NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 42, NO. 1 n JANUARY 18, 2010 House passes Survey: Clarity, enforcement top ‘Jobs for Main needs for immigration reform Street’ bill By Jim Ph i l i pp s By De s e r e e Ga r d n e r MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR A new NACo survey shows The House narrowly passed a that the nation’s counties believe $154 billion jobs package that would that the most pressing issues be paid for, in part, by unspent around U.S. immigration reform Troubled Asset Relief Program are the elimination of the piece- (TARP) money. Funding in the meal approach to immigration measure will support infrastructure and the need for clear federal laws projects aimed at creating new jobs, and enforcement policies. as well as assistance to states and The survey indicated that: localities to help avoid layoffs of • 63 percent of responding police, firefighters, teachers and counties cited the elimination of other government workers. the piecemeal approach to immi- The bill also provides a six- gration as the most pressing issue month extension of unemployment • 63 percent cited the need for benefits and COBRA health insur- clear federal laws and enforcement policies as the most pressing issue, See MAIN STREET page 3 and • 45 percent cited improving QuickTakes community relations and percep- tions as the most pressing issue. Counties with (Respondents could designate Photo by Jim Philipps the the LowestLowest more than one issue as ‘most Angel Estrada, freeholder, Union County, N.J., briefs Capitol Hill congressional aides on immigration issues Poverty Rate pressing.’) Jan. 13 as part of NACo’s Restore the Partnership project. Estrada is a member of NACo’s Immigration Task (Under Age 18) It was released Jan. 13 in con- Force. He, along with Walter Tejada, board member, Arlington County, Va.; Larry E. Naake, NACo executive junction with a Capitol Hill brief- director, and Paul McIntosh, executive director of the California Association of Counties, participated in the Los Alamos County, N.M. 2.8% ing on immigration reform issues briefing, which explained the critical role counties play in the nation’s immigration system and what counties Hunterdon County, N.J. 3.1% conducted by NACo’s Restore the want to see in reform legislation. Douglas County, Colo 3.3% Partnership Project. Loudoun County, Va. 3.5% Other survey results indicated percent) • funding for local governments hundred thirteen responses were Morris County, N.J. 4.3% that among the items that need to • path to citizenship (60 per- for health care and education pro- received from counties representing Source: Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates be considered by Congress in any cent) grams (56 percent). (SAIPE) program, U.S. Census Bureau 2008 immigration legislation are: • temporary worker program (58 The survey was sent to 400 See IMMIGRATION page 4 • border enforcement (66 percent), and counties across the country. One- Standing Features Quick Links INSIDE >> ● Model Programs from Congressional leaders on track the Nation’s Counties ● News from the Nation’s Counties to health reform compromise ● The H.R. Doctor is In By Pa u l Be dd o e system and public programs, in underserved communities. Both ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR like Medicaid. Both create new bills also make investments in public ● Research News regulated health insurance mar- health, disease prevention and As the Democratic leaders of the ketplaces — or exchanges — for health promotion. In tough times, Georgia county turns to citizens for planning help >> Page 6 ● NACo on the Move House and Senate seek to merge the individuals and small businesses The cost of both bills is partially health reform bills passed by each to buy insurance, with assistance offset by cuts to Medicare and Counties fault red tape in slowing ● Financial Services News chamber, NACo is working to en- for those with lower incomes. Medicaid programs. However each sure the best provisions for counties And both require individuals to chamber takes a different approach Recovery Act spending >> Page 3 in each bill are included — and that buy insurance and all but the to spanning the remaining funding ● What’s in a Seal? Grants to expand broadband capacity those which might hurt counties are smallest employers to offer it for gap. The House bill imposes a tax postponed >> Page 5 dropped or minimized. their workers. on the wealthy while the Senate Both bills seek to expand health Both contain provisions to version taxes higher-cost insurance For the record: See how health reform insurance coverage by building expand the health workforce and proposals compare >> Page 8 on the existing employer-based expand access to health care services See HEALTH CARE page 2 2 January 18, 2010 CountyNews • ANALYSIS What to expect from the 111th Congress, second session

By Je f f Ar n o l d Communities and the Community reform will be the biggest early target (highway bill) reauthorization is DEPUTY LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Development Block Grant program. for the new Congress. Until it is SpeedRead »»» somewhat in limbo over how to pay Another Senate retirement likely to completed, there will little movement for its costs. American drivers have The short answer: not much. Al- affect local government is that of on other issues. There is talk of an » Little movement on other issues reduced their driving, which has the though the list of important issues is Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio). extension of the Medicaid provi- expected until health care reform net effect of reducing gas tax receipts. long and weighty, the political reali- He has been a big supporter of lo- sions from the America Recovery done There is little stomach to raise taxes ties of an election year will certainly cal government (having served as a and Reinvestment Act to avoid the » Major Senate retirements could in an election year, so we may see limit what will be accomplished. mayor) and his forthright support of perceived “cliff ” that would face threaten Democratic majority additional extensions rather than an The retirement of a number of federalism issues will be missed. counties as funding levels drop. This » Senate expected to take up jobs outright bill. senators will affect the schedule Overall, jockeying has already may be included in the Senate’s ver- stimulus package later this month The president’s budget is to be and the issues considered. begun in both houses, as Re- sion of a jobs bill. presented Feb. 1, and current rumors One of the biggest retirements publicans see an opportunity to The Senate is expected to take would suggest significant cutbacks is Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) As gain seats in both bodies, and the up its version of a jobs stimulus collective bargaining bill that NACo in a number of programs of impor- chairman of the Senate Banking Democrats want to accomplish package in late January. It’s likely has been fighting for two years. tance to counties. Because much of Committee, he holds sway over their agenda while they have 60 to be more modest than the House- Meanwhile, once health reform the stimulus money has yet to be a number of issues of interest to votes in the Senate. passed bill with a focus on small is completed, the Senate Finance spent, the president and the Office counties, including Sustainable As for the issues, healthcare business, transportation and public Committee can turn its attention to of Management and Budget (OMB) sector employees such as police and the long-stalled aviation reauthori- are under significant pressure to hold firefighters. Despite its less ambitious zation bill and work out a funding the line on spending. Subsequently goals, the jobs package could become mechanism for the program that is that discretionary domestic spending This Month in ... a “Christmas tree” for amendments acceptable to aviation interests. may well be slashed. such as the required public safety The surface transportation act As for stimulus funds, agencies have until Sept. 30 to obligate the funding allocated to them. Many County are scrambling to get the money House, Senate ironing out out the door in an accountable and transparent way by the deadline. It News differences over health care is expected that substantial sums will be pumped into the economy in the County News celebrates NACo’s 75th Anniversary with HEALTH CARE from page 1 very near future. a look back at the issues and events that affected counties While both bills invest in public Much of the focus for the new over the past several decades. plans. NACo opposes taxing the so- health, Section 3161 of the House year will be on the regulatory front. called Cadillac insurance plans. bill provides for a reliable funding For example, the U.S. Environmental The House bill cuts $10 billion stream for local health department Protection Agency (EPA) an- ● January ● from Medicaid disproportionate prevention efforts. NACo has joined nounced plans Jan. 6 to significantly share hospital (DSH) payments over with the National Association of tighten current National Ambient 1975 10 years, while the Senate cuts $19 County and City Health Officials Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) • President Gerald Ford gave his first State of the Union Address billion. NACo is strongly urging (NACCHO) to support this provi- for ground level ozone by Aug. 31. to a joint session of Congress on Jan. 15, 1975. Concerns about the negotiators to cut no more than sion. NACo and NACCHO believe These standards will become final health insurance mirror the continuing battles on Capitol Hill today. proposed in the House bill. that coupled with the prevention between 2014 and 2031 depending Ford also discussed the national debt, taxes, the federal budget and The Medicaid expansion in the trust fund and workforce provisions on the region. the energy crisis. House bill covers all individuals and included in both bills, the House pro- The EPA plans to change the • Congress approved $4 billion for the temporary Emergency Jobs families up to 150 percent of the vision would help to sustain the work current primary ozone standard and Unemployment Assistance Act and Emergency Unemployment federal poverty level (FPL) includ- of local and state health departments, of 75 parts per billion to a range of Compensation Act. Funds were appropriated: $3 billion — Special ing childless adults while the Senate and population-based prevention 60–70 parts per billion. Additionally, Unemployment Assistance Program; $875 million — Emergency covers them up to 133 percent. activities that are beyond the reach there would be a secondary, seasonal Jobs Program; and $125 million — Job Opportunities Program. The House offers more generous of the medical care system. standard. Approximately 650 rural The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act provided an support to states — the federal medi- In a letter to congressional and urban counties would be con- additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who were covered by cal assistance percentage, or FMAP leaders, local public health officials sidered in violation of the NAAQS unemployment compensation laws. — to cover the newly eligible and also wrote that these provisions represent under these proposed standards. A increases Medicaid’s reimbursement an unprecedented opportunity to list of counties potentially affected 1995 rate for primary care services to parity strengthen the public health system by new standard can be found at: • The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) clarified with Medicare’s rates in an effort to through local health departments www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/pdfs/ disclosure requirements for state and county governments involved ensure that the newly eligible will and help to reorient the system CountyPrimaryOzoneLevels0608.pdf. in derivatives transactions. County governments that directly or have access to care. from a “sick care” system to one It will be a very politically volatile indirectly used, held or sold derivatives during the period covered by The Senate bill includes pass- built around wellness and health year in 2010 with both parties work- the financial statements, the GASB bulletin said, should disclose the through language sought by NACo promotion. ing hard to polish their agendas for nature of the transaction and the reason for entering into it. to ensure that states share the Neither bill included NACo’s the mid-term elections. Those hoping • Thirty-five NACo officials attended the Federal-State-Local increased FMAP with counties, if long-sought fix to the inmate health for a banner year on the legislative Telecommunications Summit in Washington, D.C. held by Vice they require counties to contribute to exception for federal health benefits, front should reassess the possibilities President Al Gore and Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. NACo the non-federal share of Medicaid. but the House bill did include a and expect much less that was seen Third Vice President Randy Johnson, a Hennepin County, Minn. The House included a six-month provision to require states to suspend during the first session. commissioner, expressed worry that major federal telecommunica- extension of the Recovery Act’s rather than terminate Medicaid for CORRECTION tions legislation would preempt local governments’ authority over the FMAP assistance, a position strongly youths under 18, and the Senate bill public rights of way. His concerns also included doubt over whether endorsed by NACo. Without an permits otherwise eligible pre-trial Kelly Murray, executive local governments could still be compensated for telecommunications extension, the enhanced FMAP county jail inmates to retain their director of the Illinois As- companies’ use of public rights of way. included in the Recovery Act ends eligibility to access coverage on the sociation of County Board at the end of 2010, halfway through exchanges. Members, was incorrectly most states’ fiscal year, and long before identified in the Dec. 14 story, (This Month in County News is compiled by Charlie Ban, staff writer, and even the most optimistic economists (On page 8 is a detailed comparison of “Illinois county prison could Christopher Johnson, editorial assistant.) would expect state and local budgets the two Health Reform bills and NACo land ‘Gitmo’ detainees.” to be recovering from the recession. Health Care policy.) • CountyNews January 18, 2010 3 Counties fault red tape in ARRA implementation

By Ja c q u e l i n e By e r s As one county responded, “Shovel One of the major issue areas for private retrofits. Way too much The results of the opinion poll RESEARCH DIRECTOR ready’ poses a problem as many proj- GAO was interested in pursuing hassle and too costly for property were shared with GAO representa- ects require environmental reviews was the impact of the application of owners.” tives at a joint meeting during the Sixty-five percent of recently and design, which are not covered in Davis-Bacon wage rates on projects Another county took a swipe first week of January. polled counties reported that the program solicitations.” Another funded with ARRA money. Many at the reporting requirements, in For additional information about administrative requirements were said, “The local match requirements counties reported they were very general, saying that “costs will be the poll, please contact Michael affecting their ability to implement have not always been noted within familiar with Davis-Bacon wage driven higher due to the inability Belarmino at mbelarmino@naco. federal Recovery Act programs. The the application documents but requirements from implementing for smaller companies to compete org or Jacqueline Byers at jbyers@ poll, conducted by NACo over a only disclosed after the fact with previous federally funded pro- for these projects as they cannot naco.org. two-day period in December, was the award notice. This has made it grams. One county said, “Davis- afford to implement and sustain undertaken to assist the Govern- difficult to meet the requirements Bacon is a big reason we didn’t try reporting without some impact to (Michael Belarmino contributed to this ment Accountability Office (GAO) in timely fashion.” to use our energy stimulus money their bottom line.” report.) in its new reviews of barriers to Recovery Act spending and imple- mentation. Fifty-three percent of the 100 Transportation, jobless benefits fare well in ‘Main Street’ bill counties that responded to the poll also reported that matching require- MAIN STREET from page 1 earning interest on its balance. rental homes for very-low-income Now that it has cleared the House, ments hampered their ability to Clean water infrastructure proj- households; and $1 billion for the the jobs package moves to the Senate implement Recovery Act programs, ance subsidies provided under the ects received $2 billion to address Public Housing Capital Fund for for consideration, which is expected while only 25 percent cited Davis- American Recovery and Reinvest- the growing problem of aging water additional repairs and rehabilitation to occur in late January. Bacon Act wage rate requirements ment Act. infrastructure. The pot was split of public housing. This funding is as a problem. The Jobs for Main Street Act equally between the Clean Water to spur construction quickly, since However, even with the difficul- of 2009 would redirect $75 billion State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) HUD has ready-to-go applications NACo Webinar: ties receiving and implementing in TARP funds into so-called Main and the Drinking Water State for projects on hand. Recovery Act funds, 88 percent of Street projects, which spur new jobs, Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The In addition to infrastructure proj- ARRA Funding the responding counties said they as well as programs to maintain and funding is slated to be used for sewer, ects, the jobs bill would set aside $26.7 still planned to apply for funding and preserve jobs. water repairs and rehabilitation. The billion to prevent the layoffs of certain and Workforce would work to resolve these issues. The measure, approved Dec. language instructs the states to use public sector employees. The figure Counties also reported that state 16, would set aside $48.3 billion for at least 50 percent of the funds for includes $23 billion for an education Development priority projects did not always align infrastructure projects and affordable additional subsidies, such as loan Jobs Fund for states to fund jobs with local priorities, and many housing programs. forgiveness and grants, to struggling that provide “educational services” On Thursday, Jan. 21 at 2 reported difficulty in determining That amount includes $37.3 communities. The bill also states that or renovate public school facilities. p.m. EST, NACo will host a what is a “shovel-ready” project. billion for transportation spending 20 percent of the funds could be used Additionally, $1.18 billion would free webinar that will highlight for highway improvement projects for green infrastructure, water and support 5,500 law enforcement posi- recent information and success ($27.5 billion) and public transit energy efficiency improvements or tions, while $500 million would go stories about local uses of projects ($8.4 billion). Other trans- other environmentally innovative to retention of firefighters. ARRA workforce development portation provisions included in activities, if applicable. More than half of the bill’s fund- training funding. President | Valerie Brown the jobs bill, include an extension of Housing related programs would ing, or $79 billion, would help fund To register, please go to Publisher | Larry Naake the surface transportation programs receive $2 billion to address afford- the extension of unemployment www2.gotomeeting.com/regis- Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck through Sept. 30; transfer of $19.5 able housing issues. The National benefits and health insurance aid ter/564850219 or contact Anita Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor billion from the general fund to the Housing Trust Fund would get $1 for the jobless, which were included Cardwell at acardwell@naco. Staff Writer | Charlie Ban Highway Trust Fund and removal of billion to help communities build, in ARRA. org or 202.942.4267 for more Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson the ban on the Highway Trust Fund’s preserve and rehabilitate affordable The six-month extension of information. unemployment benefits would cost The webinar is one of the Advertising Staff $41 billion, while $12.4 billion would activities funded by a grant from Job Market/Classifieds representative Christopher Johnson In Case You Missed It ... go toward extending, from nine to 15 the U.S. Department of Labor National Accounts representative months, the subsidy for employer- to a collaborative group of Beverly Schlotterbeck national associations, including (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 News to Use from Past County News sponsored health insurance available Published biweekly except August by: to laid-off workers under a program NACo, to ensure that ARRA National Association of Counties X Apply online for NACo’s 2010 Achieve- known as COBRA. funding for workforce develop- Research Foundation, Inc. 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., ment Awards The bill would also extend for ment is invested efficiently and Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 Applications for NACo’s 2010 Achievement Awards are now six months the enhanced Medicaid effectively. (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 available. The annual program is non-competitive and recognizes federal medical assistance percentage NACo is also gathering E-mail | [email protected] innovative county government programs. (FMAP). The higher federal match information about how ARRA Online address | www.countynews.org Last year, more than 770 applications were submitted from 123 provides fiscal relief to states as well workforce development fund- The appearance of paid advertisements in County News counties in 30 states. Deadline for application is Feb. 12. as to counties that contribute to the ing is being invested locally. in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- To share what’s going on with tional Association of Counties for any of the products, For the 2010 application information, please visit www.naco.org/ non-federal share of Medicaid. services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage achievementawards. Other related provisions would workforce development in your paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. provide $1.25 billion in new train- county, contact Cardwell with Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- X NACo-Nationwide Scholarship now ac- ing funds under the Department of your story. ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member cepting entries Labor including: $500 million in ad- The other participating county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 This spring, four high school seniors will earn $2,000 for college ditional Workforce Investment Act national associations are the Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. from the NACo-Nationwide Scholarship. Winning applicants will (WIA) Youth formula grant funding, National Governors Asso- POSTMASTER: send address changes to have written a short essay describing why it’s important for a public- ciation, the U.S. Conference of County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., which is to be used for summer youth Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 sector employee to start saving early for retirement. This is the fifth employment programs; and $750 Mayors, the National League (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) consecutive year Nationwide and NACo have teamed up to encourage million for competitive grants for of Cities, the National Con- © National Association of Counties high school seniors to think about retirement. training and placement of workers in ference of State Legislatures, Research Foundation, Inc. The application and essay entry must be submitted online no high-growth and emerging sectors. the National Association of later than Jan. 31. The legislation would also allow State Workforce Agencies and For more information, go to www.naco.org/retirementscholarship or the U.S. Small Business Administra- the National Association of www.nrsforu.com/scholarship. tion to continue backing loans to Workforce Boards. small businesses. 4 January 18, 2010 CountyNews • Proposed financial reform most ambitious since Depression era

By St e v e Tr a y l o r CFPA will have the authority to ban Program (NSP) that provides the municipal securities market. the financial services marketplace ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR deceptive industry practices and grants to state and local govern- The legislation also addresses and identify potential threats to will play watchdog over financial ments to purchase and renovate a number of regulatory loopholes the stability of the United States The U.S. House of Representa- industries such as payday lenders foreclosed properties and make and provides increased protections financial system. tives recently approved sweeping and mortgage originators. them available for rent or sale to for investors, including the require- One of the title’s more con- financial reform legislation by a vote The title also includes compre- low- and middle-income families. ment that investment advisers owe troversial provisions grants the of 223–202. The Wall Street Reform hensive mortgage reform and seeks NSP funds are distributed based a fiduciary duty to investors. In Government Accountability Office and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. to crack down on anti-predatory on the Housing and Economic addition, the SEC will now exercise (GAO) the authority to audit all 4173), passed by the House Dec. lending measures that helped con- Recovery Act of 2008 allocation regulatory authority and establish actions taken by the Board of Gov- 11, would impose major changes tribute to the economic meltdown formula and may be expended until formal rules governing municipal ernors of the Federal Reserve and to the nation’s financial rules and Sept. 30, 2013. financial advisers. the federal reserve. The provision addresses a number of troublesome SpeedRead »»» Another $3 billion will go to was spearheaded by Rep. Ron Paul issues, including predatory lending, the Homeowner’s Emergency Title I — Financial (R-Texas), who subsequently voted credit rating agency reform and Mortgage Assistance Program Stability against final passage of the bill. » Bill’s targets include predatory unregulated derivatives. (HEMAP), which is based on a The bill creates a Financial Sta- lending, credit agency reform Contained in the 1,279-page bill program from Pennsylvania. The bility Oversight Council to monitor See FINANCE page 5 are six separate titles that touch upon » Titles of interest to counties deal program provides emergency mort- nearly every aspect of the country’s with consumer protection and gage relief to homeowners who are finance system. Of particular inter- capital markets at least 3 months behind on their Respondents report surge est to county governments are Titles » Senate could take action on mortgage payments due to severe IV and V, sections in the bill deal- measure early this year financial hardship from the loss of ing with consumer protection and stable employment; have received in jail populations due capital markets. Following are brief a foreclosure notice; and have a summaries of these sections and the and near-collapse of the U.S. hous- reasonable prospect of being able to to illegal immigration remaining titles in the bill. ing market. The bill will prohibit resume making full mortgage pay- The Senate is expected to take lenders from steering borrowers ments. Eligible homeowners may IMMIGRATION from page 1 border security and enforcement; action on the bill early this year. into higher cost loans and ensure receive low-interest loans — up to federal funding for counties to that borrowers can repay the loans $50,000 — for up to 24 months to 33 states, including southern border help provide health care and Title IV — Consumer they are sold. make their mortgage payments. states such as Arizona, California education services; a sensible guest Financial Protection Further, the bill redirects $4 Consumer advocates were disap- and New Mexico, as well as states far worker program, and a clear path Agency Act billion from the Troubled Asset pointed when efforts to include a removed from the southern border to citizenship for undocumented This title creates the Con- Relief Program (TARP) for hous- provision that would allow judges such as New York, North Carolina immigrants. sumer Financial Protection Agency ing relief and to assist homeowners to modify mortgage principal for and Virginia. Other survey results showed that (CFPA) — a new federal agency and communities dealing with the homeowners in bankruptcy failed “NACo has long been concerned many counties are providing special designed to protect the American effects of the foreclosure crisis. to pass. about the effects of immigration programs targeted toward the newly public from unfair and abusive One billion dollars will flow into on limited county resources, emerging immigrant population. financial products and services. The the Neighborhood Stabilization Title V — Capital Markets schools, jails, health care systems These include community health Currently, private pools of capi- and communities at large, said services programs (72 percent) and tal — such as hedge funds — and NACo President Valerie Brown. adult English as a second language their advisors escape federal regula- “As a result, counties are forced programs (51 percent). Others have Profiles in Service tion. The legislation will require all to react in various ways, some implemented community relations advisors to private funds with more controversial, to address local chal- programs (34 percent), technical than $150 million in assets to register lenges associated with immigration assistance programs for new busi- with the SEC. The bill also imposes and undocumented workers. NACo nesses (18 percent) and citizenship » Nancy Hansen new recordkeeping and disclosure believes that immigration regulation preparation programs (17 percent). NACo Board of Directors requirements. The goal here is to is a fundamental federal responsibil- Public safety programs have Commissioner permit regulators to better under- ity and strongly supports the enact- been dramatically impacted in Brown County, S.D. stand how the particular entities ment of comprehensive immigration many counties. Seventy percent operate and to determine whether reform,” said Brown, supervisor, of respondents report a surge in their activities pose a threat to the Sonoma County, Calif. jail populations, and 53 percent say overall financial system. “Counties stand ready to Restore crime has increased. Number of years active in NACo: 5 Several of the title’s provisions the Partnership with the federal Apart from public safety, the aim to reform the credit rating government to address one of the county programs most affected by Years in public service: All my life — but a commissioner since industry by lessening investor reli- most pressing and challenging issues immigration include those providing January 1994 ance on credit rating agencies and we face in America.” health care and education: Occupation: tax preparer/real estate appraiser reducing conflicts of interest. To help foster the partnership, • increased use of public health My favorite way to relax is: to fish. One provision of particular Brown has created a NACo Im- services and programs (77 percent) importance to state and local migration Reform Task Force and • increased school enrollment (70 I’m most proud of: my children and grandchildren. governments requires nationally appointed Walter Tejada, board percent) Every morning I read: the newspaper. recognized statistical rating orga- member, Arlington County, Va., • increased use of emergency My favorite meal is: seafood. nizations (such as Moody’s and as chair. Tejada, along with Angel health services (67 percent) Fitch) to apply uniform ratings in Estrada, freeholder, Union County, • additional demand for school My pet peeve is: the expression “always done it that way.” a consistent manner to corporate N.J., and Paul McIntosh, executive social services (64 percent), and My motto is: help others and enjoy life. and municipal securities. Even director, California State Associa- • increased cost of indigent care My favorite music is: all types except hard rock. though the default rate on municipal tion of Counties, briefed congres- (57percent) securities is a fraction of that for sional staffers on Jan. 13 on the role Counties report that the recent corporate securities, many govern- county governments play in provid- economic slowdown has caused ment securities are rated lower than ing services such as public safety and more demand for services (41 per- their corporate counterparts. It is public health to persons residing cent) and caused many immigrants Keep up with NACo online ... anticipated that the provision will within their boundaries, regardless to leave because of job loss (34 correct this practice, resulting in of their citizenship status. percent) www.naco.org lower borrowing costs and making it According to NACo policy, The full survey is available at easier for investors to participate in reform components should include www.naco.org. • CountyNews January 18, 2010 5 Stimulus broadband grants Financial reform bill would create new delayed for two months federal insurance office By Je f f Ar n o l d DEPUTY LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR New Online Database Helps Match FINANCE from page 4 ties requiring cash payments based on the performance of an asset. The According to a report from Broadband Partners for Grants Title II — Corporate market’s current volume is in the the Government Accountability and Financial hundreds of trillions of dollars. Office, the stimulus broadband Even though the stimulus broadband grants have been delayed Institution The legislation requires clearing grants that were scheduled to be for two more months, the National Telecommunications and Infor- Compensation Fairness and trading on exchanges or elec- announced in December have mation Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce Act tronic platforms for all standardized been delayed for two more months has launched BroadbandMatch, an online database-driven tool Among its provisions, this transactions between dealers and because of the complexity of the for facilitating collaboration and productive partnerships among title requires public companies major swap participants. Jurisdiction process and the sheer number of applicants for Recovery Act broadband initiatives. to conduct annual shareholder over swaps is split between the Se- applications. Delays were brought The tool is part of a partnership with USDA’s Rural Utili- advisory votes on compensation curities and Exchange Commission on because of a compressed time ties Service and the White House Open Government Initiative and mandates that compensa- (SEC) and the Commodity Futures frame to set up the program and to bring small and economically disadvantaged businesses and tion committees be made up of Trading Commission (CFTC). insufficient staffing to handle the other nontraditional companies into partnerships with large independent directors. Further, flood of applications, according enterprises that have resources to develop strong, creative grant the title requires that all financial Title VI — Federal to the GAO report. proposals to connect the unserved and underserved populations institutions with assets in excess Insurance Office Counties that applied for broad- across the country. of $1 billion disclose compensa- The legislation establishes the band funding under the stimulus To access BroadbandMatch, go to http://match.broadbandusa. tion structures that include any Federal Insurance Office, recogniz- plan should hear an announcement gov/BTOPpartners/BPMhome.aspx. incentive- based elements and ing the huge role that the insurance near the end of February. The assigns the GAO the task of industry plays in the financial National Telecommunications studying the correlation between system — employing approximately and Information Administration These challenges put NTIA without the stimulus law funding. compensation structure and exces- 40 percent of all financial services (NTIA) received 1,770 applications at risk of inadequately assessing “Due to limited staff, NTIA may sive risk-taking. employees and the federal govern- for the $4.7 billion in broadband adherence to the Recovery Act’s have an inability to thoroughly ment’s lack of expertise regarding grants, which is twice as many maintenance-of-effort rule, accord- review applications and therefore Title III — Over-the- the industry — especially in the bond applications and three times as ing to washingtontechnology.com. the agency risks funding projects Counter Derivatives insurance markets. much funding as the agency has Under that provision, agencies that might not meet the objectives Markets Act Among its responsibilities, the handled in other grant programs. must show that stimulus grant of the Recovery Act’s ‘but-for’ test,” In response to the collapse of office will advise the secretary of The Rural Utilities Service faces recipients would not have pro- the GAO report said. Lehman Brothers, this title sets the treasury on major domestic similar challenges. ceeded with the projects “but for” or NACo testified last spring that out a comprehensive regulatory and international insurance policy there would be many more appli- system for the over-the-counter issues and will work to identify cations for funding than could be derivatives market. Over-the- regulatory issues that could con- Word Search accommodated under the program counter derivatives include swaps, tribute to a systemic crisis in the and new mechanisms would need which are financial contracts insurance industry or the nation’s Counties That to be put in place. traded directly between two par- financial system. Begin With “J” J O H N S O N J Z J D Y W M Z M Y J I C K M L Q N D E S J H A J N Y N T A O V S M R R F J R E E T H I S U U I Y J S Y Q R S R Q S M N J E W H V P C E D G E B K J Q F E Z N M E J O O C S E O W E P C L U E Y U I H E R J A Y E H Q R S X H Z B J N F N S L S O C N M L L E W E J I T V X U G F Y Q T M P A U M F J D V O N T K F S N V E J R E J O J S V F L Q U E C M R D S U U R V S N G N E N O C N I A Z N D L H F X L S A D A O N L U M J J Y Y I L W N I E P N O R H E O L J B Q Z E S R U H H G M T P S N I P J B N O S K C A J A U P E C L M S W M Z L M O G G F X G A R Z A E W O E R N N M E O B L X C G Q J E K J E F F D A V I S G J U L H O C O T J U O Q N L F X V D K R L T C H X L U C Q K T A Y U P E A D P N O W M U K H M V O A W I Q L J Y A V E E E I M C R Z H F Y P P H Y C X M P U Y W J J W W G T F B

JACK (Texas) JENKINS (Ga.) JIM HOGG (Texas) JACKSON (Ga.) JENNINGS (Ind.) JOHNSON (Neb.) JAMES CITY (Va.) JERAULD (S.D.) JONES (S.D.) JASPER (Ill.) JEROME (Idaho) JOSEPHINE (Ore.) JAY (Ind.) JERSEY (Ill.) JUNEAU (Pa.) JEFF DAVIS (Ga.) JESSAMINE (Ky.) JEFFERSON (Wash.) JEWELL (Kan.) Created by: Christopher Johnson 6 January 18, 2010 CountyNews • County ‘engages’ community in prioritizing services Initiative lets Gwinnett County, Ga. stakeholders recommend what to fund and how

By Ch a r l e s Ta y l o r nett Chamber of Commerce, a part- the district attorney, who suggested SENIOR STAFF WRITER ner in the effort. Others volunteered there might be ways to lower costs in to be involved. In all, they represent the indigent defense system. Gwinnett County, Ga. is about a wide range of community stake- The online meeting report states halfway through a six-month effort holders, including senior citizens, that the current system leads to to look at the community’s needs education, health care, nonprofits, higher costs because court-appointed for current and future government minorities and faith-based organiza- lawyers are paid by the hour; so they services — and how to pay for them tions. The effort receives financial have an incentive to increase their over the next five years. It’s called support from the Gwinnett Cham- billable hours. The group discussed Engage Gwinnett, and for the state’s ber of Commerce. whether moving to a public defender second most populous county — Mike Levengood, a local attor- system might lower costs. with 800,000 residents — it couldn’t ney and Chamber board member, To keep the community informed, come at a better time. serves as one of Engage Gwinnett’s engagegwinnett.com has links to video co-chairs. “If successful, we hope summaries and full videos of the this will serve as a model for how meetings, as well as comprehensive SpeedRead »»» a community can inform and build written meeting reports in PDF consensus among its citizens re- format. It also has the social network- Engage Gwinnett lets community » garding this important governance ing bases covered, with a Facebook stakeholders help set county issue,” he said. account and Twitter feed. priorities At meetings, committee mem- McMullen says he appreci- » 42-member advisory group will bers hear from elected officials, ates the openness of the process. recommend services, service county staff and local residents and Photo courtesy of Gwinnett County, Ga. “Whether this produces any huge levels and how to fund them participate in group discussions. Julie Post, an Engage Gwinnett advisory committee member, captures results or makes a big impact, I » Initiative is a partnership between Smaller work groups have been points being made during one of the group’s meetings. The Gwinnett really appreciate the inclusiveness Technical College official brings a higher education background to the county government and local formed to study specific service of it. The openness that our county initiative. Chamber of Commerce areas: community services, fire and leaders have decided to take …. I emergency services, development think is really important.” and infrastructure, and law enforce- The process will open to the 2009 was a rollercoaster of a ment and judiciary. Norwood Davis, spokesperson For parks and recreation, Davis broader public next month with a year for Gwinnett County’s Board Engage Gwinnett member Dave for the community services work said the committee is considering series of meetings at which some of Commissioners. Experiencing McMullen owns a small advertising group, said they’ve floated ideas ideas such as parking fees, user fees tentative recommendations will be falling revenues from the economic agency. He said as an entrepreneur, concerning public libraries. These and outsourcing different aspects of shared. The committee is scheduled downturn, the fiscally conservative resident, parent of kids in the include increasing volunteer hours, park operation or maintenance. make recommendations to the County Board last spring found county’s school and consumer of staggering branch operating hours At the Dec. 17 meeting, the police County Board this spring on desired itself in the unpopular position of park services, he brings “multiple and privatizing the library system. and courts work group heard from services, service levels and revenues. proposing a tax hike to maintain perspectives” to the process. county services — after decades of He said the county’s belt-tight- rapid growth. It would have raised ening is a mirror of the economy property taxes 25 percent to 30 in the Atlanta metropolitan area, FEMA appoints Story County, Iowa percent. After a citizen revolt, the of which Gwinnett is a part. board instead approved more than “As a marketing company, we’ve $225 million in budget cuts over the had customers — long-time current supervisor to advisory committee next five years to keep the budget customers — just say that they have balanced. Later in the year, the to reduce their budget. Their revenue Story County, Iowa Supervisor NACo Executive Director Larry board okayed a 21 percent property is down. And as their budgets go Jane Halliburton has been ap- E. Naake. tax increase, to help restore some down, we also have to rethink what pointed by FEMA Administrator The National Advisory Coun- services and programs. services we provide, the makeup W. Craig Fugate to represent local cil is composed of emergency “To emerge from this challenge of our company and that kind of elected officials on FEMA’s Na- management and law enforcement successfully, which I’m confident thing,” McMullen said. tional Advisory Council. leaders from state, local and tribal we will, we need informed recom- At the first of Engage Gwinnett’s The National Advisory Council governments and the private sector. mendations from people throughout two January meetings (archived counsels Fugate on all aspects of Members serve three-year terms and our community,” said Charles E. video online at the Engage Gwinnett disaster preparedness and man- are selected based on their expertise Bannister, chairman of Gwinnett’s Web site), Levengood cautioned agement to ensure close coordina- in emergency management and re- Board of Commissioners. “As against two possible pitfalls in the tion with all partners across the sponse, public health, infrastructure elected officials, we need to hear members’ deliberations. country. protection, cyber-security, com- from informed citizens about what “First, there’s a concern that we Halliburton is a former member munications and other areas related services and service levels they will make a mistake in our recom- of NACo’s Board of Directors and to FEMA’s mission. Chartered in want the county to provide and mendation, because we simply currently serves on NACo’s Justice 2007, the council holds quarterly how they think we should pay for don’t understand enough about how and Public Safety Steering Commit- meetings open to the public. those services.” government works,” he said. “And tee, Rural Action Caucus Steering “I am honored to be appointed to Jane Halliburton Engage Gwinnett (www.engageg- second, there’s a concern that we Committee and Green Government FEMA’s National Advisory Coun- Story County, Iowa Supervisor winnett.com) kicked off with a public will make a recommendation that Advisory Board. cil,” Halliburton said. “It’s critical that meeting last Sept. 9 and recently our fellow citizens simply won’t In 2004, she was one of four the voice of local governments and conducted its seventh full committee support.” county officials asked to serve on “Through NACo, Jane has communities is heard at the federal session Jan. 6. A 42-member citizens He reassured them that all the Task Force on State and Lo- been a leading and effective voice level on these issues and this appoint- committee, including an alternate recommendations would be thor- cal Homeland Security Funding on national issues affecting local ment helps us achieve that goal.” for each member, convenes every oughly vetted and reviewed by formed by then-Homeland Security government for many years and is Halliburton is a past president two weeks in meetings that are open relevant county agency directors. Secretary Tom Ridge. She repre- an outstanding choice to represent of the Iowa State Association of to the public. And what might those suggestions sents NACo on the Rural Domestic the interests of local government County Supervisors and served on Some members were appointed include? Preparedness Consortium Advisory and communities on critical emer- the board of directors of the Iowa by the County Board or the Gwin- During the Jan. 6 meeting, Board. gency management issues,” said State Association of Counties. • CountyNews January 18, 2010 7 NACo’s ENERGY STAR program reaches 500+ county buildings

By Sh a n n o n Cl a r k e tifications and awards. Ada County, energy and environmental intern Idaho was one of the first counties to earn an ENERGY STAR label Counties nationwide have tracked in 2004, and later received a LEED and assessed energy performance for Silver certification for its courthouse more than 500 buildings as a result from the U.S. Green Building Coun- of NACo’s ENERGY STAR Bench- cil. By earning the ENERGY STAR marking Assistance Program. Janu- label, the courthouse became one of ary marks six years that NACo, in the nation’s most efficient buildings partnership with U.S. Environmental to operate. Protection Agency’s ENERGY Portfolio Manager has also been STAR Program, has helped counties very useful to counties competing improve energy efficiency and reduce for Energy Efficiency and Conserva- operational costs. tion Block Grant (EECBG) program NACo’s partnership with the funds. “Benchmarking helped with ENERGY STAR Program began the EECBG grant, which required in 2004 with the inception of the that energy consumption be mea- ENERGY STAR Courthouse sured,” Helper noted. Campaign. For the first time coun- Portfolio Manager serves as ties were able to use a simple online a catalyst for energy-efficiency tool to log and track energy use in improvements and other “green” county courthouses and administra- initiatives, which create cost savings, tive buildings. improve public health and reduce Robert Downing, Calhoun Coun- greenhouse gas emissions. Going ty, Ala. commissioner and NACo forward, NACo plans to expand Green Government Initiative board its energy benchmarking assistance member, was integral in initiating the and significantly increase the num- campaign. Downing notes, “There Photo courtesy of Mohave County, Ariz. ber of participating counties. is somewhere around 500 million Mohave County, Ariz. officials pose with ENERGY STAR certificates from the U.S. Environmental Protection “I am proud of the fact that square-feet of county courthouse Agency and Department of Energy recognizing eight county buildings for exceptional energy savings Dec. 7, [counties] are collectively able to during a Board of Supervisors meeting. Pictured (l-r) are Sheriff Tom Sheahan, Supervisor Gary Watson, Lisa space in the country, and if we could join through NACo to make im- Samstag from the County Attorney’s Office, Supervisor Buster Johnson, Public Works Director Steven Latoski, get those buildings to be more energy- Gracemarie LaBarge (retired employee who had helped quantify energy-saving stats), Judge John Taylor, Eileen provements and show environmen- efficient, it would save a lot of money. Jacobsen from UniSource Electric and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Tom Sockwell. tal leadership,” said Downing. “But With the support of NACo staff the we’ve only scratched the surface of campaign became a reality.” our opportunities in terms of what The campaign has since ex- priorities, detect under-performing “Any time we use less energy we are ing has to be certified by a profes- we can be doing as counties. Our panded and is now called the buildings, and verify the efficacy improving the environment along sional engineer, but the hard work opportunity to expand and improve ENERGY STAR Challenge. It of energy-efficient improvements. with saving taxpayers’ dollars.” pays off. ENERGY STAR buildings is limitless.” encourages counties to conserve To date, NACo has assisted more are proven to optimize operational If you would like to get involved energy and benchmark energy use than 100 counties in using Portfolio ENERGY STAR Counties costs, benefit the environment and il- with the NACo ENERGY STAR for all building types. Manager to benchmark their build- A number of counties have lustrate environmental leadership. Benchmarking Assistance Pro- ings’ energy use. received ENERGY STAR labels ENERGY STAR certification gram, please visit www.naco.org/ Portfolio Manager Washington County, Ore. began for their buildings. Mohave County, also paves the way for additional cer- greencounties. A key feature of the ENERGY using Portfolio Manager in 2008 Ariz. leads with eight labeled STAR Program is the Portfolio and currently monitors 23 build- buildings. Arapaho County, Colo., Manager tool, a free, interactive ings, seven of which qualify for the Ventura County, Calif., and Cuya- NATIONAL COUNTY online tool that enables counties ENERGY STAR label. hoga County, Ohio each have five to track and assess energy and “Our goal is to get an ENERGY qualified buildings. GOVERNMENT MONTH water consumption, carbon dioxide STAR label for all of our buildings Mohave County started its emissions, and energy costs for that qualify while continuing to im- benchmarking efforts in 2005 when individual buildings or “portfolios” prove savings on energy consump- it joined the Green Government of buildings. By measuring con- tion for the rest of our facilities,” Initiative and became an ENERGY sumption, counties can evaluate said Philip Bransford, Washington STAR Partner. For the past three cost savings, set up investment County’s communications officer. years Mohave County buildings have been collecting ENERGY STAR labels. By the end of this How Portfolio Manager Works year, the county hopes to reach 10 qualified buildings. “Healthy Counties” “Our goal is to be proactive in In Portfolio Manager the energy performance of a building is preserving and protecting natural Showcase Your rated on a scale from 1 to 100. The rating evaluates energy consump- resources and the environment,” tion, building type, square footage and weather normalization. It is said Gene Helper, manager, Mohave County’s Successes — developed based on similar buildings included in the Commercial County Office of Management and Building Energy Consumption Survey, a national survey conducted Budget. “We use [benchmarking] as April 2010 by the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration. a means to let people know we are A rating of 50 indicates that a building’s energy performance is doing our part to be more energy- For more information, visit 50 percent better than all similar buildings nationwide. Buildings efficient. Out there, people know the www.naco.org/NCGM. earning a rating of 75 or greater may qualify for the ENERGY ENERGY STAR label.” STAR label, which signifies exceptional energy performance. ENERGY STAR does not offer ratings for all building types, such Certification as jails, cafeterias and libraries, but counties can still use Portfolio ENERGY STAR certification is Manager to track energy consumption and costs. not easy to earn. The label must be renewed every year and each build- 8 January 18, 2010 CountyNews • Health Reform and NACo Policy How do the two competing health care reform bills address important county health care concerns? Paul Beddoe, associate legislative director for health policy, details the provisions in the House and Senate measures that relate to NACo policy. If you have questions, you may contact Beddoe at [email protected] or 202.942.4234.

● Local Delivery Systems House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) – Access for All Sec. 1152. Require the Secretary to develop a plan to reform Medicare Sec. 1905. Require the Secretary to improve coordination of care for payments for post-acute services, including bundled payments, to dual eligibles through a new office or program within CMS. (Report of NACo Policy improve the coordination, quality and efficiency of such services and activities due within one year of enactment) improve outcomes. (Effective January 1, 2011) NACo believes that reform must focus Sec. 1907. Establish the Center for Quality Improvement to identify, on access and delivery of quality health Sec. 1301. Conduct Medicare and Medicaid pilot program to test pay- develop, evaluate, disseminate, and implement best practices in the services. Coverage is not enough. County ment incentive models for accountable care organizations and to as- delivery of health care services. Develop national priorities for perfor- officials, particularly in remote rural or large sess the feasibility of reimbursing qualified patient-centered medical mance improvement and quality measures for the delivery of health urban areas know that even those with in- homes. Adopt these models on a large scale if pilot programs prove care services. (Effective dates vary) surance may have difficulty gaining access successful at reducing costs. (Implementation of medical home pilots to the services of a health care provider, upon enactment; implementation of accountable care organization Sec. 2534. Establish the Community-based Collaborative Care Network which can be exacerbated by the severity of pilots by January 1, 2012) Program to support consortiums of health care providers to coordinate their illness. Insurance carriers participating and integrate health care services, manage chronic conditions, and in public programs should be required to Sec. 1907. Establish the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation reduce emergency department use for low-income uninsured and un- extend coverage into rural areas and to con- to test payment and service delivery models to improve quality and derinsured populations. (Funds appropriated for five years beginning tract with local providers. efficiency. Evaluate all models and expand those models that improve FY 2011) quality without increasing spending or reduce spending without re- Local delivery systems should coordinate ducing quality, or both. (Effective January 1, 2011) Division B, Title II, Subtitle B. Reduce racial and ethnic disparities by services to ensure efficient and cost-effective conducting a study on the feasibility of developing Medicare payment access to care, particularly primary and pre- Sec. 1157. Require the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on systems for language services, providing Medicare demonstration ventive care, for underserved populations. geographic adjustment factors in Medicare and require the Secretary grants to reimburse culturally and linguistically appropriate services County governments are uniquely qualified to issue regulations to revise the geographic adjustment factors based and developing standards for the collection of data on race, ethnicity, to convene the appropriate public and pri- on the recommendations. (Report due one year following enactment; and primary language. (Report due to Congress one year following vate partners to build these local delivery proposed regulations issued following submission of report) enactment) systems in a way that will respect the unique needs of individuals and their communities. Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) A restored federal commitment to such part- nerships is necessary for equity’s sake. Sec. 3023. Establish a national Medicare pilot program to develop and (effective October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2015). evaluate paying a bundled payment for acute, inpatient hospital ser- vices, physician services, outpatient hospital services, and post-acute Sec. 10333. Establish the Community-based Collaborative Care Net- care services for an episode of care that begins three days prior to a work Program to support consortiums of health care providers to co- hospitalization and spans 30 days following discharge. If the pilot pro- ordinate and integrate health care services, for low-income uninsured gram achieves stated goals of improving or not reducing quality and and underinsured populations. (Funds appropriated for five years be- reducing spending, develop a plan for expanding the pilot program. ginning in FY 2011) (Establish pilot program by January 1, 2013; develop expansion imple- mentation plan, if called for, by January 1, 2016) Title III, Subtitle A, Part II. Develop a national quality improvement strategy that includes priorities to improve the delivery of health care Sec. 3021. Establish the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation services, patient health outcomes, and population health. Create pro- to test payment and service delivery models to improve quality and cesses for the development of quality measures involving input from efficiency. Evaluate all models and expand those models that improve multiple stakeholders and for selecting quality measures to be used quality without increasing spending or reduce spending without re- in reporting to and payment under federal health programs. (National ducing quality, or both. (Effective January 1, 2011) strategy due to Congress by January 1, 2011)

Sec. 2602. Improve care coordination for dual eligibles by creating a Sec. 4302. Require enhanced collection and reporting of data on race, new office within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, the ethnicity, sex, primary language, disability status, and for underserved Federal Coordinated Health Care Office, to more effectively integrate rural and frontier populations. Also require collection of access and Medicare and Medicaid benefits and improve coordination between treatment data for people with disabilities. Require the Secretary to the federal government and states in order to improve access to and analyze the data to monitor trends in disparities. (Effective two years quality of care and services for dual eligibles. (Effective March 1, 2010) following enactment)

Sec. 2703. Create a new Medicaid state plan option to permit Medicaid Sec. 4101. Improve access to care by establishing new programs to sup- enrollees with at least two chronic conditions, one condition and risk port school-based health centers (effective fiscal year 2010); Sec. 5208. of developing another, or at least one serious and persistent mental Nurse-managed health clinics (effective fiscal year 2010); Sec. 5601. health condition to designate a provider as a health home. Provide Enhance funding for federally qualified health centers (initial appropria- states taking up the option with 90% FMAP for two years. (Effective tion in fiscal year 2010). January 1, 2011) Sec. 10502. Provides funding to HHS for construction or debt service Sec. 2704. Create new demonstration projects in Medicaid to pay on hospital construction costs for a new health facility meeting certain bundled payments for episodes of care that include hospitalizations criteria. (effective January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2016); Sec. 2705. Make global capitated payments to safety net hospital systems (effec- Sec. 10503. Establishes a Community Health Centers and National tive fiscal years 2010 through 2012); Sec. 2706. Allow pediatric medical Health Service Corps Fund. The fund will create an expanded and sus- providers organized as accountable care organizations to share in cost- tained national investment in community health centers under section savings (effective January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2016); Sec. 330 of the Public Health Service Act and the National Health Service 2707. Provide Medicaid payments to institutions of mental disease for Corps. adult enrollees who require stabilization of an emergency condition

Reform policy table continues on next page  • CountyNews January 18, 2010 9

Health reform policy table continued 

● Public Health House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) and Wellness Division C, Title III. Develop a national strategy to improve the nation’s Sec. 3151. Establish a grant program to support the delivery of evi- health through evidenced-based clinical and community-based pre- dence-based and community-based prevention and wellness services NACo Policy vention and wellness activities. Create task forces on Clinical Preventive aimed at reducing health disparities. Train community health workers Services and Community Preventive Services to develop, update, and to promote positive health behaviors in medically underserved com- NACo believes that a greater focus on disseminate evidenced-based recommendations on the use of clinical munities. disease and injury prevention and health and community prevention services. promotion is a way to improve the health Sec. 2535. Provide grants to plan and implement programs to prevent of our communities and to reduce health Sec. 3161. Establish a grant program to support state, local and tribal obesity among children and their families. (Funds appropriated for five care costs. Disease and injury prevention core public health infrastructure. years beginning FY 2011) and health promotion services can be de- livered by a health care professional one Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) patient at a time. Local health departments, in partnership with community based orga- Sec. 4001. Establish the National Prevention, Health Promotion and for infants, children, and adolescents and additional preventive care nizations and traditional health care provid- Public Health Council to coordinate federal prevention, wellness, and and screenings for women. (Effective six months following enactment) ers, deliver community-based prevention public health activities. Develop a national strategy to improve the na- services targeted at an entire population. tion’s health. (Strategy due one year following enactment) Sec. 10408. Provide grants for up to five years to small employers that Population-based prevention services can establish wellness programs. (Funds appropriated for five years begin- save money by keeping people healthy and Sec. 4002. Create a Prevention and Public Health Fund to expand and ning in fiscal year 2011) reducing the costs of treating unchecked sustain funding for prevention and public health programs. (Initial ap- chronic disease. propriation in fiscal year 2010) Sec. 4303. Provide technical assistance and other resources to evalu- ate employer-based wellness programs. Conduct a national worksite These critical services include assessment of Sec. 4003. Create task forces on Preventive Services and Community health policies and programs survey to assess employer-based health the health status of communities to identify Preventive Services to develop, update, and disseminate evidenced- policies and programs. (Conduct study within two years following en- the unique and most pressing health prob- based recommendations on the use of clinical and community preven- actment) lems of each community and health educa- tion services. (Effective upon enactment) tion to provide individuals with the knowl- Sec. 1201. Permit employers to offer employees rewards—in the edge and skills to maintain and improve Sec. 4105-Sec. 4106. Improve prevention by covering only proven pre- form of premium discounts, waivers of cost-sharing requirements, or their own health. The public health response ventive services and eliminating cost-sharing for preventive services benefits that would otherwise not be provided—of up to 30% of the to emergencies should be fully integrated in Medicare and Medicaid. (Effective January 1, 2011) For states that cost of coverage for participating in a wellness program and meeting into each county’s emergency management provide Medicaid coverage for and remove cost-sharing for preven- certain health-related standards. Employers must offer an alternative plan. Local public health considerations tive services recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force standard for individuals for whom it is unreasonably difficult or inadvis- likewise should be systematically integrated and recommended immunizations, provide a one percentage point able to meet the standard. The reward limit may be increased to 50% of into land use planning and community de- increase in the FMAP for these services. Increase Medicare payments for the cost of coverage if deemed appropriate. (Effective January 1, 2014) sign processes to help prevent injuries and certain preventive services to 100% of actual charges or fee schedule Establish 10-state pilot programs by July 2014 to permit participating chronic disease. rates. (Effective January 1, 2011) states to apply similar rewards for participating in wellness programs in the individual market and expand demonstrations in 2017 if effective. Policies are also needed to address health Sec. 4103. Provide Medicare beneficiaries access to a comprehensive Require a report on the effectiveness and impact of wellness programs. inequity, the systemic, avoidable, unfair health risk assessment and creation of a personalized prevention plan. (Report due three years following enactment) and unjust differences in health status and (Health risk assessment model developed within 18 months following mortality rates, as well as the distribution of enactment) Provide incentives to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries Sec. 4205. Require chain restaurants and food sold from vending ma- disease and illness across population groups. to complete behavior modification programs. (Effective January 1, chines to disclose the nutritional content of each item. (Proposed regu- Investing in wellness and prevention across 2011 or when program criteria is developed, whichever is first) Require lations issued within one year of enactment) all communities will result in better health Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation services for pregnant women. outcomes, increased productivity and re- (Effective October 1, 2010) Sec. 10501 (g). Establishes a national diabetes prevention program at duce costs associated with chronic diseases. the CDC. State, local, and tribal public health departments and non- Sec. 1302. Require qualified health plans to provide coverage without profit entities can use funds for community-based prevention activities, cost-sharing for preventive services rated A or B by the U.S. Preventive training and outreach, and evaluation. Services Task Force, recommended immunizations, and preventive care

● Expanding Coverage House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) Division A, Titles III, IV and V. Require individuals to have health insur- Sec. 1703. Repeal the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and NACo Policy ance. Create a Health Insurance Exchange through which individuals require CHIP enrollees with incomes above 150% FPL to obtain cover- and smaller employers can purchase health coverage, with premium age through the Health Insurance Exchange beginning in 2014. CHIP NACo supports universal health insurance and cost-sharing credits available to individuals/families with incomes enrollees with incomes between 100% and 150% FPL would be transi- coverage. Existing public health insur- up to 400% of the federal poverty level (or $73,240 for a family of three tioned to Medicaid and states would receive the CHIP enhanced match ance systems should be strengthened and in 2009). Require employers to provide coverage to employees or pay rate for children above current levels and up to 150% FPL. Require a expanded, including Medicare, Medicaid into a Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund, with exceptions for certain report to Congress with recommendations to ensure that coverage in and the State Children’s Health Insurance small employers, and provide certain small employers a credit to offset the Health Insurance Exchange is comparable to coverage under an Program (SCHIP). As states and counties the costs of providing coverage. Impose new regulations on plans par- average CHIP plan and that there are procedures to transfer CHIP en- attempt to shoulder their legislatively man- ticipating in the Exchange and in the small group insurance market. rollees into the exchange without interrupting coverage or with a writ- dated responsibilities to provide care for the ten plan of treatment. (Report due by December 31, 2011) indigent and uninsured, federal regulatory Division B, Title VII. Expand Medicaid to all individuals under age 65 barriers should be removed to allow flexibil- (children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without dependent Division A, Title II, Subtitle C. Create an essential benefits package that ity and innovation at the local level. children) with incomes up to 150% FPL. Provide Medicaid coverage provides a comprehensive set of services, covers 70% of the actuarial for all newborns who lack acceptable coverage and provide optional value of the covered benefits, limits annual cost-sharing to $5,000/ Restrictions on the expansion of County Medicaid coverage to low-income HIV-infected individuals (with en- individual and $10,000/family, does not require cost-sharing for pre- Organized Health Systems should be lifted hanced matching funds) until 2013 and for family planning services ventive services, and does not impose annual or lifetime limits on cov- and they should be authorized to serve as to certain low-income women. In addition, increase Medicaid pay- erage. The Health Benefits Advisory Council, chaired by the Surgeon a public plan option in their service areas. ment rates for primary care providers to 100% of Medicare rates by General, will make recommendations on specific services to be covered Furthermore, in the effort to expand cover- 2012. Require states to submit a state plan amendment specifying by the essential benefits package as well as cost-sharing levels. Prohibit age, reformers should not forget that the the payment rates to be paid under the state’s Medicaid program. abortion coverage from being required as part of the essential benefits coverage must be meaningful, without The coverage expansions (except the optional expansions) and the package. (Health Benefits Advisory Council report due one year follow- imposing additional mandates on county enhanced provider payments will be financed with 100% federal ing enactment; essential benefits package becomes effective January governments. financing through 2014 and 91% federal financing beginning in year 1, 2013) 2015. (Effective January 1, 2013)

The benefit package must be defined so as Reform policy table continues on next page to provide the full range of services people  need, including prevention services, phar- maceuticals, dental, full parity for behavioral health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. Barriers to cost-effective Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) treatments, like living organ donation, should be removed. ● Expanding Coverage House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) NACo Policy

NACo supports universal health insurance coverage. Existing public health insur- ance systems should be strengthened and expanded, including Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). As states and counties attempt to shoulder their legislatively man- dated responsibilities to provide care for the indigent and uninsured, federal regulatory barriers should be removed to allow flexibil- ity and innovation at the local level.

Restrictions on the expansion of County Organized Health Systems should be lifted and they should be authorized to serve as a public plan option in their service areas. Furthermore, in the effort to expand cover- age, reformers should not forget that the coverage must be meaningful, without 10imposing January additional 18, 2010 mandates on county CountyNews • governments. Health reform policy table continued 

All qualified health benefits plans, including those offered through the Require a report on including oral health benefits in the essential ben- ● Expanding Coverage Exchange and those offered outside of the Exchange (except certain efits package. (Report due one year following enactment) grandfathered individual and employer-sponsored plans) must provide Continued from page 9 at least the essential benefits package. (Effective January 1, 2013)

The benefit package must be defined so as Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) to provide the full range of services people Title I. Require most U.S. citizens and legal residents to have health dependent children) with incomes up to 133% FPL based on modified need, including prevention services, phar- insurance. Create state-based American Health Benefit Exchanges adjusted gross income (MAGI). All newly eligible adults will be guaran- maceuticals, dental, full parity for behavioral through which individuals can purchase coverage, with premium teed a benchmark benefit package that at least provides the essential health, substance abuse and developmental and cost-sharing credits available to individuals/families with income health benefits. Require states to provide premium assistance to any disability services. Barriers to cost-effective between 100-400% of the federal poverty level (the poverty level is Medicaid beneficiary with access to employer-sponsored insurance if it treatments, like living organ donation, $18,310 for a family of three in 2009) and create separate Exchanges is cost-effective for the state. Sec. 2101. Require states to maintain cur- should be removed. through which small businesses can purchase coverage. Require rent income eligibility levels for children in Medicaid and the Children’s employers to pay penalties for employees who receive tax credits for Health Insurance Program (CHIP) until 2019 and extend funding for health insurance through an Exchange, with exceptions for small em- CHIP through 2015. CHIP benefit package and cost-sharing rules will ployers. Impose new regulations on health plans in the Exchanges and continue as under current law. Beginning in 2015, states will receive in the individual and small group markets. a 23 percentage point increase in the CHIP match rate up to a cap of 100%. CHIP-eligible children who are unable to enroll in the program Title II, Subtitle A and Sec. 10201. Expand Medicaid to all individuals due to enrollment caps will be eligible for tax credits in the state Ex- under age 65 (children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without changes.

● Maintaining a House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) Safety Net Sec. 1701. The Medicaid coverage expansions (except the optional ex- Requires a report on the continued role of DSH by January 1, 2016. pansions) and the enhanced provider payments will be 100% federally The report would also include recommendations about targeting DSH NACo Policy financed through 2014 and 90% federally financed beginning in year within states and distributing DSH across states. 2015. NACo believes that the intergovern- Sec. 1704. Reduces federal DSH payments by $1.5 billion in FY 2017; mental partnership envisioned in the $2.5 billion in FY 2018 and $6 billion in FY 2019 using a formula that Medicaid statute should be restored and imposes the largest percentage reductions on states that have the low- strengthened. Medicaid reimbursement est percentages of uninsured. rates should be enhanced and increases to the Medicaid federal medical assistance per- centage (FMAP) should be passed through to counties contributing to the non-federal share. Local safety nets, supported by Med- icaid and disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, should not be dismantled to “pay for” universal coverage. Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) Sec. 2001 and Sec. 10201. To finance the coverage for the newly eligible Sec. 2551 and Sec. 10201 (e). Reduce a state’s Medicaid DSH allotment We must not allow the safety net infrastruc- (those who were not previously eligible for a full benchmark benefit by 50%, or 25% for low DSH states, (and by lesser percentages for states ture to be undermined. County hospitals package or who were eligible for a capped program but were not meeting certain criteria) once the state’s uninsured rate decreases by and health systems provide surge capacity, enrolled), states will receive 100% federal funding for 2014 through at least 45%. DSH allotments will be further reduced, not to fall below emergency and trauma services and other 2016. Beginning in 2017, financing for the newly eligible will be shared 50% of the total allotment in 2012 if states’ uninsured rates continue critical high cost services like neo-natal, HIV/ between the states and the federal government through an increase to decrease. Exempt any portion of the DSH allotment used to expand AIDS and burn care. Safety net hospitals will in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). For states that Medicaid eligibility through a section 1115 waiver. (Effective October 1, continue to need extra support to carry out already cover adults with incomes above 100% FPL, the percentage 2011) their missions, including addressing health point increase in the FMAP will be 30.3 in 2017 and 31.3 in 2018. For all disparities. Health care is not just coverage it other states, the percentage point increase in the FMAP will be 34.3 in Sec. 9007 and Sec. 10903. Impose additional requirements on non- is also access and it is the safety net hospitals 2017 and 33.3 in 2018, except Nebraska, which will continue receiving profit hospitals to conduct a community needs assessment every three where translation services for hundreds of 100% federal funding for newly eligibles after 2017. Beginning in 2019, years and adopt an implementation strategy to meet the identified languages can be found. all states will receive an FMAP increase of 32.3 percentage points for needs, adopt and widely publicize a financial assistance policy that the newly eligible. Certain states not eligible for the enhanced federal indicates whether free or discounted care is available and how to ap- DSH payments address two otherwise un- funding because they had already expanded Medicaid to adults with ply for the assistance, limit charges to patients who qualify for financial reimbursed costs: (1) services provided to incomes above 133% FPL will receive a 2.2 percentage point increase in assistance to the amount generally billed to insured patients, and make the uninsured and underinsured; and (2) their FMAP for parents and childless adults who are not newly eligible reasonable attempts to determine eligibility for financial assistance Medicaid reimbursement rates that pay less for 2014 through 2019 or a 0.5 percentage point increase in the FMAP before undertaking extraordinary collection actions. Impose a tax of than the cost of providing health services. It for 2014 through 2016. (Effective January 1, 2014) $50,000 per year for failure to meet these requirements. (Effective for is too early to predict the net effect of Med- taxable years following enactment) icaid expansion and reimbursement reform. Sec. 10201 (c). Requires states to share the benefit of increased federal In addition, unfortunately, there will always match with counties that contribute to the non-federal share of Medic- be some individuals who will remain unin- aid costs. sured. These and other at-risk populations financed by DSH are unlikely to be among the groups to be covered in the initial stages of reform.

All individuals, including the uninsured, should receive treatment and DSH supports that care. Therefore DSH payments should not be phased out or down until health care reform is fully implemented and its effects on DSH payments can be accurately as- sessed. Assumptions should not be made that DSH can be cut by any arbitrary amount on some arbitrary timeline during the imple- mentation of heath care reform.

Reform policy table continues on next page  • CountyNews January 18, 2010 11

Health reform policy table continued 

● Health Workforce House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) Sec. 2261. Establish a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee on Health and provide cultural competence training for health care professionals. NACo Policy Workforce Evaluation and Assessment to develop and implement a Support the development of interdisciplinary mental and behavioral national health workforce strategy. (Funds appropriated beginning FY health training programs and establish a training program for oral NACo believes that the health profes- 2011) health professionals. (Funds appropriated beginning FY 2011) sional and paraprofessional workforce must be supported and enhanced. It is Division B, Title V. Reform Graduate Medical Education to increase train- Division C, Title II, Subtitle B. Address the projected shortage of nurses important that we sustain training programs ing of primary care providers by redistributing residency positions and and retention of nurses by increasing the capacity for education, sup- and sites of service that enable us to develop promote training in outpatient settings, including through a Teaching porting training programs, providing loan repayment and retention a complement of health professionals that Health Center demonstration project. (Effective July 1, 2011) grants, and creating a career ladder to nursing. can address the needs of a changing, grow- ing and aging population. Division C, Title II, Subtitle A. Support training of health professionals Division C, Title II, Subtitle D. Support the development of interdisci- through scholarships and loans; establish a primary care training and plinary health training programs that focus on team-based models, Public hospitals have often been teaching capacity building program; establish a loan repayment program for including medical home models and models that integrate physical, hospitals. The sites of service include hos- professionals who work in health professions needs areas; establish a mental, and oral health services. (Funds appropriated beginning FY pitals, outpatient clinics, and community public health workforce corps; promote training of a diverse workforce; 2011) health centers. These settings provide access for patients seeking care, and a diverse set of patient conditions and cultures that make for a comprehensive learning experience. Reasonable medical education funding is an integral part of the business model of these institutions. Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) Sec. 5101. Establish a multi-stakeholder National Health Care Workforce interdisciplinary mental and behavioral health training programs (ef- Every effort should be made to recruit, train, Commission to develop a national workforce strategy. (Appointments fective fiscal year 2010) and establish a training program for oral health license and retain health professionals, and made by September 30, 2010) professionals. (Funds appropriated for six years beginning in fiscal year allied professionals and paraprofessionals, 2010) Address the projected shortage of nurses and retention of nurses on an expedited basis. A large body of evi- Sec. 5506. Increase the number of Graduate Medical Education (GME) by increasing the capacity for education, supporting training programs, dence supports the contribution of direct training positions by redistributing currently unused slots, with priori- providing loan repayment and retention grants, and creating a career care staff, nurses and nursing assistants, to ties given to primary care and general surgery and to states with the ladder to nursing. (Initial appropriation in fiscal year 2010) quality outcomes. Funding for existing edu- lowest resident physician-to-population ratios (effective July 1, 2011); cation and training programs – in secondary, Sec. 5504. Increase flexibility in laws and regulations that govern GME Sec. 5403. Support the development of training programs that focus post-secondary and vocational educational funding to promote training in outpatient settings (effective July 1, on primary care models such as medical homes, team management of settings – should be increased and targeted 2010); and ensure the availability of residency programs in rural and chronic disease, and those that integrate physical and mental health ser- towards initiatives to expand and diversify underserved areas. Sec. 5508. Establish Teaching Health Centers, de- vices. (Funds appropriated for five years beginning in fiscal year 2010) the health workforce. fined as community-based, ambulatory patient care centers, including federally qualified health centers and other federally-funded health Sec. 10501 (k) Creates a state grant program to support health care Partnerships between local economic centers that are eligible for Medicare payments for the expenses associ- providers who treat a high percentage of medically underserved popu- developers and workforce development ated with operating primary care residency programs. (Initial appro- lations. professionals should be encouraged to meet priation in fiscal year 2010) growing health care sector demand. Tar- Sec. 10501 (l) Authorizes grants for medical schools to establish pro- geted incentives including scholarships, loan Title V, Subtitles C through E. Increase workforce supply and support grams that recruit students from underserved rural areas who have a forgiveness and low-interest loan repayment training of health professionals through scholarships and loans; sup- desire to practice in their hometowns. Programs would provide stu- programs should be developed to encour- port primary care training and capacity building; establish a public dents with specialized training in rural health issues, and assist them age more providers to enter and remain in health workforce loan repayment program; promote training of a di- in finding residencies that specialize in training doctors for practice in primary care and public health careers. Pri- verse workforce; and promote cultural competence training of health underserved rural communities. mary care providers should be empowered care professionals. (Effective dates vary) Support the development of to – and compensated for – case manage- ment services.

● Long Term Care House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) Sec. 3201 ff. Establish a national, voluntary insurance program for supports necessary to maintain community residence. The program is NACo Policy purchasing community living assistance services and supports (CLASS financed through voluntary payroll deductions: all working adults will program). Following a five-year vesting period, the program will pro- be automatically enrolled in the program, unless they choose to opt- Federal policies should encourage the vide individuals with functional limitations a cash benefit of not less out. (Effective 2010) elderly and disabled to receive the ser- than an average of $50 per day to purchase non-medical services and vices they need in the least restrictive environment. Since counties provide and otherwise support long term care and other Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) community based services for the elderly and disabled, state and federal regulations Title VIII. Establish a national, voluntary insurance program for purchas- fiscal years 2010 through 2014). and funding programs should give them ing community living assistance services and supports (CLASS pro- the flexibility to support the full continuum gram). Following a five-year vesting period, the program will provide Sec. 2402. Provide states with new options for offering home and of home, community-based or institutional individuals with functional limitations a cash benefit of not less than an community-based services through a Medicaid state plan rather care for persons needing assistance with average of $50 per day to purchase non-medical services and supports than through a waiver for individuals with incomes up to 300% of activities of daily living. Nursing home regu- necessary to maintain community residence. The program is financed the maximum SSI payment and who have a higher level of need and latory oversight should be reformed in order through voluntary payroll deductions: all working adults will be auto- permit states to extend full Medicaid benefits to individual receiving to foster more person-centered care environ- matically enrolled in the program, unless they choose to opt-out. (Ef- home and community-based services under a state plan. (Effective ments. fective January 1, 2011) October 1, 2010) Sec. 2403. Extend the Medicaid Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Sec. 2401. Establish the Community First Choice Option in Medicaid to Demonstration program through September 2016. (effective 30 days provide community-based attendant supports and services to individ- following enactment) uals with disabilities who require an institutional level of care. Provide states with an enhanced federal matching rate of an additional six per- Sec. 2405 Allocate $10 million per year for five years to continue the centage points for reimbursable expenses in the program. Sunset the Aging and Disability Resource Center initiatives (funds appropriated for option after five years. (Effective October 1, 2010)

Reform policy table continues on next page  12 January 18, 2010 CountyNews •

Health reform policy table continued 

● Jail Health House • Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) Sec. 1729. Requires states to suspend, rather than terminate Medicaid coverage for youths under 18 and ensure that they are enrolled on or before NACo Policy release if they are still eligible.

Reforming America’s health care system must include reforms to its jail system. Counties are responsible for providing health care for incarcerated individuals as required by the U.S. Supreme Court in Estelle v. Gam- ble, 429 U.S. 97 (1976). This unfunded man- date constitutes a major portion of local jail operating costs and a huge burden on local property tax payers. The federal government should lift the unfunded mandate by restor- ing its obligation for health care coverage Senate • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) for eligible inmates, pre-conviction. Further- Sec. 1312 (f)(1)(B). Disqualifies individuals who are incarcerated from enrolling in coverage on the exchange, unless they are in custody pending more, a true national partnership is needed disposition of charges. to divert the non-violent mentally ill from jail and into appropriate evidence-based treat- ment in community settings, if possible.

Finally, resources should be made available to counties to implement timely, compre- hensive reentry programs so that former inmates have access to all the health and social services, including behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, to avoid recidivism and become fully integrated into the community.

● Health IT Neither the Senate nor House bill contains provisions addressing health information technologies. However, funding was made available for Health IT efforts in the Recovery Act. NACo Policy

The federal government should support the integration of health information technologies into the local health care delivery system.

Webinar explores wildfire protection, insurance availability

By Ci n d y Wa s s e r insurance in wildfire mitigation plants. These items act as virtual stakeholder partnerships to edu- protection allow all residents and COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION and the role that county officials wicks when wildfire approaches a cate residents about the value of stakeholder groups to become play in certifying that appropriate home and brings the fire right to insurance and the need for wildfire informed and provide input. Wildfire risk, insurance avail- property protection practices are the house.” mitigation. Webinar participants were ability and approaches to property being implemented. The next presenter, Carole Walker also reminded webi- engaged and asked many thought- protection were the focus of a re- Brenda O’Connor, senior vice Walker, executive director of the nar participants that insurance provoking and challenging ques- cent NACo webinar for county president of public affairs, Institute Rocky Mountain Insurance In- premiums are based on weather tions of the speaker panel, includ- officials and fire professionals from for Business and Home Safety, formation Association, discussed patterns and claim trends over long ing questions about the market across the nation. kicked off the webinar — “Wildfire the role that insurance companies periods of time. A single wildfire for insurance companies to use Wildfires annually clear 4 mil- 360: Planning, Inspecting and have in reducing current wildfire or natural disaster will not directly incentives and fee reductions to lion to 5 million acres of land in Insurance Costs” — by provid- property risk. affect one’s premium. encourage fire mitigation, what the U.S., according to the Wildland ing an overview of wildfire risk Financial losses from wildfire Closing out the formal pre- happens when a neighbor neglects Fire Leadership Council. One- nationwide and the importance of are currently not as substantial sentations were Kurt Latipow to clear their property and damages hundred million people in the wildfire mitigation measures. as some other insured disasters, and Adrian Freund from Washoe another’s home, and what would continental United States now live O’Connor presented a series such as hurricanes or tornadoes, County, Nev., who discussed how happen to insurance rates if emer- in areas known as the Wildland of property protection efforts that but since there is huge potential for their county’s elected officials, gency personnel refused to fight Urban Interface (WUI) — places can reduce the potential for and devastating wildfire losses across planners and fire officials worked wildland fires due to the increased where residential development is severity of future property and the U.S., insurance companies are together to certify that appropriate threat to their lives. mixed with forests and wildlands, financial losses caused by wildfire. putting more emphasis on mitiga- property protection practices were The “Wildfire 360” webinar was according to researchers at Oregon County or city building codes tion requirements. Residents living being implemented. sponsored by the U.S. Forest Ser- State University. can be adopted to encourage the in high-risk wildfire areas who Freund, community develop- vice and the Bureau of Land Man- Recent trends show wildfires are replacement of roofing materials don’t implement any mitigation ment director, and Latipow, fire agement and organized by NACo’s increasing in intensity, duration, with fire-resistant alternatives and approaches are increasingly hav- services coordinator, talked about Wildfire Advisory Group. and property and financial loss. the use of dual-pane window glass. ing a more difficult time finding the 2009 International WUI Code, To access a recording of this The webinar, intended primarily “Homeowners,” O’Connor noted, and keeping affordable homeown- which local governments can in- Web event, visit www.naco.org/ for fire directors, county planners “should keep flammable objects ers’ insurance. She noted that clude in their codes to help reduce webinars. and emergency managers, looked at and yard structures away from insurance providers look forward wildfire risk in key high-risk areas. For more information about the risks wildfires pose for residents their home, including play struc- to strengthening their relation- Freund noted that community- wildfire mitigation, visitwww.naco. and business owners, the role of tures, firewood piles and woody ships with local government and wide discussions about wildfire org/wildfire. • CountyNews January 18, 2010 13 from the NACo Model Programs Nation’s Counties grants Illinois County Plan Seeks available to Protect Water Sources for coastal By Ch a r l i e Ba n McKinney said many of the counties STAFF WRITER suggestions in the action plan are cost effective over time, though By Ci n d y Wa s s e r While real estate developers some involve an initial invest- COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSISTANT are searching for land on which to ment. build houses, McHenry County, “If you decrease the amount NACo announces the fourth Ill. is trying to secure drinking of pollutants entering the water, year of funding for the Coastal water for the people who will you don’t have to treat it before it’s Counties Restoration Initiative someday live there. drinkable,” she said. “Removing (CCRI). The initiative provides fi- As the quickly suburbanizing rock salt from water is one of the nancial assistance on a competitive county grows by nearly 65,700 most expensive treatment options basis to innovative, high quality households a year, water use is available, so it’s much cheaper for county-led or -supported ecosys- increasing from the average 34.6 municipalities to change what they tem restoration projects. In 2010, million gallons per day measured are doing now, rather than have CCRI will provide approximately in 2000. County projections to fix the problem years down $500,000 in new grants to improve expect water usage to top 67.5 the road.” stream, river, estuarine and other million gallons per day in 2030. McKinney recently presented important marine habitats, and Working from an engineer- the action plan to the Village of remove barriers such as dams ing study that predicted a water Algonquin Board of Trustees, and culverts for fish migration shortage in 2030, Water Resource which Algonquin Senior Planner and passage. Manager Cassandra McKinney Katie Parkhurst said received it Community-based applica- began recruiting participants for well and resolved to study the tions that are willing to work in the Water Protection Task Force recommendations over the next partnership with the National from each of McHenry County’s year. Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- 32 municipalities, plus business Parkhurst said the village istration (NOAA) will be given representatives and residents. started a water conservation pro- special consideration, as NOAA’s The task force met monthly McHenry County Board Chair- out to McKinney as vital — water gram in 2003, but the action plan’s Community-based Restoration for 26 months, starting in 2007, man Ken Koehler noted that the recharge and water quality protec- focus — protecting groundwater Program is providing major finan- to draft a coordinated plan to county had solicited input from tion, both of which are instrumental — would complement it well. She cial support for this partnership. protect the county’s water supply. municipalities before, when synthe- to making water supply sustainable, is meeting with different depart- This year’s grants will range from Illinois state law forbids counties sizing land use plans, but never had and both represent her greatest chal- ment heads to see what steps are $50,000 to $100,000, based upon a from enforcing ordinances in to get them to individually approve lenge presenting the action plan. already in place and what could project’s demonstrated need. incorporated areas, so McKin- changes. “Water is a renewable resource, work in the village’s framework. “NACo is very pleased that ney will present the suggestions “It’s not an easy task,” he said. as long as you live within its con- “I don’t know that we’d adopt our partnership with NOAA’s individually to each municipality “Everyone has their own thoughts straints,” she said. “If you use too 100 percent of the suggestions, Community-based Restoration to adopt entirely or in part. and agendas when it comes to how much or damage the supply, then it but we will review our policies Program will expand to bring Identifying target areas and they manage growth.” won’t renew in time and you have a and see which could benefit from additional resources to coastal developing action items helped He stressed the task force can’t shortage.” these ideas,” she said. “By next counties,” said NACo President produce a 12-section action force municipalities to do anything, The city of Marengo’s assistant fall we’ll have an idea where we Valerie Brown. “Our nation’s plan McKinney aims to have but the suggestions it offered could administrator, Josh Blakemore, need to adopt these action items coastal environment provides work across political boundaries. have long-reaching consequences. served on the task force and said his as policies or more formally as tremendous benefits. Counties Engineers mapped the locations “There probably is no more pre- city would likely adopt suggestions ordinances. Our board is receptive across the country are leading of sensitive aquifers, charted cious a natural resource than water,” that would help save money. to us going another step further in many critical efforts to restore heavy runoff areas and listed the he said. “If we abuse it or overuse “It’s difficult to say what would protecting the water supply.” these resources, and NACo is potential sources of contaminants it, the survival of the county or the fly in Marengo, but we’d be eager One idea Parkhurst likes is proud that this program will evident in routine county busi- opportunity for the county to grow to apply any policies that could having the police department col- bolster county-led efforts.” ness. will be completely eliminated.” mean cost-savings if they’re done lect unused medicine for disposal, Over the past three years, The action plan includes sug- Throughout the drafting process, correctly,” he said. rather than residents throwing old NACo has provided $800,000 to gestions to conserve water used elected officials have offered resis- Blakemore liked suggestions pills in the toilet. 12 county restoration projects. The for irrigation, landscaping, golf tance to being directed by the county about pavement deicing procedures Algonquin is willing to share funding helped restore 215 acres courses and agriculture, in indus- to change their policies. That’s where in cold weather. The report suggests its education and conservation of coastal wetlands and opened up trial and commercial facilities, and McKinney said the task force ap- improving rock salt storage facilities outreach materials. more than 12 miles of fish passage. in homes. Brochures are ready to proach has paid off. and handling procedures to prevent McKinney will continue her More than 100 counties submitted be printed to advise residents and “They write it, they have owner- accidental groundwater contamina- tour of the county, hoping to visit applications in the past three years property owners on lawn care ship or the ideas, and they aren’t tion and aggressive mechanical snow each municipal board by the end of funding. techniques that can reduce water proposing any ideas they couldn’t removal strategies to reduce the of March. CCRI is currently accepting usage and minimize the number see themselves accepting,” she said amount of salt needed to remove applications through the NACo of chemicals that enter the water of the municipal officials who served the ice. (Model Programs from the Nation’s Web site. The deadline for ap- table. on the task force. “Because it’s not The task force adapted field Counties highlights Achievement plications is March 29. For more “For this plan to be successful, the county forcing them to change guides for snowplow operators and Award-winning programs. For more information and to access the full each individual local government how they do things, they are a lot a handbook focused on maintaining information on this and other NACo RFP and application instructions, has to buy into it,” McKinney more open to new ideas.” parking lots and sidewalks in the Achievement Award winners, visit visit www.naco.org/ccri or call Car- said. Of the various topics, two stick winter. NACo’s Web site, www.naco.org.) rie Clingan at 202.942.4246 or e-mail at [email protected]. 14 January 18, 2010 CountyNews • News From the Nation’s Counties

XCALIFORNIA posts at the Cook County Jail. changing their operations’ names LOS ANGELES COUNTY When four clerical jobs in from departments to offices. collected 5,337 weapons in 2009 the sheriff’s department were “A department, like a police through the county’s gun exchange advertised this fall, the county department, will answer to the program. Sheriff’s deputies ran gun was swamped with some 14,000 chief executive of the community, drop-offs in supermarket parking applications, according to the such as a mayor, whereas an of- lots around the county and handed Chicago Sun-Times. fice, is an independent office, that out a total of $428,100 in gift cards answers to those in the community” throughout the year in exchange XINDIANA who elected them, ALBANY for the guns. The weapons are VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNTY Sheriff Jim Campbell destroyed and the steel is used for commissioners approved a consoli- said. building materials, the Los Angeles dation study with the city of Evans- The change would bring con- Times reported. ville. If the Evansville City Council sistency to local government approves a similar resolution within nomenclature, where for example, XDELAWARE a month, the two bodies would form other elected officials like the SUSSEX COUNTY officials a reorganization committee, ac- district attorney and the county hope an amnesty program will cording to the Chicago Sun-Times. clerk preside over offices, the Times spur approximately 5,100 account Voters would have to approve any Union reported. holders to pay nearly $1.8 million consolidation. “We’ve been identifying our- in back water and sewer fees. selves as a department, which isn’t Delinquent accountholders will XMARYLAND correct,” Campbell said. “This year need to pay the full amount due to Municipalities in FREDERICK Photo by The Beaver County Times the New York State Sheriff’s Asso- qualify for a 50 percent reduction COUNTY plan to challenge a new XPENNSYLVANIA ciation began encouraging sheriff’s in interest penalties. January and county ordinance in court. Even hard times and the loss of a key employee aren’t going to stop offices to identify themselves as an February water and sewer bills The ordinance places develop- BEAVER COUNTY from holding the World Championship Snow office.” will include information about the ment restrictions related to school Shovel Riding Contest. It took county officials a little time to come to amnesty program. Outstanding capacity on newly annexed prop- grips with the fact that budget cuts had forced the layoff of the event’s XOREGON accounts will then be referred to erties. The municipalities argue primary organizer last year, but the county administration is hoping to • CLACKAMAS COUNTY a full-time collection agency, the that interferes with their rights to hold the contest before the end of February. Commissioner Jim Bernard has Sussex Countian reported. determine their own growth poli- Recreation and Tourism Director Tom King said the contest requires proposed an ordinance that would Delinquent accounts compose cies. Commissioners defend the law parking lots to be cleared, two public works employees paid overtime require climbers of Mount Hood nearly 8 percent of the county’s because county schools feel the ef- because they would be working on Saturday, at least one county deputy, por- to carry locator beacons if they 66,000 water and sewer custom- fect of municipal growth, according table toilets, trophies and hay bales, The Beaver County Times reports. plan to ascend beyond 10,000 ers. to wtop.com. feet. “People are dying for no reason,” XILLINOIS XMICHIGAN XNEVADA a throwback to centuries ago when said Bender, himself a longtime The COOK COUNTY Sher- ALLEGAN COUNTY paid Starting this month, CLARK it applied only to white males who climber. “We need to find a way iff’s Office will hire up to 500 nearly $1.8 million to buy 22 acres and COUNTY can seek reimburse- owned land “free and clear,” the to protect them, and we need to new correctional officers in a former factory that will soon become ment for firefighters’ transporting Asbury Park Press reported. find a way to protect the people’s 2010, Sheriff Tom Dart said. The the new jail and sheriff’s office. up to 1,000 patients a year, the “The title of freeholder is resources,” the Associated Press positions will pay approximately County officials hope to start Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. incompatible with our advanced reported. $45,000 a year, including health, work on the new jail in 2011 — the The county will charge patients democratic form of government Last month, two climbers dental and vision insurance and a current jail often holds 186 inmates, the Medicare rate of $628 to $728 that welcomes the participation of vanished and are presumed dead, county pension. The jobs, approved more than its rated capacity of when firefighters take them to a citizens who do not own real prop- and their climbing partner’s body by Cook County commissioners as 173 inmates. The Holland Sentinal hospital. It’s a change lobbied for erty, as well as women and people of was found on the 11,239-foot part of the county’s overall $3 billion reported that the county was able by the county firefighters union and diverse racial and ancestral origin,” mountain. budget for 2010, are part of a federal to negotiate the selling price down approved by the state legislature. D’Amico said. A bill was defeated in the mandate to add correctional officer from $2.45 million. The cities of Las Vegas and The resolution now goes to Oregon Legislature in 2007 that Henderson are reimbursed for trans- Governor-elect Chris Christie (R) would have required Mount Hood porting patients. “We’re already and the State Legislature, who climbers to carry beacons on winter NACo on the Move transporting. We’re the only ones would have to authorize such a expeditions. who don’t get to collect,” said Chris change. Giunchigliani, Clark County com- • Thirty homeless families » In the News missioner, when the commission XNEW YORK in 30 homes in 30 days. That’s Jacqueline Byers, director of research, was quoted in the Las voted to implement the change. • SUFFOLK COUNTY Execu- the challenge MULTNOMAH Vegas Sun article “County Caught Playing Favorites” Jan. 9. On average, county rescue teams tive Steve Levy says he’s considering COUNTY has taken on. transport 350 patients annually a run for governor this year. If he Recently, the County Board » NACo Staff when private ambulances are not runs, he would challenge fellow unanimously passed a pilot program • Jared Lang has joined the Community available. Democrat Gov. David Paterson that will use $210,000 in county Services Department as project manager. Pre- — and possibly Attorney General contingency funds to help homeless viously, Lang worked for NACo as assistant XNEW JERSEY Andrew Cuomo — in a primary. families find houses or apartments, for the Center for Sustainable Communities What’s in a name? Confusion Levy was a county legislator and the Oregonian reported. from 2005 – 2006. He holds a Masters of Ur- and obsolescence if that name hap- served in the New York State As- The money will be used to ban Planning and a Certificate in Real Estate pens to be “freeholder,” according sembly before being elected to lead provide rental assistance for six Design and Development from the University to one MONMOUTH COUNTY the state’s most populous county months, and counseling and inter- of Pennsylvania. Jared Lang elected official. The county’s Board outside New York City. vention with landlords. One of the • Paul Beddoe, associate legislative director, of Freeholders recently passed a program’s goals is to get families was on a panel on health reform at the Maryland Association of nonbinding resolution saying they • Good-bye Sheriff’s Depart- currently in shelters into homes to Counties Winter Conference in Dorcester County (Cambridge) wish to be called county commis- ment; hello Sheriff’s Office. Fol- free up shelter beds for other needy Jan. 7. sioners. lowing a recommendation of the families. (On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson, editorial assistant.) Freeholder John D’Amico says New York State Sheriff’s Asso- the term freeholder is confusing and ciation, many county sheriffs are See NEWS FROM page 15 • CountyNews January 18, 2010 15 The H.R. Doctor Is In Old Acquaintance The first part of any new year is should not only be remembered but much time as we could with those goals real and to create measurable however subtly. Thinking that no traditionally a time to dredge up the extended into the future. These in- we love be forgotten? Clearly yes! accountability. change has occurred, that no old old Robert Burns poem, Auld Lang clude the fact that times of distress Should habits we might have of The goals and plans may be as acquaintances have been forgotten Syne, and to sing or stumble through can also be times of innovation being arrogant or thoughtless to simple as the dream vacation or a or remembered denies you the op- that first line of the poem, turned and actions which might not oth- the pressures and difficulties faced return to school for a long-delayed portunity to take control of your song, “Should old acquaintance be erwise be taken. They can be times by others be forgotten? Absolutely! certificate program or graduate own destiny and the destiny of forgot…?” In Human Resources The new year can be a time of degree. It may be as simple as your office and your coworkers. the answer to that question each “same old” inertia or a time of whisking away your spouse to an Use Robert Burns to open people’s year is a resounding and definitive Take a few moments renewal and creation of a better unexpected getaway, quiet dinner eyes and hearts to the opportunities yes and no. Classically, a new year to identify some of the year ahead. Clearly the latter is or ice cream treat. Above all, don’t all around us for fun, improvement is a time to do a personal and office acquaintances you should the desired outcome of singing the get into a position where next and better service to others. retrospective on what occurred in forget and not carry over Robert Burns-inspired song. year you’re singing the Robert the year before and also to look Take a few moments to identify Burns song again and nothing has ahead at new opportunities and into the new year. some of the acquaintances you changed at all. new plans. should forget and not carry over In reality, a no-change life or job Phil Rosenberg The year 2009 was certainly an into the new year. Decide to put is not possible. Everything changes, The HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net old acquaintance to be forgotten when inefficiencies can be tackled new acquaintances to work on for many people who struggled under the additional impetus of your team to make you a better and with economic distress and bristled a cost-reduction imperative. The more respected leader. Create an at the stories of those who “made acquaintance that we should each event of appreciation early in the off ” (sorry Bernie) with investors’ have with our own approaches year to recognize all the positive What’s money or received millions of to how we conduct ourselves at results colleagues you work with dollars in bonuses. It was a time work and at home also offers an have produced in the past year. Let of happily saying goodbye to opportunity to say good-bye to them know of your recognition in a a year when savings, including habits and approaches which are and how you value their partner- government employees’ deferred not productive and, in fact, may ship. Join with them in looking compensation, was savaged, and represent stumbling blocks to our ahead and acting now to identify Seal? a time when local government own success. opportunities and problems ahead. budgets in most parts of the country Should the old acquaintances Formulate business plans to attack were likewise under assault. of smoking or lack of exercise those issues before they attack you. »Union County, N.J. However, 2009 was a time be forgotten? Yes! Should the old Identify personal goals and follow- www.unioncountynj.org when many familiar acquaintances acquaintances of not spending as up action plans to make those Union County is a global transportation hub and one of the most densely populated counties in the United States, with more than half a million people packed into just a little more than 103 square miles Salt Lake County, Utah considers that includes 21 separate municipalities along with major corporate and industrial parks. Located in the central point of New Jersey, tether time limits for dogs the county is home to one of the nation’s first county-based public parks systems. NEWS FROM from page 14 said Gene Baierschmidt, executive seat for some time. Of the county’s The county seal reflects the important role played by Union County director of the Humane Society of 500 government employees, 400 XUTAH in Colonial history. It depicts the tragic death of Hannah Caldwell, Utah. “Why even own a dog if you work out of Kennewick offices. an event that marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The SALT LAKE COUNTY are going to tether it all the time?” And elected department heads, Caldwell was the wife of James Caldwell, the pastor of the First Council has given preliminary ap- including county commissioners, Presbyterian Church in present-day Elizabeth. Known as the “Soldier proval to a measure that limits the XWASHINGTON maintain offices in both cities. To Parson,” Rev. Caldwell was an ardent patriot who raised the ire of amount of time a dog can be tied After 25 years of lobbying to Staples, that’s a waste of money — local loyalists with his fiery sermons. When the war broke out, he up. The proposed rules would make move the BENTON COUNTY and possibly illegal, according to a served as a chaplain, eventually becoming the deputy quartermaster it a Class B misdemeanor — with up seat, Fred Staples, a retired Superior Yakima Herald report. general of the Continental Army. to a $1,500 fine — for people who Court judge, is continuing his fight. He succeeded in getting a similar For safety, Hannah Caldwell moved with her nine children to a keep their dogs tethered longer than County officials are verifying more measure on the ballot in 1984. It quiet village in present-day Union Township. But the war followed 10 hours. than 20,000 signatures Staples gath- fell 5.6 percentage points shy of them. In June of 1870, British troops passed through the area. They The rules would apply in ered of people who favor moving the 60 percent of the vote needed were retreating from nearby Short Hills after suffering a defeat at the unincorporated areas of the county, the county seat from Prosser to for passage. hands of General Washington. Caldwell refused to flee the cottage, where some 170,000 people reside, Kennewick. fearing that the British would burn it down if she left it vacant, and according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Staples says that Kennewick, CONGRATULATIONS on June 7 she was killed. “What we are after here are the county’s population center, has ... to LINCOLN COUNTY, Regardless of the precise circumstances, the death of Hannah people who tether their dogs 24/7,” been serving as the de facto county TENN., CAMPBELL COUNTY, Caldwell sparked outrage across the colonies and helped to renew VA. and WASHOE COUNTY, the Americans’ resolve to fight. Her death became emblematic of NEV. , who were winners in NACo’s the bravery and sacrifice borne by so many families for the sake of Change the World, Start with County News invites freedom from oppression. ENERGY STAR Campaign. They Union County formally adopted the traditional image of Hannah receive a $5,000 grant, courtesy of Letters to the Editor Caldwell’s death as its sole county seal in 1933. The “1857” under Wal-Mart. Do you have a compliment, complaint or diferent point of the cottage refers to the year that Union County was separated from view? ... LET US KNOW. Essex County. (News From the Nation’s Counties is Please include a phone number with your letter. Mail, fax or e-mail to: compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie County News, NACo, 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher Washington, DC 20001; 202.393.2630; [email protected]. Ban, staff writers. If you have an item Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) for News From, please e-mail ctaylor@ naco.org or [email protected].) 16 January 18, 2010 CountyNews • Research News New Year, New Laws In addition to starting New intends to make it more difficult cigarette manufacturers must working days, and jurisdictions have decreased in value. Year’s resolutions, the stroke of for companies to target vulnerable provide only fire-safe cigarettes to cannot charge copying fees for The new laws also create an midnight Jan.1 also marked the residents. Michigan retail stores beginning the first 50 pages of information expedited arbitration process implementation of a variety of Washington state enacted a law Jan.1.The altered cigarettes have provided. For requests beyond 50 and require substantial evidence new laws. to curtail payday loan abuse by been shown to reduce the number pages, no more than 15 cents can be to increase an appraisal after a Four states — Illinois, Kansas, both borrowers and lenders. Start- of house fires. All other states, charged for each additional page. successful appeal. In addition, New Hampshire and Oregon ing Jan. 1, borrowers cannot take except Wyoming, have a similar In addition, texts and e-mails are propositions passed by Texas — have new state laws aimed out a payday loan for more than law in effect. This law precedes officially included under Illinois’ voters in November gave the legis- at reducing distracted driving. $700 or one-third of their gross a smoking ban in all Michigan FOIA. lature the authority to set uniform Illinois and New Hampshire join monthly income, whichever is less. bars and restaurants that goes into In Texas, several new laws took appraisal standards in the future. 18 other states in banning the send- In addition, only a maximum of effect May 1. effect on Jan. 1 that changed the These new laws seek to improve ing or reading of text messages or eight payday loans can be issued in In Illinois, significant changes appraisal process. One new law fairness in the appraisal process e-mails while driving. The Kansas a one year period. Instead of cap- in the state’s Freedom of Informa- requires appraisers to consider across the state. law bans the use of cell phones, ping interest rates as other states tion Act (FOIA) into effect Jan. 1. all comparable properties when including texting, by young drivers have done, Washington lawmakers Under the new law, FOIA requests appraising a home, including those (Research News was written by Kath- aged 16–21. are requiring lenders to work with must be processed within five recently sold at foreclosure or that ryn Murphy, research associate.) With one of the strictest laws borrowers who cannot make their in the country, Oregon now bans payments by creating installment the use of a cell phone for talking, plans and providing specific rules texting or e-mailing without the for when and how often borrowers use of a hands-free device for all can be contacted. drivers. Offenders in Oregon face A new law in North Carolina a $142 ticket. requires landlords to provide car- To crack down on fraud by bon monoxide detectors in rental County News mortgage modification compa- properties. Often called the silent nies, a new law in Florida requires killer, carbon monoxide is an individuals or businesses that invisible, odorless gas that goes provide loan modifications to unnoticed without a detector. be licensed by the Florida Office Following a similar statute for of Financial Regulation. South smoke detectors, the law requires a Florida ranks fourth in the nation minimum of one operating carbon for home loan modifications, and monoxide detector per rental unit Get the news Miami-Dade County’s Mortgage and per floor with fuel-burning Fraud Task Force has handled heaters, appliances, fireplaces or more than 200 cases of loan an attached garage. before it's news in modification fraud. This new law Under a new law in Michigan, Financial Services News County News ... FOLLOW US at ... New Member Benefit Online http://twitter.com/nacocountynews for County Employees NACo has launched a new portal, thousands of brand-name member benefit— the Government merchants, Internet-based and also Employee Marketplace. The Web retail-based site, available to public employees Simple — user friendly, easy to and retirees, offers various govern- navigate, search and categorization ment employee discount programs, functionality, minimal registration and other discounts and limited of- and login requirements, and fers. Employees select the products Local Access — get information and services they wish to use, and on local gas prices, travel search, may also sign-up to be notified about sitter finder, dining and grocery deals on specific products. NACo deals. partners with Govmarket.org to pro- The local access feature also vide this service as a member benefit. allows users to refer local providers Key features of the program and manufacturers to the site for fea- Get involved ... include: tured discounts they offer locally to Free — no cost to join, no government employees or the public get on the NACo Network ... membership fee, no activation fee, at large. To sign up for the program no access fee go to www.govmarket.org and follow Significant savings — exclusive the instructions to join. volume discounts, collective mark- For more information on the downs and promotions, seasonal Marketplace, contact Nancy @NACoTweets sales, free shipping Parrish at [email protected] or Convenience — one online 202.661.8824.