This level activity, although not necessarily indicative of funding demand, is not encouraging news for low discount rate applicants seeking internal connection funding for next year. The federal budget bill passed by Congress, and expected to be signed by the President, contains an Internet filtering amendment that is likely to impact PY4 funding. Because several aspects of this legislation are still unclear, we will defer a full discussion until early next year. Since the holidays are upon us and may reduce timely readership of this News for the Week, we are simply summarizing the key items. Most will be discussed in greater detail next year.
New information is provided on the use of family surveys.
Every attempt has been made in New York to extend OGS contracts beyond the end of PY4. The last practical day on which to post a Form 470 for PY4 was December 21. Applicants who missed the Form 470 deadline have limited options. An applicant who mailed a Form 470 to the SLD well in advance of December 21, but whose Form was not data entered and posted on time, should call the SLD and request guidance. All contacts should be carefully documented.