Vol. 44 No. 9 - May 7, 2012 

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee approved its version of the 2012 Farm Bill April 26 by a bipartisan vote of 16–5.

After a thorough vetting process that included a formal request for proposals process and a successful one-year pilot, the NACo Dental Discount Program is now available to all member counties in 47 states.

More than 17 members of NACo’s Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) were on hand for its annual fly-in April 17–19 in Washington, D.C.

Living in close quarters, following commands to a T, and facing discipline if they fall out of line — jail inmates and servicemen have a lot in common, and a few counties are taking an opportunity when those populations overlap.

Allegheny County has put together 10 tours that will give Annual Conference participants a chance to experience the city of Pittsburgh.

In May and June, EPA’s Local Government Climate and Energy Program will host a three-part Webcast series about funding and financing clean energy programs. Topics and dates are as follow.

Dow Constantine ran on a reform platform when he campaigned for King County, Wash. executive in 2009.

NACo Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee Chariman Don Larson testified before a House Agriculture Committee panel April 25.

Sixty-eight county websites were among 214 sites recently named Sunny Award winners by the Sunshine Review.

The (EPA) sent a “Draft Notice of Intent to Address Discharges from Forest Roads” document to the Office of Management and Budget for review April 25.

The House Appropriations Committee approved by voice vote the FY13 Energy and Water and Related Agencies appropriations bill April 25.

NACo First Vice President Chris Rodgers solcits applications for committees for 2012-2013.

A roundup of news from counties nationwide.

News to use from past County News

Preemptive Treatment Plugs Hole in Mental Health Care

Is a Yard Sale Nearby?

U.S. Communities: The Gold Standard in Public Procurement

Lewis and Clark County, Mont.

An Open Letter to Mother Nature

NACo officer and staff activities

Bryan Desloge, Leon County, Fla. Commissioner