Signing statements

I was going to write about signing statements last week when Obama issued one, but then I saw that Melissa had posted on this topic, so I just commented on her blog with my thoughts. Now, the NY Times editors are weighing in. Melissa was definitely correct in saying that people will be watching Obama to see if his actions match his words. The NY Times editors say "...the speed with which he issued this statement, and the number of provisions he objected to, raise concerns that he may use these statements too aggressively. It will bear watching."

Indeed.

Obama Links Ed Tech to Economic Growth

When catching up on reading some educational journals this week, I ran across this article: Obama Links Ed Tech to Economic Growth. This economic stimulus plan could mean funding coming to the schools for broadband internet access and computers.

"From the integral role that technology played in his campaign to indications that he will create a chief technology officer in the federal government for the first time, Obama has led many ed-tech experts to believe that the new administration will revolutionize the way technology is viewed and used in the United States, and, it is hoped, in K-12 education."

There were a few items that made me think of information policy. The Relyea article described and gave a brief history of the Presidential Records Act which requires that all presidential correspondence be made part of the public record. This article explains that Obama's favorite means of communication is his blackberry and unless a solution is found he may have to stop using it to send and receive emails. Also mentioned in reference to Obama's commitment to technology is his move to appoint a chief technology officer for the government.

Another item to watch for in regards to policy will be Obama's appointment of Arne Duncan as U. S. Secretary of Education and his attempts to lead the new administration’s effort to improve the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act and to work with Congress to rewrite the law for reauthorization.