A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Appraisers’ most prominent role relative to the three types of tax returns GAO studied is in the valuation of estates. In the most recent years for which GAO had data, appraisers were likely involved in the valuation of property worth from $75 billion to $167 billion reported on estate tax returns in 2009. In contrast, less than $17 billion worth of gifts in 2009 and less than $10 billion in noncash contributions in 2008 likely involved an appraiser. Gift tax returns that likely used appraisers had higher audit rates than gift returns that were unlikely to have appraisers. The use of appraisers was not associated with higher audit rates for estate tax returns and individual returns with noncash contributions."

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The federal-state TANF partnership makes significant resources available to address poverty in the lives of families with children. With these resources, TANF has provided a basic safety net to many families and helped many parents step into jobs. At the same time, there are questions about the strength and breadth of the TANF safety net. Many eligible families—some of whom have very low incomes—are not receiving TANF cash assistance. Regarding TANF as a welfare-to-work program, the emphasis on work participation rates as a measure of state program performance has helped change the culture of state welfare programs to focus on moving families into employment. However, features of the work participation rates as currently implemented undercut their effectiveness as a way to encourage states to engage parents, including those difficult to serve, and help them achieve self-sufficiency. Finally, states have used TANF funds to support a variety of programs other than cash assistance as allowed by law. Yet, we do not know enough about this spending or whether this flexibility is resulting in the most efficient and effective use of funds at this time."

Free weekly newspaper that includes business and classified advertising.

Free weekly newspaper that includes business and classified advertising.

This report looks at the relationship between the U.S. and Thailand, in particular, recent rivalries between populist political forces, neopotism in government, and Thai relationships with neighboring countries.

Minutes for the June 5, 2012 meeting of the Dallas Way including a list of reports and project updates.

Weekly newspaper from Brownwood, Texas that includes local, state and national news along with advertising.

Weekly newspaper from Emory, Texas that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.

This report examines the developments associated with the implementation of mortgage lending reforms. The report begins with a summary of proposed ability to repay and risk-retention standards. Next, the report describes risky underwriting and financing practices that occurred prior to the mortgage crisis, followed by a discussion of how access to mortgage credit might be affected.

Interview with Genny Kercheville, a rancher.

Transcript of an interview with Pete Kaufman, a farmer.

Transcript of an interview with Genny Kercheville, a rancher.

Weekly newspaper from Jacksboro, Texas that includes local, state and national news along with advertising.

Daily newspaper from Ennis, Texas that includes local, state and national news along with advertising.

The Department of Defense (DOD) spends billions of dollars per year on fuel, and is pursuing numerous initiatives for reducing its fuel needs and changing the mix of energy sources that it uses. DOD's energy initiatives pose several potential oversight issues for Congress, and have been topics of discussion and debate at hearings on DOD's proposed FY2013 budget.

Health care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are benefit plans established by employers to reimburse employees for health care expenses such as deductibles and copayments. FSAs are usually funded by employees through salary reduction agreements, although employers are permitted to contribute as well. The contributions to and withdrawals from FSAs are tax-exempt. This report discusses two recent bills, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012, both of which limits contributions to FSAs and redefines over the counter (OTC) drugs,

Daily newspaper from Baytown, Texas that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.

Photograph of Venus traversing the Sun, taken from McKenna Park in Denton, Texas. Venus, visible as a small black dot, can be seen moving across the upper-right portion of the Sun during sunset.

Photograph of Venus traversing the Sun, taken from McKenna Park in Denton, Texas. Venus, visible as a small black dot, can be seen moving across the upper-right portion of the Sun during sunset. The Sun has been partially blocked from view by a row of clouds.

Daily newspaper from Sapulpa, Oklahoma that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.

Minutes for the June 5th meeting of the Dallas Way listing the topics of discussion for the meeting and the treasury report.

News release about DART's, the T's, and the DCTA's participation in the APTA's "Dump the Pump" campaign to get more people to switch from single occupant vehicles to public transportation. Part of the campaign involves offering a free week pass to non-transit users in exchange for a gasoline receipt.

Daily newspaper from Chickasha, Oklahoma that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.

Photograph of Venus traversing the Sun, taken from McKenna Park in Denton, Texas. Venus, visible as a small black dot, can be seen moving across the upper-right portion of the Sun during sunset.