Summary: Working Families Wage and Access to Health Care Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to incrementally increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations, and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Establishes the Association Health Plan Fund to be used by the Secretary of Labor to make payments to an insurer to maintain coverage for a plan, if there is a reasonable expectation that, without such payments, claims would not be satisfied by reason of termination of coverage. Requires the Secretary to establish a Solvency Standards Working Group. Allows a state to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan, if the plan commenced operations in such state after the date of enactment of this Act. Preempts any state law that may preclude a health insurance issuer from: (1) offering health insurance coverage in connection with a certified AHP; or (2) offering health insurance coverage of the same policy type to other employers operating in the state which are eligible for coverage under such AHPs, whether or not such other employers are participating employers in such plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the increased expensing allowance for small business assets. Revises the definition of "qualified restaurant property" to eliminate the requirement that improvements to restaurant property must be placed in service more than three years after the original building is placed in service.

working_families wage access health_care act_-_amends fair labor standards act incrementally increase federal minimum wage small_business_health_fairness_act amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements establishes_the_association_health_plan_fund secretary labor payments insurer maintain coverage plan reasonable expectation payments claims satisfied reason termination coverage requires secretary establish solvency standards working_group allows state impose contribution tax association health plan plan commenced operations state date enactment act preempts state law preclude health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage connection certified ahp offering health insurance coverage policy type employers operating state eligible coverage ahps employers participating employers plan amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend increased expensing allowance small business assets revises definition qualified restaurant property eliminate requirement improvements restaurant property placed service years original building placed service


Summary: A Living Wage, Jobs for All Act - Declares that Congress affirms the basic economic rights and responsibilities under the 1944 "Economic Bill of Rights," while updating and extending it to include: (1) certain rights to decent jobs, income security for individuals unable to work for pay, a decent living for farm families, freedom from monopolies, decent housing, adequate health services, Social Security in old age, sickness, accidental injury, and unemployment, and education and work training; and (2) certain other rights relating to collective bargaining, a safe working environment, information on trends in pollution sources and products and processes that affect the well-being of workers throughout the world, voting and campaigning, and personal security. Requires corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to disclose fully in annual reports the impact of their activities on environmental quality and on the rights of other stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities. Requires each state to require all state-chartered corporations to submit such annual reports. Directs the Attorney General to establish a computerized registration program of all corporations found guilty of violating a federal or state law. Authorizes the President to deny federal contracts, loans, or loan guarantees to non-compliant corporations. Requires federal agencies and commissions, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to help establish and maintain conditions under which all adult Americans may freely exercise the economic rights specified in 1944 and in this Act. Prohibits federal agencies or commissions from promoting recession, stagnation, or unemployment to reduce wages or inflation. Directs the President to establish a full employment framework for the annual budget submitted to Congress that meets specified goals for: (1) quality of life and environment; (2) responsible, sustainable growth; (3) unemployment reduction; and (4) human rights. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to oversee actions under this Act and submit an annual Concurrent Resolution on Economic Policy setting forth its proposed employment goals.

living wage jobs act declares congress affirms basic economic rights responsibilities economic bill rights updating extending include certain rights decent jobs income security individuals unable work pay decent living farm families freedom decent housing adequate health services social_security old age accidental injury unemployment education work training certain rights relating collective bargaining safe working environment information trends pollution sources products processes affect workers world voting personal security requires corporations registered securities_and_exchange_commission sec disclose fully annual reports impact activities environmental quality rights stakeholders including employees consumers communities requires state require state chartered corporations submit annual reports directs attorney general establish computerized registration program corporations found guilty violating federal state law authorizes president deny federal contracts loans loan guarantees non compliant corporations requires federal agencies commissions including board_of_governors federal_reserve_system help establish maintain conditions adult americans freely exercise economic rights specified act prohibits federal agencies commissions promoting recession unemployment reduce wages inflation directs president establish employment framework annual budget submitted congress meets specified goals quality life environment responsible sustainable growth unemployment reduction human rights requires joint economic committee oversee actions act submit annual concurrent resolution economic policy setting forth proposed employment goals


Summary: Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 - Title I: Recovery Rebates and Incentives for Business Investment - (Sec. 101) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant tax rebates of the lesser of net income tax liability or $600 to individual taxpayers ($1,200 for married taxpayers filing joint returns). Allows additional rebates of $300 for each child of an eligible taxpayer.Provides for a minimum tax rebate of $300 ($600 for married taxpayers filing joint returns) for taxpayers with earned income of at least $3,000. Includes social security retirement benefits and compensation and pension benefits paid to disabled veterans for purposes of determining income eligibility for rebates.Reduces the amount of such rebates by 5% of the amount that exceeds an adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for married taxpayers filing joint returns). Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay tax rebates as rapidly as possible. Prohibits: (1) payment of rebates after December 31, 2008; and (2) payment of a rebate to a taxpayer without a valid identification number (i.e., social security number). Provides for payment of comparable tax rebates to residents of the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. Provides that the payment of a tax rebate shall not be considered income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal and federally-assisted state benefit programs.Makes appropriations for FY2008 to implement payment of the tax rebates. Directs the Secretary to submit a plan and quarterly reports to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations on actual and expected expenditures of appropriated funds.(Sec. 102) Increases in 2008: (1) the expensing allowance for depreciable business assets to $250,000; and (2) the maximum investment phase-out threshold for such expensing allowance to $800,000.(Sec. 103) Increases to 50% (from 30%) the amount of the adjusted basis of certain depreciable property (e.g., equipment and computer software) that may be claimed as a deductible expense in 2008.Title II: Housing GSE and FHA Loan Limits - (Sec. 201) Raises the statutory ceiling on the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage originated between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008, that may be purchased by either the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Disregards mortgages purchased with the increased ceiling amount for purposes of meeting certain housing goals established under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992.Expresses the sense of Congress that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should securitize mortgages acquired pursuant to the increased conforming loan limits of this Act if the manner of securitization does not: (1) impose additional costs for mortgages originated, purchased, or securitized under existing limits; or (2) interfere with the goal of adding liquidity to the market.(Sec. 202) Establishes a temporary loan limit increase for FHA-insured mortgages in specified high-cost areas for which a borrower received credit approval by December 31, 2008.Grants the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) discretionary authority to increase loan limits in 2008 based upon the size and location of residences in particular areas. Directs the Secretary to publish the median house prices and mortgage principal obligation limits as revised by this Act not later than 30 days after its enactment. Title III: Emergency Designation - Designates all provisions of this Act as emergency requirements and necessary to meet emergency needs for certain budgetary purposes.

economic stimulus act title recovery rebates incentives business investment sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code grant tax rebates lesser net income tax liability individual taxpayers married taxpayers filing joint returns allows additional rebates child eligible taxpayer provides minimum tax rebate married taxpayers filing joint returns taxpayers earned income includes social_security retirement benefits compensation pension benefits paid disabled veterans purposes determining income eligibility rebates reduces rebates exceeds adjusted gross income married taxpayers filing joint returns directs secretary treasury pay tax rebates rapidly possible prohibits payment rebates december payment rebate taxpayer valid identification number social_security number provides payment comparable tax rebates residents commonwealths puerto_rico northern_mariana_islands provides payment tax rebate shall considered income purposes determining eligibility federal federally assisted state benefit programs makes appropriations fy2008 implement payment tax rebates directs secretary submit plan quarterly reports senate house committees appropriations actual expected expenditures appropriated increases expensing allowance depreciable business assets maximum investment phase threshold expensing allowance increases adjusted basis certain depreciable property equipment computer software claimed deductible expense housing gse fha loan limits sec raises statutory ceiling maximum original principal obligation mortgage originated july december purchased federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac disregards mortgages purchased increased ceiling purposes meeting certain housing goals established housing_and_community_development_act sense congress fannie_mae freddie_mac securitize mortgages acquired pursuant increased conforming loan limits act manner securitization impose additional costs mortgages originated purchased securitized existing limits interfere goal adding liquidity establishes temporary loan limit increase fha insured mortgages specified high cost areas borrower received credit approval december secretary housing_and_urban_development hud discretionary authority increase loan limits based size location residences particular areas directs secretary publish median house prices mortgage principal obligation limits revised act later days enactment title iii emergency designation designates provisions act emergency requirements necessary meet emergency needs certain budgetary purposes


Summary: National Commission on Financial Collapse and Recovery Act of 2008 - Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on the Financial Collapse and Recovery of 2008 to study and report to the President and Congress on the facts, circumstances, and causes relating to the collapse of the financial markets and financial institutions that occurred during 2008, along with recommendations for corrective measures to prevent such failures in the future.

national_commission financial collapse recovery_act establishes legislative branch national_commission financial collapse recovery study report president congress facts circumstances causes relating collapse financial markets financial institutions occurred recommendations corrective measures prevent failures future


Summary: Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008 - Title I: Infrastructure Investments - Chapter I: Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for infrastructure investments to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for: (1) the Federal Aviation Administration, grants-in-aid for airports; (2) Federal Highway Administration, highway infrastructure investment; (3) Federal Railroad Administration, capital and debt service grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); (4) Federal Transit Administration, transit capital assistance and transit energy assistance grants. Chapter 2: Clean Water - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for clean water to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state and tribal assistance grants. Chapter 3: Flood Control and Water Resources - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for flood control and water resources to: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) - Civil for the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers; and (2) the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Chapter 4: 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities - Makes supplemental FY2009 appropriations to the Department of Education for school modernization, renovation, and repair (for 21st century green high-performing public school facilities). (Sec. 1401) Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants to states for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including public charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among states on the basis of the relative portion of school improvement funds provided to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Reserves 1% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools. Requires states to reallocate such grant funds to LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of school improvement funds received by LEAs in the state for the previous fiscal year. Prohibits LEAs from using this Act's grants: (1) for maintenance costs, stadiums, or facilities used primarily for events for which the public is charged admission; or (2) to supplant funds otherwise available for school modernization, renovation, repair, and construction efforts. Prohibits States from considering LEAs' receipt of this Act's grants in determining their eligibility for state aid or the amount of state aid they receive. Requires grantees' contracting procedures for school modernization, renovation, repair, and construction to ensure the maximum number of qualified bidders through full and open competition. Requires the iron and steel used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in this country, subject to specified exceptions. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of work assisted under this Act to be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality. Directs LEA grantees to use at least 25% of grant funds for public school modernization, renovation, repairs, or construction that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating standards, Energy Star standards, Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating standards (Green Globes), or equivalent standards adopted by the entities that have jurisdiction over such LEAs. Requires the Secretary to provide outreach and technical assistance to states and LEAs concerning the best practices in school modernization, renovation, repair, and construction. Chapter 5: Housing - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for public and Indian housing to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Public Housing Capital Fund. Chapter 6: Energy Development - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for: (1) energy efficiency and renewable energy; (2) electricity delivery and energy reliability; and (3) the advanced battery loan guarantee program account. Title II: Unemployment Compensation and Job Training - Chapter 1: Extension of Unemployment Compensation - (Sec. 2101) Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to increase the alternative amounts required for first-tier benefits in state emergency unemployment compensation accounts. Requires the amount to be equal to the lesser of: (1) 80% (currently, 50%) of the total amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable to the individual during the individual's benefit year; or (2) 20 (currently, 13) times the individual's average weekly benefit amount for the benefit year. (Sec. 2102) Sets forth a special rule for second-tier benefits (identical to the current benefits for first-tier benefits without the increases under this chapter. Prescribes circumstances under which a state shall be considered to be in an extended unemployment benefit period. Limits any individual's emergency unemployment compensation account to only one augmentation under this chapter. (Sec. 2103) Prohibits any additional augmentation for any account exhausted after March 31, 2009. Prohibits any compensation under this chapter for any week beginning after August 27, 2009. Chapter 2: Job Training - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration for: (1) job training and employment services; and (2) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations. Title III: Temporary Increase in Medicaid Matching Rate - (Sec. 3001) Prescribes a temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Requires substitution of the FY2008 FMAP for the FY2009 FMAP if the former is greater than the latter. Requires, similarly, substitution of the the FY2009 FMAP for the FY2010 FMAP if the former is greater than the latter, but only for the portion of the first calendar quarter in FY2010 before December 1, 2009. Makes for each state for FY2009 and the portion of FY2010 up to December 1, 2009: (1) a general 1% increase in the FMAP; and (2) a general 4% increase in the cap on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Requires specified further percentage point increases in the FMAP per calendar quarter for each state that meets certain qualifying criteria, including: (1) reduced employment in the state; (2) a specified increase in food stamp or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation; and (3) a specified increase in the housing foreclosure rate. Specifies circumstances that would make a state ineligible for such increases. (Sec. 3002) Prescribes an adjustment in the computation of the Medicaid FMAP to disregard significantly disproportionate employer pension and insurance fund contributions in a state, as calculated according to a specified formula. Title IV: Temporary Increase in Food Assistance - (Sec. 4001) Revises the formula for calculating the value of certain benefits determined under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa, using 105% of the June 2008 value of the thrifty food plan. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make specified funds available for the costs of associated state administrative expenses. Makes necessary appropriations. Title V: General Provisions - (Sec. 5001) Entitles this entire Act the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008. (Sec. 5002) Prohibits the use of any funds made available in this Act to employ unlawful aliens in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Sec. 5003) Designates each amount in each title of this Act as an emergency requirement, necessary to meet emergency needs. (Sec. 5004) Declares that each amount in this Act, unless otherwise expressly provided, is made available in addition to amounts otherwise available for FY2009.

job creation unemployment relief_act title infrastructure investments chapter transportation makes supplemental appropriations fy2009 infrastructure investments department_of_transportation dot federal_aviation_administration grants aid airports federal_highway_administration highway infrastructure investment federal_railroad_administration capital debt service grants national_railroad_passenger_corporation amtrak federal_transit_administration transit capital assistance transit energy assistance grants chapter clean water makes supplemental appropriations fy2009 clean water environmental_protection_agency epa state tribal assistance grants chapter flood control water resources makes supplemental appropriations fy2009 flood control water resources department_of_defense dod civil department_of_the_army corps_of_engineers department_of_the_interior bureau_of_reclamation chapter 21st century green high performing public school facilities makes supplemental fy2009 appropriations department_of_education school modernization renovation repair 21st century green high performing public school facilities sec requires secretary education grants states modernization renovation repair public schools including public charter schools safe healthy high performing technologically date allocates grant funds states basis relative portion school improvement funds provided local educational agencies leas state title elementary secondary education act reserves grant funds assistance outlying areas indian schools requires states reallocate grant funds leas basis lea share school improvement funds received leas state previous fiscal year prohibits leas act grants maintenance costs facilities primarily events public charged admission supplant funds available school modernization renovation repair construction efforts prohibits states considering leas receipt act grants determining eligibility state aid state aid receive requires grantees contracting procedures school modernization renovation repair construction ensure maximum number qualified bidders open competition requires iron steel projects funded act produced country subject specified exceptions requires laborers mechanics employed contractors subcontractors performance work assisted act paid wages rates prevailing similar work locality directs lea grantees use grant funds public school modernization renovation repairs construction meet leadership energy environmental design leed green building rating standards energy_star standards collaborative high performance schools chps criteria green building initiative environmental design rating standards green_globes equivalent standards adopted entities jurisdiction leas requires secretary provide outreach technical assistance states leas concerning best practices school modernization renovation repair construction chapter housing makes supplemental appropriations fy2009 public indian housing department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud public housing capital_fund chapter energy development makes supplemental appropriations fy2009 department_of_energy doe energy efficiency renewable energy electricity delivery energy reliability advanced battery loan guarantee program account title unemployment compensation job training chapter extension unemployment compensation sec amends supplemental appropriations act increase alternative amounts required tier benefits state emergency unemployment compensation accounts requires equal lesser currently total regular compensation including dependents allowances payable individual individual benefit year currently times individual average weekly benefit benefit year sec sets forth special rule second tier benefits identical current benefits tier benefits increases chapter prescribes circumstances state shall considered extended unemployment benefit period limits individual emergency unemployment compensation account augmentation chapter sec prohibits additional augmentation account exhausted march prohibits compensation chapter week beginning august chapter job training makes supplemental appropriations fy2009 department_of_labor dol employment_and_training_administration job training employment services state unemployment insurance employment service operations title iii temporary increase medicaid matching rate sec prescribes temporary increase federal medical assistance percentage fmap title xix medicaid social_security_act requires substitution fy2008 fmap fy2009 fmap greater requires similarly substitution fy2009 fmap fy2010 fmap greater portion calendar quarter fy2010 december makes state fy2009 portion fy2010 december general increase fmap general increase cap medicaid payments puerto_rico virgin_islands guam northern_mariana_islands american_samoa requires specified percentage point increases fmap calendar quarter state meets certain qualifying criteria including reduced employment state specified increase food stamp supplemental nutrition assistance program participation specified increase housing foreclosure rate specifies circumstances state ineligible increases sec prescribes adjustment computation medicaid fmap disregard significantly disproportionate employer pension insurance fund contributions state calculated according specified formula title temporary increase food assistance sec revises formula calculating value certain benefits determined supplemental nutrition assistance program food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 consolidated block grants puerto_rico american_samoa june value thrifty food plan directs secretary agriculture specified funds available costs associated state administrative expenses makes necessary appropriations title general_provisions sec entitles entire act job creation unemployment relief_act sec prohibits use funds available act employ unlawful aliens violation immigration_and_nationality_act sec designates title act emergency requirement necessary meet emergency needs sec declares act expressly provided available addition amounts available fy2009


Summary: Homeownership, Manufacturing, and Economic Growth Act or the HOME Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring income, excise, and alternative minimum tax (AMT) provisions and expand other individual and business-related tax incentives. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake certain initiatives to help small businesses and imposes restrictions on litigation deemed frivolous. Extends through 2009 certain expiring tax provisions affecting individual and business taxpayers, including: (1) tax credits for nonbusiness energy property, residential energy efficient property, increasing research activities, Indian employment, railroad track maintenance, energy efficient appliances, and investment in new markets; (2) tax deductions for educational expenses, state and local sales taxes, food and book inventories, and energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) tax-free distributions from retirement accounts for individuals ordered to active duty and for making charitable contributions; (4) mortgage revenue bond financing for veterans; (5) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, motorsports racing track facilities, and business property on Indian reservations; (6) the increased AMT exemption amount; (7) authority for issuance of qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) income and excise tax credits for alternative fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol fuel from coal; and (10) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authorities for disclosing information relating to terrorist activities, combined employment tax reporting, and undercover operations.Makes permanent tax provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.Reduces the maximum corporate income tax rate to 25%.Requires the SEC to take certain actions to assist businesses, including reviews of its rulemaking processes and of the impact of excessive litigation.Allows use of mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime loans. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of residences facing foreclosure.Amends the Truth in Lending Act to expand disclosure requirements for mortgage loans. Sets forth provisions relating to lawsuits against small businesses deemed frivolous and places restrictions on attorney fees and scientific testimony in federal civil cases.

homeownership manufacturing economic growth act home act amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend expiring income excise alternative minimum tax amt provisions expand individual business related tax incentives directs securities_and_exchange_commission sec undertake certain initiatives help small businesses imposes restrictions litigation deemed frivolous extends certain expiring tax provisions affecting individual business taxpayers including tax credits nonbusiness energy property residential energy efficient property increasing research activities indian_employment railroad track maintenance energy efficient appliances investment new markets tax deductions educational expenses state local sales taxes food book inventories energy efficient commercial buildings tax free distributions retirement accounts individuals ordered active duty making charitable contributions mortgage revenue bond financing veterans accelerated depreciation qualified leasehold restaurant improvements motorsports racing track facilities business property indian reservations increased amt exemption authority issuance qualified zone academy bonds tax incentives investment district_of_columbia income excise tax credits alternative fuels including biodiesel ethanol fuel coal internal_revenue_service irs authorities disclosing information relating terrorist activities combined employment tax reporting undercover operations makes permanent tax provisions economic_growth_and_tax_relief_reconciliation_act jobs_and_growth_tax_relief_reconciliation_act maximum corporate income tax rate sec certain actions assist businesses including reviews rulemaking processes impact excessive litigation allows use mortgage revenue bonds refinancing subprime loans allows tax credit purchase residences facing foreclosure amends_the_truth_in_lending_act expand disclosure requirements mortgage loans sets forth provisions relating lawsuits small businesses deemed frivolous places restrictions attorney fees scientific testimony federal civil cases


Summary: Financial Aid Form Simplification and Access Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the process of applying for student assistance. Revises requirements for the simplified needs test to take into account dislocated workers and recipients of means-tested federal benefits. Directs the Secretary of Education to develop and use a simplified paper application form of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to be called the EZ FAFSA, for students who meet the requirements of the automatic zero expected family contribution. Requires the Secretary to: (1) phase-out the paper form (the long form or full FAFSA) for students who do not meet the requirements for a EZ FAFZA; and (2) produce, distribute, and process common forms in electronic format, including a simplified electronic application form on the Internet. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to provide students with early information about potential financial aid eligibility, both through a widely disseminated printed form and the Internet or other electronic means. Directs the Secretary to make special efforts to notify: (1) students who qualify for specified means-tested federal benefits of their potential eligibility for a maximum federal Pell Grant; and (2) middle school and secondary school students of the availability of student financial assistance. Requires the Secretary to contract for or establish a toll-free telephone service to provide an application mechanism and timely and accurate information to the general public. Increases dependent and independent students' income protection allowances, excluded in determining their need for aid. Revises requirements for the determination of independence by students with special circumstances, and provides for electronic applications tailored to their situation. Excludes certain untaxed education benefits and savings distributions from student need determinations. Sets forth asset attribution rules for qualified education benefits. Revises the purposes of the independent Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance to reflect this Act.

financial aid form simplification access act_-_amends higher education act revise process applying student assistance revises requirements simplified needs test account dislocated workers recipients means tested federal benefits directs secretary education develop use simplified paper application form free_application_for_federal_student_aid fafsa called fafsa students meet requirements automatic zero expected family contribution requires secretary phase paper form long form fafsa students meet requirements produce distribute process common forms electronic format including simplified electronic application form internet directs secretary effort provide students early information potential financial aid eligibility widely disseminated printed form internet electronic means directs secretary special efforts notify students qualify specified means tested federal benefits potential eligibility maximum federal pell_grant middle school secondary school students availability student financial assistance requires secretary contract establish toll free telephone service provide application mechanism timely accurate information general public increases dependent independent students income protection allowances excluded determining need aid revises requirements determination independence students special circumstances provides electronic applications tailored situation excludes certain untaxed education benefits savings distributions student need determinations sets forth asset attribution rules qualified education benefits revises purposes independent advisory_committee student financial assistance reflect act


Summary: Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action to address, and report to the President and Congress on, the nation's long-term fiscal imbalances, including those attributable to the Medicare and Social Security programs and the gap between their projected revenues and expenditures.Provides for expedited legislative consideration of Task Force recommendations.

bipartisan task_force responsible fiscal action act amends congressional_budget_act establish bipartisan task_force responsible fiscal action address report president congress nation long term fiscal including attributable medicare social_security programs gap projected revenues expenditures provides expedited legislative consideration task_force recommendations