Senator Conrad Burns’ Montana eNewsLetter Friday, April 15, 2005 version 4, edition 81

2004 Tax Extension

With April 15th upon us, I wanted to give you the resource you’ll need to file for an extension this tax-season. Completing and filing a tax extension form will give you additional time to complete your 2004 tax return – in most cases you can get an extension until August 15, 2005. You are still required to pay any taxes due by the end of today or you may be subject to penalties and interest. You can find the form you need at Montana’s Department of Revenue website by going to: http://www.discoveringmontana.com/revenue/formsandresources/forms.asp. For more information on available individual income tax assistance, please call their Customer Service Center at (406) 444-6900.

Gallatin Forest Travel Plan Comment Period Extended

I’m excited to tell you that the Gallatin National Forest extended the comment period on their travel plan to August 1, 2005. This extension will give Montanans a chance to spend more time looking over the plan and give the Forest Service detailed information about road and trail closures that don’t make sense. Our National Forests and backcountry trails are a huge draw for Montana. They’re a large part of the unique lifestyle we value and bring tourism dollars and provide jobs in the state. With Montana’s economy becoming more dependent on tourism, I am concerned limiting OHV and snowmobile use could have a significant negative effect on our state as a whole. If a road or trail needs to be closed, I expect the Forest Service to explore all the options for the road, such as seasonal gate closures that will allow public access at least part of the time.

SPY BLOCK Act

In my ongoing effort to protect consumers in the digital age, I have recently introduced the SPY BLOCK Act with my colleague Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon. The SPY BLOCK Act would prohibit a variety of surreptitious practices that result in spyware and other unwanted software being placed on consumers’ computers. In today’s internet focused world, the practice of secretly installing programs into the hard drives of computer users has become all too common. When I purchase a computer and install it in my home, I expect to be the only one who has access to it. This legislation gives control back to those who should have it—it protects computer users from those potentially devastating spies and the programs they want to install. SPY BLOCK starts from the premise that each computer user should have knowledge and control over what software is resident on his or her machine. Thus, the bill’s prohibitions generally focus on the installation of software. The bill also includes criminal penalties for certain particularly egregious and intentional acts, and protection for providers of anti-spyware technology acting in good faith from being sued for blocking or removing software programs from a user’s computer. The Federal Trade Commission would be charged with enforcing SPY BLOCK, with violations treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. In addition, state Attorneys General would be authorized to bring actions as well. The bill would preempt state spyware statutes, except to the extent such statutes prohibit deception. For more information, visit the “Press Release” section of my website at: http://www.burns.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Home.

Keep ICBM Strength At 500

The Quadrennial Defense Review is in the process of analyzing current U.S. Military structures. These findings may be used by the Base Realignment and Closure commission (BRAC) as the Department of Defense finds ways to reduce cost and increase efficiency. Recently, I penned a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and invited colleagues from states that have U.S. Air Force Space Wings to join me in signing the letter. While I support the concept of a strategic reduction in warheads, I don’t think the burden should be shouldered by our land-based ICBMs. It is critical our nuclear deterrent force remain balanced, and with an eventual goal of 1,700 to 2,200 warheads, we should hold our land-based arsenal at 500, and balance the reduction over the strategic bomber fleet, and the sub-launched warheads. Reducing the number of land-based missiles would disproportionately weight the nuclear triad toward the other two delivery systems. I believe this is unwise, especially in the post 9-11 environment, and as we see states like Russia and China upgrading their nuclear capabilities. I continue to believe the 500 level adequately dissuades bad actors from pursuing parity with our forces and helps reduce the risk of regional arms races that could force our non-nuclear friends to develop nuclear capabilities of their own.

Meeting With Air Force Officials

Last week I met with senior Air Force officials to discuss Montana’s military capacity and the idea of using Montana airspace for training. In my meeting with General Jumper, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Dominguez, we discussed bringing the new F/A-22 aircraft to Montana’s wide open spaces. These days, because of encroachment issues, airspace is at a premium, and I think Montana could be a great site for future training. I think that Montana’s size and geographical makeup could lend itself well to various joint training scenarios. We have land variations, weather fluctuations, and clear skies, not to mention the fact that Montana has the largest single Military Operating Area (MOA) in the lower 48 states—all of which add up to a great location for training.

BRAC Causes Construction Delays

I’m deeply concerned over the decision by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to halt all construction on installations, including Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. The USAF seeks to hold construction until after the Base Realignment and Closure commission (BRAC) has made its recommendations. I sent a letter this week to Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Michael L. Dominguez regarding this issue. Congress appropriated these funds to improve the quality of life on our military bases, and the halting of new construction has the potential to dilute the importance and quality of our military installations as they face another round of BRAC. This cuts six weeks out of our construction season at Malmstrom AFB and other bases in the north. We have been fighting to get these projects funded because they are needed. I just want to make sure they get done – despite this freeze – in an expeditious manner.

Strengthening Social Security

As you know, strengthening Social Security is one of the top priorities of Congress and of the President. While some reform to Social Security should be considered, I want you to know that no changes will be made for those born before 1950. Those who currently receive Social Security or are near retirement will see no change in their benefits. In considering every option, it is my goal to find a long term remedy and address the looming problem. I will look forward to hearing your input on this important issue, and am open to considering any proposal that makes Social Security more solvent. If you have any comments or concerns about Social Security, please feel free to contact me or send an email to: [email protected].

New NCLB Flexibility

I am thrilled to learn of Secretary of Education Margaret Spelling’s recent announcement regarding new guidance and additional flexibility on the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Among the changes are that states can use alternative assessments based on modified achievement standards for those students with “persistent academic disabilities;” that is, students who are not likely to reach grade level achievement because of their disability in the same timeframe as students without disabilities. States may include proficient scores from such assessments in making adequate yearly progress (AYP) decisions and those scores will be capped at two percent of the total tested population in addition to counting up to one percent of proficient scores for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, for a total of three percent. This announcement also comes with $14 million in technical assistance (from existing resources) to help states with assessments and instruction of students with disabilities. Making sure we assess the needs of our students will allow us to best serve these needs and create a positive education environment. What works for one student may not for another, and it’s important to find learning paths that works for all our students. This flexibility will truly impact Montana’s more urban schools and districts, and this announcement is an extremely positive step for our schools and students across the state.

The National Drought Preparedness Act

I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Pete Domenici, in introducing the National Drought Preparedness Act. This important legislation would coordinate government planning and response to drought through a coherent national policy. As you know, Montana has been suffering the effects of prolonged drought, and a proactive response is needed at all levels. The bill also promotes improved drought monitoring, which will assist local, state, and national leaders address drought mitigation. The legislation is supported by the Western Governors Association, National Association of Conservation Districts, and the Western States Water Council. I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation, and look forward to Senate consideration.

Change In International Travel Requirements

All travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda will soon be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. The initiative will be implemented in phases. The proposed timeline is as follows:

* On December 31, 2005: Requirement applied to all air or sea travel to or from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
* On December 31, 2006: Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
* On December 31, 2007: Requirement extended to all air, sea, and land border crossings.

For more information on the initiative and how it may affect you, please visit the State Department’s consular website at: http://www.travel.state.gov or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at: http://www.dhs.gov.

Tribal Educator Loan Forgiveness

I have recently introduced a bill designed to allow up to $15,000 in student loan forgiveness for educators who commit to teaching in Tribal Colleges and Universities. In addition to forgiveness for Perkins, Direct, or Guaranteed loans, this legislation will also provide assistance for nursing faculty at tribal colleges. The nursing shortage is a nationwide problem, particularly in rural areas and specifically in Indian Country. I know how hard our tribal colleges work to achieve success, and to maintain high standards. A talented faculty is key to those goals, but too often, tight budgets for tribal colleges limit their ability to recruit and retain faculty. Our tribal colleges, and their students, deserve quality teachers, and providing loan forgiveness will help attract and keep good faculty in what can be very rural areas.

EDA Investment Funds for Fort Peck Indian Reservation

I’m pleased to tell you that the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved the application of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation for EDA investment. This $44,000 investment will support the continued implementation of the Tribes’ economic development planning program, as a part of President Bush’s commitment to keep America working. It’s great news for the families and businesses on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, as it will serve as a foundation for future economic successes and growth.

The Rural Schools Geography Act

Early last week I introduced “The Rural Schools Geography Act” to help protect rural schools. Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), schools that do not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements for two consecutive years must provide their students the option to transfer to another school, a requirement that does not take the distances of rural communities into account. This legislation would not require local education agencies to provide a student with the option to transfer to another school if providing the option is impractical due to: the distance to be traveled, a geographical barrier or hazard, or an unusually high cost of travel. Our rural students already travel long distances for their education, and requiring that they trek to alternative schools may mean even longer commutes and more dangerous routes. This would leave our students with little time for homework, family and extracurricular activities, and prevent them participating in these important experiences. These longer commutes would also pose problems during the long Montana winters, making these journeys much more difficult or even impossible at times. This legislation clarifies what is feasible for school transfers and gives states like Montana the ability to protect our schools and students by taking our rural landscapes into account.

Funding For Claggett Hill

I’m happy to announce that Claggett Hill, Lewis and Clark Ferry Boat Facilities on the Missouri River will receive $992,000 for rehabilitations. Included is funding for: McClelland-Stafford Ferry, which crosses the Missouri River between Blaine and Fergus Counties; Carter Ferry, which crosses the Missouri River at a location approximately 6 miles southeast of Carter; Virgille Ferry, which crosses the Missouri River approximately 15 miles south of Big Sandy and 28 miles north of Geraldine. These are the dollars that keep our commerce flowing. We’ve got a lot of space to cover in Montana but community access and connectivity are vital for the surrounding region. This funding is the key to further growth of our communities and our economy, and we must continue to invest in this type of improvement and expansion.

Come Home Montana

I’d like to point out the Come Home Montana Project, a great resource for anyone considering moving to Montana or anyone who wants more information about our state. The Come Home Montana Project believes in the importance of retaining, regaining and attracting talented, creative individuals to Montana. To aid in your quest home, the Come Home Montana Project has created a website where you can find community specific information that will assist you in making sound decisions in determining which community provides the best fit for your vision of the future. It’s a fantastic resource, and gives people the ability to raise their families in the kind of environment that only Montana can offer. I encourage each and every one of you to give it a look. To access the Come Home Montana website, point your web browser to: http://www.comehomemontana.org.

Military Service Academy Nominations

Each year I look forward to another round of nominations for bright, young Montana students wanting to attend our U.S. Service Academies. As a former Marine, and now as your United States Senator, I enjoy the opportunity to assist those future American leaders who want to attend a U.S. Service Academy. If you are, or know of, a young man or woman interested in a top-of-the-line education and a commission to the United States Armed Forces, please contact my Academy Advisor, Lisa Wheeler, at (406) 723-3277 or (800) 344-1513. The deadline is November 1st for the following years entering class. For more information, visit my website by going to: http://www.senate.gov/~burns/index.cfm?.FuseAction=Academies.Home.