for the NYC metro area
The CUNY Mapping Service at the Center for Urban Research has launched a set of interactive maps showing detailed race/ethnicity change at the local level throughout the New York City metro region, along with an analysis of the changes in New York City.
The maps use the “before and after” technique that the NY Times and others have used effectively for images of natural disasters. But they’ve integrated the slider technique with two overlapping sets of interactive maps via OpenLayers (an open source online mapping framework), so you can slide between the two (showing 2000 and 2010 block-level maps of predominant race/ethnicity patterns) while also zooming in and out and clicking on individual Census blocks for detailed population data.
The color-shaded maps are overlain on a Microsoft basemap – you can set the transparency of the map dynamically so place names and streets become more or less visible, and also switch between the Bing street map and aerial imagery.
Here’s a direct link to the maps. They also have an analysis of the data for New York City, plus static 2000-to-2010 maps with the slider for New York’s 5 boroughs.
The maps use the “before and after” technique that the NY Times and others have used effectively for images of natural disasters. But they’ve integrated the slider technique with two overlapping sets of interactive maps via OpenLayers (an open source online mapping framework), so you can slide between the two (showing 2000 and 2010 block-level maps of predominant race/ethnicity patterns) while also zooming in and out and clicking on individual Census blocks for detailed population data.
The color-shaded maps are overlain on a Microsoft basemap – you can set the transparency of the map dynamically so place names and streets become more or less visible, and also switch between the Bing street map and aerial imagery.
Here’s a direct link to the maps. They also have an analysis of the data for New York City, plus static 2000-to-2010 maps with the slider for New York’s 5 boroughs.
NACCRRA's Ranking of State Child Care Center Regulation and Oversight
More than 11 million children younger than age 5 spend an average of 35 hours a week in some type of child care setting. State child care licensing requirements govern the health, safety and learning opportunities for these children. State oversight requirements monitor compliance with state policies.
We Can Do Better: 2011 Update is the third in a series of reports beginning in 2007 that scores and ranks the states, including the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense (DoD) on 10 program requirements and five oversight benchmarks for child care centers. NACCRRA’s update found that states have made progress but more progress is needed.
The average score in 2011 was 87 out of a possible 150 points (compared to 70 in 2007 and 83 in 2009). Using a standard grading scale, no state earned an A.
We Can Do Better: 2011 Update is the third in a series of reports beginning in 2007 that scores and ranks the states, including the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense (DoD) on 10 program requirements and five oversight benchmarks for child care centers. NACCRRA’s update found that states have made progress but more progress is needed.
The average score in 2011 was 87 out of a possible 150 points (compared to 70 in 2007 and 83 in 2009). Using a standard grading scale, no state earned an A.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Small Business Quarterly Bulletin
Advocacy's Small Business Quarterly Bulletin, a brochure-style publication that contains commentary and analysis on the current employment and financing trends of small businesses, shows a positive first quarter of 2011 for small business. Small business employment and financing were turning the corner and trending up, thus joining GDP, which has been growing for seven quarters.
SUNY System the Key to New York’s Economic Future
Albany, N.Y. -- A comprehensive statewide study finds that the State University of New York is positioned to be the critical force in building a new innovation economy for New York -- with a broad and diverse array of economic development activities already in place across the 64-campus system, and with a growing potential to do more in the future.
The study, a joint project of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at the University at Albany and of the University at Buffalo Regional Institute, reported that the SUNY system had an economic impact of a minimum of $19.8 billion in 2008-09, based on the spending of its colleges and universities, students, employees and campus visitors.
But the institutes' report, How SUNY Matters: Economic Impacts of the State University of New York [PDF], found that the system is making an even more important contribution to New York's future economy -- to the state's capacity to grow and produce jobs in the new economy of the 21st Century.
More HERE.
The study, a joint project of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at the University at Albany and of the University at Buffalo Regional Institute, reported that the SUNY system had an economic impact of a minimum of $19.8 billion in 2008-09, based on the spending of its colleges and universities, students, employees and campus visitors.
But the institutes' report, How SUNY Matters: Economic Impacts of the State University of New York [PDF], found that the system is making an even more important contribution to New York's future economy -- to the state's capacity to grow and produce jobs in the new economy of the 21st Century.
More HERE.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities
According to the National Science Foundation's biennial Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities, the amount of science and engineering (S&E) research space at research-performing colleges and universities expanded 4% between FY 2007 and FY 2009, from 188 million to 196 million net assignable square feet (NASF). This percentage increase is almost three times the amount of growth found between FY 2005 and FY 2007 and follows two consecutive survey cycles with slowing growth.
WHO, cellphones, cancer
When you hear someone say, "Using your cell phone probably won't give you cancer. The evidence supporting that idea is very weak," they are, more or less, saying the same thing that the World Health Organization is saying. Only the WHO has also added the (very reasonable) assertion that more research is needed if we want to say anything definitive about cell phones and cancer.
More HERE
More HERE
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
An Overview of Home Health Aides: United States, 2007
This report presents national estimates of home health aides providing assistance in activities of daily living (ADLs) and employed by agencies providing home health and hospice care in 2007. Data are presented on demographics, training, work environment, pay and benefits, use of public benefits, and injuries.
Methods—Estimates are based on data collected in the 2007 National Home Health Aide Survey. Estimates are derived from data collected during telephone interviews with home health aides providing assistance with ADLs and employed by agencies providing home health and hospice care.
Results—In the United States in 2007, 160,700 home health and hospice aides provided ADL assistance and were employed by agencies providing home health and hospice care. Most home health aides were female; approximately one-half were white and one-third black. Approximately one-half of aides were at least 35 years old. Two-thirds had an annual family income of less than $40,000. More than 80% received initial training to become a home health aide and more than 90% received continuing education classes in the previous 2 years. Almost three-quarters of aides would definitely become a home health aide again, and slightly more than one-half of aides would definitely take their current job again. The average hourly pay was $10.88 per hour. Almost three-quarters of aides reported that they were offered health insurance by their employers, but almost 19% of aides had no health insurance coverage from any source. More than 1 in 10 aides had had at least one work-related injury in the previous 12 months.
Methods—Estimates are based on data collected in the 2007 National Home Health Aide Survey. Estimates are derived from data collected during telephone interviews with home health aides providing assistance with ADLs and employed by agencies providing home health and hospice care.
Results—In the United States in 2007, 160,700 home health and hospice aides provided ADL assistance and were employed by agencies providing home health and hospice care. Most home health aides were female; approximately one-half were white and one-third black. Approximately one-half of aides were at least 35 years old. Two-thirds had an annual family income of less than $40,000. More than 80% received initial training to become a home health aide and more than 90% received continuing education classes in the previous 2 years. Almost three-quarters of aides would definitely become a home health aide again, and slightly more than one-half of aides would definitely take their current job again. The average hourly pay was $10.88 per hour. Almost three-quarters of aides reported that they were offered health insurance by their employers, but almost 19% of aides had no health insurance coverage from any source. More than 1 in 10 aides had had at least one work-related injury in the previous 12 months.
Obama picks John Bryson to be next secretary of Commerce
President Obama will announce today that John Bryson, former chairman and CEO of Edison International, is his nominee to be the next secretary of Commerce, succeeding Gary Locke, nominated to be the new ambassador to China.
The Census Bureau is part of the Dept. of Commerce.
The Census Bureau is part of the Dept. of Commerce.
Annual Capital Expenditures Survey
The Annual Capital Expenditures Survey (ACES) provides data on capital spending for new and used structures and equipment by U.S. nonfarm businesses with and without employees. Data have been collected annually beginning with data for 1994. Also, every five years, for years ending in "3" and "8", detailed data by types of structures and types of equipment have been collected from companies with employees. In 2010, it was decided that this detailed data should be collected for years ending in "2" and "7" beginning in 2013, to align with the years in which the Economic Census is conducted. United States Code, Title 13, authorizes this survey and makes responding mandatory; it also protects the confidentiality of respondents and the data they provide.
Monday, May 30, 2011
National Compensation Survey and Productivity Trends
National Compensation Survey: Occupational Earnings in the United States, 2010
The National Compensation Survey (NCS) provides comprehensive measures of occupational earnings, compensation cost trends, the incidence of benefits, and detailed benefit provisions. This bulletin presents estimates of occupational pay for the Nation. These national estimates originate from the NCS locality survey data and are weighted to represent the Nation as a whole. The estimates include pay for workers in major sectors within the U.S. economy in 2010–the civilian, private, and State and local government sectors–and by various occupational and establishment characteristics. The civilian sector, by NCS definition, excludes Federal Government, agricultural, and household workers.
National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages by Census Division, 2010
Preliminary Multifactor Productivity Trends – 2010 [PDF]
The National Compensation Survey (NCS) provides comprehensive measures of occupational earnings, compensation cost trends, the incidence of benefits, and detailed benefit provisions. This bulletin presents estimates of occupational pay for the Nation. These national estimates originate from the NCS locality survey data and are weighted to represent the Nation as a whole. The estimates include pay for workers in major sectors within the U.S. economy in 2010–the civilian, private, and State and local government sectors–and by various occupational and establishment characteristics. The civilian sector, by NCS definition, excludes Federal Government, agricultural, and household workers.
National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages by Census Division, 2010
Preliminary Multifactor Productivity Trends – 2010 [PDF]
Work Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities, 2008
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, the Bureau) reports the number and frequency of work-related fatal injuries and nonfatal injuries and illnesses each year. The Bureau also provides detailed information on the circumstances of the injuries and illnesses and on the characteristics of the affected worker.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Entrepreneurship and the U.S. Economy
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the growth of the U.S. economy. As the primary source for information on the nation’s labor market, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on new businesses and job creation. The following highlights from data series produced by BLS Business Employment Dynamics (BED) program provide some insights on the contribution of new and small businesses to the number of businesses and jobs in the economy.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Complicating Conditions of Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2008
From the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [PDF]
Complications during pregnancy can pose a serious risk to both maternal and infant health, and are associated with various adverse outcomes, including miscarriage, hemorrhage, preterm labor, and low birth weight. An objective of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Healthy People 2020 is to reduce maternal illness and complications related to pregnancy during hospitalization for labor and delivery.
This Statistical Brief presents data...
Complications during pregnancy can pose a serious risk to both maternal and infant health, and are associated with various adverse outcomes, including miscarriage, hemorrhage, preterm labor, and low birth weight. An objective of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Healthy People 2020 is to reduce maternal illness and complications related to pregnancy during hospitalization for labor and delivery.
This Statistical Brief presents data...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance, 2005–2008
Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance—15 Areas, 2005–2008
Includes number and percentage of HIV-infected pregnant women who gave birth to a live infant, by year of infant's birth and selected characteristics of mother, 2005–2008—15 areas conducting enhanced perinatal surveillance, United States
Includes number and percentage of HIV-infected pregnant women who gave birth to a live infant, by year of infant's birth and selected characteristics of mother, 2005–2008—15 areas conducting enhanced perinatal surveillance, United States
Import and export prices increase from April 2010 to April 2011
Over the year, overall import prices advanced 11.1 percent in April 2011. Export prices rose 9.6 percent over the past year, matching the 12-month advance in March—the largest year-over-year increase since export prices jumped 10.2 percent in July 2008.
Demographic profile reports
The Missouri Census Data Center has converted the final files in the SF1 Demographic Profile series as released by the Census Bureau. The data tables are accessible via uexplore/dexter. It has also created a set of 4 reports based on these data. Here is the menu page to facilitate access to these reports.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
National Corrections Reporting Program, 2009 - Statistical Tables
This update adds data for 2009 to the electronic series of selected tables on most serious offense, sentence length, and time served in state prison. The National Corrections Reporting Program collects demographic information, conviction offenses, sentence length, credited jail time, type of admission, type of release, and time served from individual prisoner records in participating jurisdictions.
2010 Census Demographic Profile Summary File now released for entire country
The Demographic Profile contains information on topics such as sex, age, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship, household type, group quarters population, housing occupancy, and home ownership. See information for the nation and individual states.
You can also explore these data on a new interactive map.
You can also explore these data on a new interactive map.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Public School Systems Spend $10,499 Per Pupil in 2009
Public school systems spent an average of $10,499 per pupil in fiscal year 2009, a 2.3 percent increase over 2008, according to data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Public schools in New York spent more than any other state or state equivalent, with $18,126 per pupil in 2009. The District of Columbia ($16,408), New Jersey ($16,271), Alaska ($15,552) and Vermont ($15,175) had the next-highest spending. (See table 11.)
These data come from Public Education Finances: 2009 [PDF], which provides tables on revenues, expenditures, debt and assets (cash and security holdings) of elementary and secondary public school systems with data for the nation, states and school districts. The tables also include more detailed data on spending, such as instruction, transportation and salaries, among others.
“Most children in the United States rely on public schools for their education, so it’s important for people to understand how available resources are being spent within the public education system,” said Lisa Blumerman, chief of the Census Bureau’s Governments Division. “These data provide a detailed look at how taxpayer money is being spent on education.”
States or state equivalents that saw the largest percent increases in per pupil spending from 2008 to 2009 were the District of Columbia (12.4 percent), Utah (10.3 percent), Minnesota (9.4 percent), North Carolina (7.4 percent) and Maine (6.3 percent).
Public school systems received $590.9 billion in funding in 2009, up 1.5 percent from the prior year. Of that amount, state governments contributed $276.2 billion (46.7 percent), followed by revenue raised from local sources, which contributed $258.9 billion (43.8 percent), and federal sources, which provided the remaining $55.9 billion (9.5 percent).
Total spending by public school systems was $604.9 billion in 2009, a 2.0 percent increase from the prior year. Total current spending was $517.7 billion (85.6 percent), of which $311.9 billion went to instruction.
Total school district debt increased by 5.8 percent to $399.1 billion in 2009.
Other highlights:
- States and state equivalents that spent the least per pupil were Utah (6,356), Idaho ($7,092), Arizona ($7,813), Oklahoma ($7,885) and Tennessee ($7,897).
- Instructional salaries accounted for the largest spending category for public elementary and secondary education, totaling $209.0 billion in 2009. (See Table 6.)
- Property taxes accounted for 65.2 percent of revenue for public school systems from local sources.
- The $258.9 billion in funding schools received from local sources included $227.7 billion (87.9 percent) from taxes and local government appropriations.
These data come from Public Education Finances: 2009 [PDF], which provides tables on revenues, expenditures, debt and assets (cash and security holdings) of elementary and secondary public school systems with data for the nation, states and school districts. The tables also include more detailed data on spending, such as instruction, transportation and salaries, among others.
“Most children in the United States rely on public schools for their education, so it’s important for people to understand how available resources are being spent within the public education system,” said Lisa Blumerman, chief of the Census Bureau’s Governments Division. “These data provide a detailed look at how taxpayer money is being spent on education.”
States or state equivalents that saw the largest percent increases in per pupil spending from 2008 to 2009 were the District of Columbia (12.4 percent), Utah (10.3 percent), Minnesota (9.4 percent), North Carolina (7.4 percent) and Maine (6.3 percent).
Public school systems received $590.9 billion in funding in 2009, up 1.5 percent from the prior year. Of that amount, state governments contributed $276.2 billion (46.7 percent), followed by revenue raised from local sources, which contributed $258.9 billion (43.8 percent), and federal sources, which provided the remaining $55.9 billion (9.5 percent).
Total spending by public school systems was $604.9 billion in 2009, a 2.0 percent increase from the prior year. Total current spending was $517.7 billion (85.6 percent), of which $311.9 billion went to instruction.
Total school district debt increased by 5.8 percent to $399.1 billion in 2009.
Other highlights:
- States and state equivalents that spent the least per pupil were Utah (6,356), Idaho ($7,092), Arizona ($7,813), Oklahoma ($7,885) and Tennessee ($7,897).
- Instructional salaries accounted for the largest spending category for public elementary and secondary education, totaling $209.0 billion in 2009. (See Table 6.)
- Property taxes accounted for 65.2 percent of revenue for public school systems from local sources.
- The $258.9 billion in funding schools received from local sources included $227.7 billion (87.9 percent) from taxes and local government appropriations.
Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances
The Hudson Institute Center for Global Prosperity (CGP) provides a platform—through conferences, discussions, publications, and media appearances—to create awareness among U.S. and international opinion leaders, as well as the general public, about the central role of the private sector, both for-profit and not-for-profit, in the creation of economic growth and prosperity in any country.
The Center's core product is the annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances, which details the sources and magnitude of private giving to the developing world. The Index reframes the discussion about the roles of public and private sectors in foreign aid by showing that the full scale of a country's generosity is measured not just by government aid, but by private giving as well.
The Center supports free societies, including capital markets, rule of law, government transparency, free trade and press, human rights, and private property—prerequisites for economic health and well-being.
The Center's core product is the annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances, which details the sources and magnitude of private giving to the developing world. The Index reframes the discussion about the roles of public and private sectors in foreign aid by showing that the full scale of a country's generosity is measured not just by government aid, but by private giving as well.
The Center supports free societies, including capital markets, rule of law, government transparency, free trade and press, human rights, and private property—prerequisites for economic health and well-being.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Commitment to Development Index 2010
Which rich countries are doing the most to help poor ones? Rich and poor nations are linked in many ways—by foreign aid, commerce, the environment, and more. Each year, the CDI rates rich-country governments on how much they are helping poor countries via seven key linkages: aid, trade, investment, migration, environment, security, and technology. The CDI then takes the average for an overall score.
To see if countries live up to their potential to help, scoring adjusts for size. So small countries can beat big ones.
To see if countries live up to their potential to help, scoring adjusts for size. So small countries can beat big ones.
2011 State of the Birds Report Highlights Importance of Public Lands
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman this month released the 2011 State of the Birds Report, the nation’s first assessment of birds on lands and waters owned by the American people. The findings indicate tremendous potential for bird conservation: these publicly owned habitats support at least half of the entire U.S. distributions of more than 300 bird species.
Monday, May 23, 2011
How Secondhand Smoke Affects the Brain
From the article:
Secondhand smoke has a direct, measurable impact on the brain similar to what's seen in the person doing the smoking, according to a new study. The finding highlights the importance of limiting exposure to secondhand smoke in cars and other enclosed spaces.
When not exposed to smoke (top image), brains show high levels (red and yellow) of a tracer molecule that binds to empty nicotine receptors. After 1 hour of exposure to secondhand smoke (bottom), nicotine displaces and reduces the level of tracer molecules.Image courtesy of Brody et al., Archives of General Psychiatry.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death nationwide. People who smoke are up to 6 times more likely than non-smokers to suffer a heart attack. Tobacco is also one of the strongest cancer-causing agents. Up to 90% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.
But the smoker isn't the only one harmed by cigarette smoke. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. A Surgeon General's Report in 2006 concluded that secondhand smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. It also causes serious health conditions in children, including sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory infections and more severe asthma.
Secondhand smoke has a direct, measurable impact on the brain similar to what's seen in the person doing the smoking, according to a new study. The finding highlights the importance of limiting exposure to secondhand smoke in cars and other enclosed spaces.
When not exposed to smoke (top image), brains show high levels (red and yellow) of a tracer molecule that binds to empty nicotine receptors. After 1 hour of exposure to secondhand smoke (bottom), nicotine displaces and reduces the level of tracer molecules.Image courtesy of Brody et al., Archives of General Psychiatry.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death nationwide. People who smoke are up to 6 times more likely than non-smokers to suffer a heart attack. Tobacco is also one of the strongest cancer-causing agents. Up to 90% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.
But the smoker isn't the only one harmed by cigarette smoke. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. A Surgeon General's Report in 2006 concluded that secondhand smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. It also causes serious health conditions in children, including sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory infections and more severe asthma.
New search engine for data & statistics
From an e-mail I received recently:
"I...thought that you might like to try our new search engine – Zanran – which is for finding data and statistics.
"It’s currently in beta – and it’s free. I think you’ll find it helpful - because of its focus on data, which makes it different from Google and Bing."
Worth taking a look.
"I...thought that you might like to try our new search engine – Zanran – which is for finding data and statistics.
"It’s currently in beta – and it’s free. I think you’ll find it helpful - because of its focus on data, which makes it different from Google and Bing."
Worth taking a look.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Educators' pensions posted online
More than 1,200 retired New York State school teachers and administrators are entitled to annual pensions of more than $100,000, according to pension data posted this week on www.SeeThroughNY.net, the government transparency website. The database from the New York State Teachers Retirement System (NYSTRS) includes name, benefit rate, retirement date and last known employer when available, for 136,644 people collecting pensions in 2010...
To read the full release, click here.
To visit the SeeThroughNY database, click here.
To read the full release, click here.
To visit the SeeThroughNY database, click here.
Numbers and Types of Public Elementary and Secondary Local Education Agencies
This First Look presents selected findings onthe numbers and types of public elementary and secondary local education agencies (LEAs) in the United States and the territories in the 2009-10 school year
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Social Life of Health Information, 2011
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project (PDF)
From the overview:
The internet has changed people’s relationships with information. Our data consistently show that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals continue to be the first choice for most people with health concerns, but online resources, including advice from peers, are a significant source of health information in the U.S.
As broadband and mobile access spreads, more people have the ability – and increasingly, the habit – of sharing what they are doing or thinking. In health care this translates to people tracking their workout routines, posting reviews of their medical treatments, and raising awareness about certain health conditions.
These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.
The survey finds that, of the 74% of adults who use the internet:
•80% of internet users have looked online for information about any of 15 health topics such as a specific disease or treatment. This translates to 59% of all adults.
•34% of internet users, or 25% of adults, have read someone else’s commentary or experience about health or medical issues on an online news group, website, or blog.
•25% of internet users, or 19% of adults, have watched an online video about health or medical issues.
•24% of internet users, or 18% of adults, have consulted online reviews of particular drugs or medical treatments.
•18% of internet users, or 13% of adults, have gone online to find others who might have health concerns similar to theirs.
•16% of internet users, or 12% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of doctors or other providers.
•15% of internet users, or 11% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of hospitals or other medical facilities.
From the overview:
The internet has changed people’s relationships with information. Our data consistently show that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals continue to be the first choice for most people with health concerns, but online resources, including advice from peers, are a significant source of health information in the U.S.
As broadband and mobile access spreads, more people have the ability – and increasingly, the habit – of sharing what they are doing or thinking. In health care this translates to people tracking their workout routines, posting reviews of their medical treatments, and raising awareness about certain health conditions.
These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.
The survey finds that, of the 74% of adults who use the internet:
•80% of internet users have looked online for information about any of 15 health topics such as a specific disease or treatment. This translates to 59% of all adults.
•34% of internet users, or 25% of adults, have read someone else’s commentary or experience about health or medical issues on an online news group, website, or blog.
•25% of internet users, or 19% of adults, have watched an online video about health or medical issues.
•24% of internet users, or 18% of adults, have consulted online reviews of particular drugs or medical treatments.
•18% of internet users, or 13% of adults, have gone online to find others who might have health concerns similar to theirs.
•16% of internet users, or 12% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of doctors or other providers.
•15% of internet users, or 11% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of hospitals or other medical facilities.
Friday, May 20, 2011
National Jukebox
Exceedingly cool!
Historical Recordings from the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives. Recordings in the Jukebox were issued on record labels now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which has granted the Library of Congress a gratis license to stream acoustical recordings.
At launch, the Jukebox includes more than 10,000 recordings made by the Victor Talking Machine Company between 1901 and 1925. Jukebox content will be increased regularly, with additional Victor recordings and acoustically recorded titles made by other Sony-owned U.S. labels, including Columbia, OKeh, and others.
Historical Recordings from the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives. Recordings in the Jukebox were issued on record labels now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which has granted the Library of Congress a gratis license to stream acoustical recordings.
At launch, the Jukebox includes more than 10,000 recordings made by the Victor Talking Machine Company between 1901 and 1925. Jukebox content will be increased regularly, with additional Victor recordings and acoustically recorded titles made by other Sony-owned U.S. labels, including Columbia, OKeh, and others.
Fertility; Women's Health
Data on fertility of American women for the noninstitutionalized population are collected biannually in the June Current Population Survey (CPS) for the Nation. Detailed information from recent surveys and historical trends in selected tables are listed below. Data on children ever born and mothers’ age at last birth are collected for women 15 to 44 years old arom 1971 to present and are available at the national level. These data are the best source for historical trends in fertility. (Note: Reports from 1997 to present are currently on-line).
Women’s Health Care Chartbook – Key Findings from the Kaiser Women’s Health Survey.
Women’s Health Care Chartbook – Key Findings from the Kaiser Women’s Health Survey.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
World Health Statistics 2011
World Health Statistics 2011 contains WHO’s annual compilation of health-related data for its 193 Member States, and includes a summary of the progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets. (Available in 3 languages.)
From the press release:
An increasing number of countries are facing a double burden of disease as the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancers increase and many countries still struggle to reduce maternal and child deaths caused by infectious diseases, for the Millennium Development Goals, according to the World Health Statistics 2011 released by the WHO today.
Noncommunicable diseases such heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer, now make up two-thirds of all deaths globally, due to the population aging and the spread of risk factors associated with globalization and urbanization. The control of risk factors such as tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and excessive use of alcohol becomes more critical. The latest WHO figures showed that about 4 out of 10 men and 1 in 11 women are using tobacco and about 1 in 8 adults is obese.
In addition many developing countries continue to battle health issues such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria that are most likely to kill children under the age of five. In 2009, 40% of all child deaths were among newborns (aged 28 days or less). Much more needs to be done to achieve the MDGs by the target date of 2015, but progress has accelerated.
•Child mortality declined at 2.7% per year since 2000, twice as fast as during the 1990s (1.3%). Mortality among children under five years fell from 12.4 million in 1990 to 8.1 million in 2009.
•Maternal mortality declined at 3.3% per year since 2000, almost twice as fast in the decade after 2000 than during the 1990s (2%). The number of women dying as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth has decreased from 546,000 in 1990 to 358,000 in 2008.
From the press release:
An increasing number of countries are facing a double burden of disease as the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancers increase and many countries still struggle to reduce maternal and child deaths caused by infectious diseases, for the Millennium Development Goals, according to the World Health Statistics 2011 released by the WHO today.
Noncommunicable diseases such heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer, now make up two-thirds of all deaths globally, due to the population aging and the spread of risk factors associated with globalization and urbanization. The control of risk factors such as tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and excessive use of alcohol becomes more critical. The latest WHO figures showed that about 4 out of 10 men and 1 in 11 women are using tobacco and about 1 in 8 adults is obese.
In addition many developing countries continue to battle health issues such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria that are most likely to kill children under the age of five. In 2009, 40% of all child deaths were among newborns (aged 28 days or less). Much more needs to be done to achieve the MDGs by the target date of 2015, but progress has accelerated.
•Child mortality declined at 2.7% per year since 2000, twice as fast as during the 1990s (1.3%). Mortality among children under five years fell from 12.4 million in 1990 to 8.1 million in 2009.
•Maternal mortality declined at 3.3% per year since 2000, almost twice as fast in the decade after 2000 than during the 1990s (2%). The number of women dying as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth has decreased from 546,000 in 1990 to 358,000 in 2008.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
55% Have Married One Time, Another 15% Have Married More Than Once
Among all people 15 and older in 2009, 55 percent had been married once, with 30 percent never having been married at all, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today. At the same time, 15 percent had married more than once, including 12 percent who had married twice and 3 percent who had married three or more times.
The findings come from Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2009, which uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to provide a look at topics such as changes in the age at marriage, divorce and remarriage over the years, how long first marriages last, people who have been married multiple times, those who have been divorced or experienced other marital events, and the percentage of currently married couples that include spouses who are both in their first marriage.
More than half of currently married couples (55 percent) had been married for at least 15 years, while 35 percent had reached their 25th anniversary. A small percentage — 6 percent — had even passed their golden (50th) wedding anniversary. These percentages are about 1 to 2 percentage points higher than they were in 1996, reflecting both the leveling of divorce rates and increases in life expectancy.
For most couples (72 percent), both spouses were in their first marriage. Six percent of those married included a wife in her second marriage and husband in his first, 8 percent a husband in his second marriage and wife in her first, and 8 percent in which both spouses were in their second marriage. A small percentage of all currently married couples (1 percent) consisted of a husband and wife who had both been married three or more times.
Other highlights:
- First marriages that ended in divorce lasted a median of eight years for men and women. The median time from marriage to separation was shorter — about seven years.
- Half of men and women in all the race and Hispanic-origin groups who remarried after divorcing from their first marriage did so within about four years.
- For all groups of women 25 and older, the majority had married, as had the majority of men 30 and older.
- About one in five men and women ages 50 to 69 had married twice.
- Among people 70 and older, 23 percent of men and 51 percent of women had been widowed, and most were still widowed and had not remarried at the time of the survey.
- A higher proportion of the recently married in 2009 were Hispanic than in 1996. While one in 10 recently married adults was Hispanic in 1996, this increased to one in five by 2009.
- A higher proportion of recently married women had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2009 (31 percent) than in 1996 (21 percent).
- Changes in the percentage of women who never married between 1986 and 2009 suggest that a higher percentage of black women than white non-Hispanic women may never marry.
The findings come from Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2009, which uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to provide a look at topics such as changes in the age at marriage, divorce and remarriage over the years, how long first marriages last, people who have been married multiple times, those who have been divorced or experienced other marital events, and the percentage of currently married couples that include spouses who are both in their first marriage.
More than half of currently married couples (55 percent) had been married for at least 15 years, while 35 percent had reached their 25th anniversary. A small percentage — 6 percent — had even passed their golden (50th) wedding anniversary. These percentages are about 1 to 2 percentage points higher than they were in 1996, reflecting both the leveling of divorce rates and increases in life expectancy.
For most couples (72 percent), both spouses were in their first marriage. Six percent of those married included a wife in her second marriage and husband in his first, 8 percent a husband in his second marriage and wife in her first, and 8 percent in which both spouses were in their second marriage. A small percentage of all currently married couples (1 percent) consisted of a husband and wife who had both been married three or more times.
Other highlights:
- First marriages that ended in divorce lasted a median of eight years for men and women. The median time from marriage to separation was shorter — about seven years.
- Half of men and women in all the race and Hispanic-origin groups who remarried after divorcing from their first marriage did so within about four years.
- For all groups of women 25 and older, the majority had married, as had the majority of men 30 and older.
- About one in five men and women ages 50 to 69 had married twice.
- Among people 70 and older, 23 percent of men and 51 percent of women had been widowed, and most were still widowed and had not remarried at the time of the survey.
- A higher proportion of the recently married in 2009 were Hispanic than in 1996. While one in 10 recently married adults was Hispanic in 1996, this increased to one in five by 2009.
- A higher proportion of recently married women had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2009 (31 percent) than in 1996 (21 percent).
- Changes in the percentage of women who never married between 1986 and 2009 suggest that a higher percentage of black women than white non-Hispanic women may never marry.
Recession employment for mothers
Employment during the 2007–2009 recession
The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in December 2007. Nonfarm employment peaked in January 2008 and then entered a period of steady decline.
Share of married-couple families with an employed mother at its lowest, 1994-2010
In 2010, the mother was employed in 65.4 percent of married-couple families with children under the age of 18—a record low for the series. The series began in 1994. The mother was employed in 67.0 percent of families with children maintained by women in which no spouse was present.
Women’s Employment During the Recovery [PDF].
Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 2.0 percent for the 12-month period ending March 2011, compared to the 1.6-percent increase for the 12-month period ending March 2010.
The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in December 2007. Nonfarm employment peaked in January 2008 and then entered a period of steady decline.
Share of married-couple families with an employed mother at its lowest, 1994-2010
In 2010, the mother was employed in 65.4 percent of married-couple families with children under the age of 18—a record low for the series. The series began in 1994. The mother was employed in 67.0 percent of families with children maintained by women in which no spouse was present.
Women’s Employment During the Recovery [PDF].
Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 2.0 percent for the 12-month period ending March 2011, compared to the 1.6-percent increase for the 12-month period ending March 2010.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Veteran-Owned Businesses Numbered More Than 2 Million in 2007
In 2007, U.S. military veterans owned 2.4 million businesses, which accounted for 9.0 percent of all businesses nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These businesses generated $1.2 trillion in receipts, or about 4.1 percent of all business receipts nationwide, and employed nearly 5.8 million people.
All in all, businesses where veterans were majority owners or half-owners numbered 3.7 million, representing 13.5 percent of all businesses nationwide, accounting for more than $1.6 trillion in receipts and employing 8.2 million people.
The new data come from the Survey of Business Owners (SBO): Veteran-Owned Businesses: 2007, which provides the first-ever detailed information for all veteran-owned businesses in the United States, including number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll. Statistics are also shown for nonveteran-owned businesses, as well as for businesses that are equally owned by both veterans and nonveterans.
Nearly one-third of veteran-owned businesses (32.5 percent) operated in the professional, scientific, and technical services and the construction sectors.
More info HERE.
All in all, businesses where veterans were majority owners or half-owners numbered 3.7 million, representing 13.5 percent of all businesses nationwide, accounting for more than $1.6 trillion in receipts and employing 8.2 million people.
The new data come from the Survey of Business Owners (SBO): Veteran-Owned Businesses: 2007, which provides the first-ever detailed information for all veteran-owned businesses in the United States, including number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll. Statistics are also shown for nonveteran-owned businesses, as well as for businesses that are equally owned by both veterans and nonveterans.
Nearly one-third of veteran-owned businesses (32.5 percent) operated in the professional, scientific, and technical services and the construction sectors.
More info HERE.
State of Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the U.S.
Source: National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft
The 2011 State of K-12 Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the United States [PDF] is a survey presented by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft. Building on the NCSA's previous K-12 studies from 2008 and 2010, this year's survey further explores the perceptions and practices of U.S. teachers, school administrators and technology coordinators in regards to cyberethics, cybersafety and cybersecurity education. This year's survey finds that young people still are not receiving adequate training and that teachers are ill-prepared to teach the subjects due, in large part, to lack of professional development.
The 2011 State of K-12 Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the United States [PDF] is a survey presented by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft. Building on the NCSA's previous K-12 studies from 2008 and 2010, this year's survey further explores the perceptions and practices of U.S. teachers, school administrators and technology coordinators in regards to cyberethics, cybersafety and cybersecurity education. This year's survey finds that young people still are not receiving adequate training and that teachers are ill-prepared to teach the subjects due, in large part, to lack of professional development.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Census Bureau Wins 7 Awards from NAGC
The U.S. Census Bureau won a total of seven Blue Pencil/Gold Screen awards, including three first place awards, from the National Association of Government Communicators. The awards honor work during the 2010 Census Integrated Communications Campaign as well as other projects and were given for excellence in the following categories: media event, podcast, social media outreach, public service announcement and promotional campaign.
The Census Bureau, with a team of contractors, developed a communications campaign to create awareness and motivation about the 2010 Census. The campaign was multitargeted, multimedia and multilingual using traditional media like TV, radio, print as well as new media. The campaign complemented ongoing communications activities about Census Bureau data.
The Blue Pencil and Gold Screen awards competition salutes superior communications efforts of government agencies and recognizes the people who create them. Blue Pencil Award categories are designed for writing, editing, photography and published products, such as pamphlets, books, newsletters and other related materials. Gold Screen Award categories recognize audiovisual and multimedia products, including broadcast and Internet-based products.
The event “A New Portrait of America, First 2010 Census Results” won first place in the Blue Pencil Award media event category. On Tuesday,
Dec. 21, the nation received the first results from the 2010 Census as a new portrait of America began to take shape. The results included the resident population for the nation and the states, as well as the congressional apportionment totals for each state and were covered by media throughout the country.
The Profile America series won three Gold Screen Awards in the podcast category, including two first place awards. The entire series won a first place award and Profile America for Black History Month also placed first. The podcast “Al DÃa” also won a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. Profile America is a daily, 60-second feature that uses interesting vignettes from key events, observances or commemorations for that day to highlight information collected by the Census Bureau.
Social media use for the 2010 Census was recognized with a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. The Census Bureau used Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and blogs to engage in a dialogue with the American people, reaching traditionally hard to count groups.
The 2010 Census Greg Biffle entry won second place in the Gold Screen Award public service announcement (PSA) category. The PSA showed the NASCAR star driving his car in a cul-de-sac while encouraging people to mail back their census forms. It utilized a trusted voice to communicate the importance of the 2010 Census and motivated participation among racing fans.
Finally, the Puerto Rico Doors campaign won a Blue Pencil Award of Excellence in the promotional campaign category. The print and out of home ads were developed to encourage participation during the nonresponse follow-up phase and were inspired by the unique antique doors of Puerto Rico.
“The Census Bureau is honored by the recognition it received from NAGC for its integrated communications campaign, which strove to reach everyone in America through a variety of communications techniques,” said Steve Jost, Associate Director for Communications.
In addition to the Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, the 2010 Census communications campaign has received other recognitions. In March, the Advertising Research Foundation awarded the Census Bureau with two David Ogilvy Awards for excellence in advertising research. Last year, Mediaweek, a leading advertising industry trade publication, honored the 2010 Census advertising campaign with the “Best Multicultural Campaign” and “Best Branded Content” awards.
The Census Bureau, with a team of contractors, developed a communications campaign to create awareness and motivation about the 2010 Census. The campaign was multitargeted, multimedia and multilingual using traditional media like TV, radio, print as well as new media. The campaign complemented ongoing communications activities about Census Bureau data.
The Blue Pencil and Gold Screen awards competition salutes superior communications efforts of government agencies and recognizes the people who create them. Blue Pencil Award categories are designed for writing, editing, photography and published products, such as pamphlets, books, newsletters and other related materials. Gold Screen Award categories recognize audiovisual and multimedia products, including broadcast and Internet-based products.
The event “A New Portrait of America, First 2010 Census Results” won first place in the Blue Pencil Award media event category. On Tuesday,
Dec. 21, the nation received the first results from the 2010 Census as a new portrait of America began to take shape. The results included the resident population for the nation and the states, as well as the congressional apportionment totals for each state and were covered by media throughout the country.
The Profile America series won three Gold Screen Awards in the podcast category, including two first place awards. The entire series won a first place award and Profile America for Black History Month also placed first. The podcast “Al DÃa” also won a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. Profile America is a daily, 60-second feature that uses interesting vignettes from key events, observances or commemorations for that day to highlight information collected by the Census Bureau.
Social media use for the 2010 Census was recognized with a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. The Census Bureau used Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and blogs to engage in a dialogue with the American people, reaching traditionally hard to count groups.
The 2010 Census Greg Biffle entry won second place in the Gold Screen Award public service announcement (PSA) category. The PSA showed the NASCAR star driving his car in a cul-de-sac while encouraging people to mail back their census forms. It utilized a trusted voice to communicate the importance of the 2010 Census and motivated participation among racing fans.
Finally, the Puerto Rico Doors campaign won a Blue Pencil Award of Excellence in the promotional campaign category. The print and out of home ads were developed to encourage participation during the nonresponse follow-up phase and were inspired by the unique antique doors of Puerto Rico.
“The Census Bureau is honored by the recognition it received from NAGC for its integrated communications campaign, which strove to reach everyone in America through a variety of communications techniques,” said Steve Jost, Associate Director for Communications.
In addition to the Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, the 2010 Census communications campaign has received other recognitions. In March, the Advertising Research Foundation awarded the Census Bureau with two David Ogilvy Awards for excellence in advertising research. Last year, Mediaweek, a leading advertising industry trade publication, honored the 2010 Census advertising campaign with the “Best Multicultural Campaign” and “Best Branded Content” awards.
Food CPI and State Fact Sheets
From the Department of Agriculture
Food CPI and Expenditures – CPI for Food Forecasts
State fact sheets provide information on population, income, education, employment, federal funds, organic agriculture, farm characteristics, farm financial indicators, top commodities, and exports, for each State in the United States. Links to county-level data are included when available.
Food CPI and Expenditures – CPI for Food Forecasts
State fact sheets provide information on population, income, education, employment, federal funds, organic agriculture, farm characteristics, farm financial indicators, top commodities, and exports, for each State in the United States. Links to county-level data are included when available.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Public School Student Enrollment, Graduates and Dropouts
Public Elementary and Secondary School Student Enrollment and Staff From the Common Core of Data: School Year 2009-10
This First Look presents national and state level data on student enrollment by grade and by race/ethnicity within grade, the numbers of teachers and other education staff, and several student/staff ratios for the 2009-10 school year.
Public School Graduates and Dropouts from the Common Core of Data: School Year 2008–09
This report presents findings associated with public high school graduation and event dropout counts for the 2008–09 school year. These data were collected as part of the Common Core of Data Survey Collection, a universe collection of public schools operating in the United States and associated other jurisdictions.
This First Look presents national and state level data on student enrollment by grade and by race/ethnicity within grade, the numbers of teachers and other education staff, and several student/staff ratios for the 2009-10 school year.
Public School Graduates and Dropouts from the Common Core of Data: School Year 2008–09
This report presents findings associated with public high school graduation and event dropout counts for the 2008–09 school year. These data were collected as part of the Common Core of Data Survey Collection, a universe collection of public schools operating in the United States and associated other jurisdictions.
Tornado Watches and Warnings
Serious storms have occurred--or are occurring--in several states across the U.S. Follow reports from the National Weather Service to track storms in your area.
Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a tornado:
How to Prepare for a Tornado -- Learn about preparing a disaster supply kit, creating a plan, and knowing the signs of an approaching tornado (dark, greenish sky; large hail; low-lying and rotating cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train).
What to Do During a Tornado -- Depending on whether you are in a building, outdoors, or in a vehicle when a tornado strikes, find out what to do.
What to Do After a Tornado -- Get tips on what to do in a potentially unsafe area following a tornado and learn about federal assistance.
Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a tornado:
How to Prepare for a Tornado -- Learn about preparing a disaster supply kit, creating a plan, and knowing the signs of an approaching tornado (dark, greenish sky; large hail; low-lying and rotating cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train).
What to Do During a Tornado -- Depending on whether you are in a building, outdoors, or in a vehicle when a tornado strikes, find out what to do.
What to Do After a Tornado -- Get tips on what to do in a potentially unsafe area following a tornado and learn about federal assistance.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adolescents: 2009
From the Department of Health & Human Services
An estimated 2 million adolescents, or 8.1 percent of the population aged 12 to 17, had major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Rates of past year MDE increased between the ages of 12 and 15 (from 3.6 to 10.4 percent), and females aged 12 to 17 were over twice as likely as their male counterparts to have had past year MDE (11.7 vs. 4.7 percent). Adolescents who had past year MDE were 3 times as likely as those without past year MDE to have had a substance use disorder in the past year (18.9 vs. 6.0 percent).
An estimated 2 million adolescents, or 8.1 percent of the population aged 12 to 17, had major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Rates of past year MDE increased between the ages of 12 and 15 (from 3.6 to 10.4 percent), and females aged 12 to 17 were over twice as likely as their male counterparts to have had past year MDE (11.7 vs. 4.7 percent). Adolescents who had past year MDE were 3 times as likely as those without past year MDE to have had a substance use disorder in the past year (18.9 vs. 6.0 percent).
ACE Electoral Knowledge Network
The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network is a "portal to the world of elections. The ACE network promotes credible, and transparent electoral processes with emphasis on sustainability, professionalism and trust in the electoral process. ACE offers a wide range of services related to electoral knowledge, assistance and capacity development. The network comprises of a global, thematic component (the ACE Practitioners' Network) and a regional component (the ACE Regional Electoral Resource Centres).
"The ACE website is an online knowledge repository that provides comprehensive information and customised advice on electoral processes. The website contains in-depth articles, global statistics and data, an Encyclopaedia of Elections, information on electoral assistance, observation and professional development, region- and country-specific resources, daily electoral news, an election calendar, quizzes, expert networks and much, much more. The ACE website is freely accessible to all and the number of visitors is constantly growing - as of January 2011 the website has more than 1,5 million unique visitors per year."
"The ACE website is an online knowledge repository that provides comprehensive information and customised advice on electoral processes. The website contains in-depth articles, global statistics and data, an Encyclopaedia of Elections, information on electoral assistance, observation and professional development, region- and country-specific resources, daily electoral news, an election calendar, quizzes, expert networks and much, much more. The ACE website is freely accessible to all and the number of visitors is constantly growing - as of January 2011 the website has more than 1,5 million unique visitors per year."
Friday, May 13, 2011
PAD website updated with new Census 2010 data
The Demographic Profiles have been released for New York. Cornell's Program on Applied Demographics web site is updated and contains some of that data.
The main page for Census 2010 data.
There is also a report [PDF] describing the changed age composition in NY and comparing it between economic regions.
***
The Census Bureau release info.
The main page for Census 2010 data.
There is also a report [PDF] describing the changed age composition in NY and comparing it between economic regions.
***
The Census Bureau release info.
Independent Redistricting in Monroe County: A CGR Experiment
The Center for Government Research assumed the role of an independent redistricting commission and created a new map of Monroe County legislative districts based on the 2010 Census population counts. The maps were created with political blinders in place – no data on party enrollment of voters was used. Yet the maps preserved the 16-13 advantage for Republicans by creating 16 Republican-leaning districts. Find out why and browse a scalable map.
April 2011 New York-New Jersey CPI Data Summary
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index Data Summary for April 2011 is now available. Please refer questions to BLSInfoNY@bls.gov.
Characteristics of Suspected Human Trafficking Incidents, 2008-2010
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Describes the characteristics of human trafficking investigations, suspects, and victims in cases opened by federally funded task forces between January 2008 and June 2010. This report provides information about investigations, persons involved in suspected and confirmed incidents of human trafficking, and case outcomes. Data are from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS), which was created in response to a congressional mandate in the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 for biennial reporting on the scope and characteristics of human trafficking. HTRS is currently the only system that captures information on human trafficking investigations conducted by state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States. The report also describes HTRS data collection procedures and data quality issues.
Describes the characteristics of human trafficking investigations, suspects, and victims in cases opened by federally funded task forces between January 2008 and June 2010. This report provides information about investigations, persons involved in suspected and confirmed incidents of human trafficking, and case outcomes. Data are from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS), which was created in response to a congressional mandate in the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 for biennial reporting on the scope and characteristics of human trafficking. HTRS is currently the only system that captures information on human trafficking investigations conducted by state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States. The report also describes HTRS data collection procedures and data quality issues.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
From the Department of Health & Human Services:
This public use data file contains jobs-level data from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC). Released as an ASCII file with SAS and SPSS programming statements and in SAS transport format, this public use file provides information collected on a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States during the calendar year 2009. The file contains job-level information collected in Rounds 3-5 for the thirteenth Panel and Rounds 1-3 for the fourteenth Panel of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (i.e., the rounds for the MEPS panels covering calendar year 2009); it includes variables pertaining to household-reported jobs, including wages, hours, industry, and occupation.
This public use data file contains jobs-level data from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC). Released as an ASCII file with SAS and SPSS programming statements and in SAS transport format, this public use file provides information collected on a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States during the calendar year 2009. The file contains job-level information collected in Rounds 3-5 for the thirteenth Panel and Rounds 1-3 for the fourteenth Panel of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (i.e., the rounds for the MEPS panels covering calendar year 2009); it includes variables pertaining to household-reported jobs, including wages, hours, industry, and occupation.
Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America
From Brookings
Public transit is a critical part of the economic and social fabric of metropolitan areas. Nearly 30 million trips are made every day using public transit. Almost all of these trips occur in the nation’s 100 largest metro areas, which account for over 95 percent of all transit passenger miles traveled. People take transit for any number of reasons, but one of the most common is to get to work.
However, when it comes to the question of how effectively transit connects people and jobs within and across these metropolitan areas, strikingly little is known. With governments at all levels considering deep budget cuts, it is increasingly important to understand not just the location and frequency of transit service, but ultimately how well transit aligns with where people work and live. To better understand these issues, the Metropolitan Policy Program developed a comprehensive database that provides the first comparable, detailed look at transit coverage and connectivity across and within the nation’s major metro areas.
From the Times Union article re the topic, No charm, but effective: A new study ranks Capital Region's transport system 29th in the nation in connecting people to their jobs:
A Brookings Institution report gives the Capital Region a relatively strong ranking for access to public transportation, when measured against the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas. Here's how the region compares to nearby areas in two key measurements.
Area/% of jobs within Overall 45 min. of home/Average wait rank
Capital Region 10.8% 14.3 minutes 29
New York City 9.8% 4.5 minutes 13
Syracuse 12.3% 17.4 minutes 30
Springfield, Mass. 7.6% 21.1 minutes 44
Poughkeepsie 2.8% 51 minutes 100
Public transit is a critical part of the economic and social fabric of metropolitan areas. Nearly 30 million trips are made every day using public transit. Almost all of these trips occur in the nation’s 100 largest metro areas, which account for over 95 percent of all transit passenger miles traveled. People take transit for any number of reasons, but one of the most common is to get to work.
However, when it comes to the question of how effectively transit connects people and jobs within and across these metropolitan areas, strikingly little is known. With governments at all levels considering deep budget cuts, it is increasingly important to understand not just the location and frequency of transit service, but ultimately how well transit aligns with where people work and live. To better understand these issues, the Metropolitan Policy Program developed a comprehensive database that provides the first comparable, detailed look at transit coverage and connectivity across and within the nation’s major metro areas.
From the Times Union article re the topic, No charm, but effective: A new study ranks Capital Region's transport system 29th in the nation in connecting people to their jobs:
A Brookings Institution report gives the Capital Region a relatively strong ranking for access to public transportation, when measured against the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas. Here's how the region compares to nearby areas in two key measurements.
Area/% of jobs within Overall 45 min. of home/Average wait rank
Capital Region 10.8% 14.3 minutes 29
New York City 9.8% 4.5 minutes 13
Syracuse 12.3% 17.4 minutes 30
Springfield, Mass. 7.6% 21.1 minutes 44
Poughkeepsie 2.8% 51 minutes 100
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A Snapshot of Arts Education; National Report Card on Civics
From the National Center for Education Statistics
A Snapshot of Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 2009–10
This first look report presents selected findings from a congressionally mandated study on arts education in public K–12 schools. The data were collected through seven Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) surveys during the 2009-10 school year. This report provides national data about arts education for public elementary and secondary schools, elementary classroom teachers, and elementary and secondary music and visual arts specialists. A later report will present findings on a broader set of indicators on the status of arts education in 2009–10 and comparisons with data from the 1999–2000 study where applicable.
The Nation’s Report Card – Civics 2010 [PDF]
Nationally representative samples of about 7,100 fourth-graders, 9,600 eighth-graders, and 9,900 twelfth-graders participated in the 2010 National Assessment of EducationalProgress (NAEP) in civics. At each grade, students responded to questions designed to measure the civics knowledge and skills that are critical to the responsibilities of citizenship in America’s constitutional democracy. Comparing the results from the 2010 assessment to results from two previous assessment years shows how students’ knowledge and skills in civics have progressed over time.
A Snapshot of Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 2009–10
This first look report presents selected findings from a congressionally mandated study on arts education in public K–12 schools. The data were collected through seven Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) surveys during the 2009-10 school year. This report provides national data about arts education for public elementary and secondary schools, elementary classroom teachers, and elementary and secondary music and visual arts specialists. A later report will present findings on a broader set of indicators on the status of arts education in 2009–10 and comparisons with data from the 1999–2000 study where applicable.
The Nation’s Report Card – Civics 2010 [PDF]
Nationally representative samples of about 7,100 fourth-graders, 9,600 eighth-graders, and 9,900 twelfth-graders participated in the 2010 National Assessment of EducationalProgress (NAEP) in civics. At each grade, students responded to questions designed to measure the civics knowledge and skills that are critical to the responsibilities of citizenship in America’s constitutional democracy. Comparing the results from the 2010 assessment to results from two previous assessment years shows how students’ knowledge and skills in civics have progressed over time.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
2010 Census Demographic Profiles and Interactive Map for More States
Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released the Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. The demographic profiles provide 2010 Census data on age and sex distributions, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship and type, the group quarters population, and housing occupancy and tenure (whether the housing occupant owns or rents). Throughout May, these profiles are being released on a rolling basis for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
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