Are you wondering about the status of the state budget as it works its way through the legislative process? The Minnesota Senate provides up-to-date 2013 Budget Tracking Spreadsheets that show the status of the appropriations bills and the latest committee action. The Legislative Reference Library also provides a user-friendly online guide to the complex budget process.

SciTech Connect, a new database from the Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) offers free access to thousands of full-text articles and technical reports in the areas of biology and medicine, chemistry, physics, geology, engineering, mathematics, climatology, oceanography, and more. Create a free account to save documents and searches, export bibliographies and create alerts.

If you're interested in doing business with the Federal Government, try Federal Business Opportunities. (formerly "Commerce Business Daily") Find thousands of government procurement invitations, contract awards, subcontracting leads, sales of surplus property and foreign business opportunities.

Each month the Government Printing Office releases hundreds of documents electronically in the Catalog of U. S. Government Publications. Browse New Titles or search by keyword under Internet Publications. Records date from July 1976 to the present and the Catalog is updated daily.

The U.S. Small Business Admistration provides new tools to help small business owners make decisions about health care for employees. Find measures to help slow premium cost growth and increase access to quality, affordable health insurance.

Residents of the Brooklyn Park area may submit comments about the Public Health Assessment: Site Update and Review of the Brooklyn Park Dump from March 1 - April 30, 2013. Print copies of this Minnesota Department of Health public review document are also available at the Brookdale, Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis Central Libraries.

March is Women's History Month. Visit this website sponsored by several government agencies to learn about generations of women who've contributed to American society. Teachers can find lesson plans, student activities and research aids too.

Access nearly one thousand government benefit and assistance programs at Benefits.gov. Browse by category, or find specific programs for Minnesota residents. Try the Benefit Finder questionnaire to see what programs may work for you.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provdes hundreds of career profiles and employment projections as far out as 2020 in the online version of Occupational Outlook Handbook. You can browse the handbook on your mobile device too!

The 2013 tax season started about a week later this year due to tax law changes in early January. USA.gov has some helpful tips about your tax filing preparations if you're using specific forms related to general business credits, energy credits, and depreciation and amortization.

When searching for full-text government information, remember to try FDsys: Federal Digital System from the U.S. Government Printing Office. This system provides free online access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government. Browse the collections to see what years are covered for each publication title.

"Faith in America's Future" is the 2013 Inaugural theme. The 20th Amendment changed the beginning of a Presidential term from March 4 to January 20. When this date falls on Sunday, the public inaugural ceremony is held the following Monday. This means President Obama's second inauguration will coincidence with the Martin Luther King holiday on January 21, 2013.

Are you wondering what laws were passed by the 112th (2011-2012) Congress? You can find a complete list of laws signed by President Obama by visiting Congress.gov.

The National Archives celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with a free special display of the original document from Dec. 30, 2012 - January 1, 2013. The document is displayed for a limited time each year because of its fragility. Download a free commemorative brochure to learn about the preservation of this important piece of American history, and for a list of special events.

The "Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project Construction-Related Business Impacts" will be available for public review from Dec. 14, 2012-Jan. 30, 2013. Print copies can be viewed at the Minneapolis Central, Franklin and Southeast libraries. Visit www.centralcorridor.org for more information and a schedule of upcoming public hearings.

In December, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) takes on an added responsiblity, above and beyond their
duty to protect the airspace over the United States and Canada. They track Santa Claus on his trip from the North Pole to all his stops on the globe. What a job! You can find answers to such questions as How can Santa travel the world within 24 hours?

The popular, longstanding series of Background Notes on countries of the world has ceased being published as of May 2012. The series is being replaced with Fact Sheets that emphasize U.S. relations with each country. Numerous links to further information are also provided. The State Department continues to provide access to in-depth information on countries of the world.

The federal government continues to make important information easier to access on your mobile device. Visit the gallery of mobile apps to track everything from the President's daily activities to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.

Honor those who've served in the United State Armed Forces on Sunday, November 11. A national ceremony wil be held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor and thank miliatry veterans. The Minnesota Dept of Veterans Affairs will also host a ceremony on Sunday.

Check out the newly redesigned website for the Minnesota State Legislature. It's one-stop shopping for everything you need to know for the upcoming session. Get connected to all the latest news on your mobile device too.

You can view a print copy of the Vikings' Stadium Environmental Assessment Worksheet at the Central Library, Business/Science and Government Documents Department ( 2nd Floor). The online copy will be coming soon to the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Authority web site. The EAW will be explained at a public meeting on Tuesday, 10/23 from 5-7 pm. The public comment period ends on 10/31/12.

Teaching children about the United States goverment can be fun and easy at Kids.gov. Newly redesigned, this kid-friendly site has something of interest to kids, parents, and teachers. Find interactive games, videos, history, science and art projects, lesson plans and homework tips.

Celebrated each year on September 17th, this day commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787 and recognizes all who have attained US Citizenship. The Law Library of Congress tracks the history of this annual observance with primary documents from the Legislative and Executive Branches.

The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. Some 10,000 workers took part. Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a holiday in 1894. The Library of Congress and USA.gov team up to inform you on the history of this National Holiday.

Each year, the Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism, issues Country Reports on Terrorism. The 2011 report was just issued in late July and is a fascinating, detailed look at the government's efforts around the world to resist terrorism.

Preparations are already underway for Census 2020 by the staff of the U.S. Census Bureau and members of The Census Project. Preserving adequate funding for the American Community Survey, the tool that tracks the nation's social, economic and demographic characteristics is a top priority.

Each year, the American Library Association's Government Documents Round Table selects the top government-produced publications from the previous year. Search the library's catalog for online or print versions of these notable documents.

Today the U. S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act.
Visit HealthCare.gov to learn about the key features of the law and how the changes affect you. Find the authentic electronic version of Public Law 111-148 from the Government Printing Office at FDSys.

You can easily follow the votes cast on various key bills and resolutions by your Senator or Representative through the "Washington Post" Votes Database. Here is a link to how Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District has voted lately.

The White House recently released its Digital Government Strategy, a plan for delivering better online service and access to federal government information. One objective is to deliver information anywhere, anytime, and on any device.

Formerly GPO Access, FDsys provides free online access to authenticated publications from all three branches of the Federal Government. Browse the collection to see what dates are available in digitized format for each publication.

The Metropolitan Council recently released a demographic profile of what the seven-county Mpls-St. Paul area might look like by 2040. Population is projected to grow by 893,000 with the arrival of 463,000 international immigrants. 

April 14-15 marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster. Read an excerpt from the U. S. Senate's final report on the investigation into the sinking of the ship. Visit the Minneapolis Central Library to read the print version of the full transcripts of the hearings issued on May 28, 1912 by the 62nd Congress. A report from the British Government is also available in the U. S. Senate document collection. Visit the second floor iDesk for more information.

1040 Central has all the information you need to file your federal income tax on time, April 17. Don't forget to see if you qualify for the Earned Income Credit.  Minnesota income tax is due the same day.  If you are curious as to why the deadline is extended, the IRS explains that since April 15 is a Sunday and April 16 is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia, the deadline for filing is Tuesday April 17.

The U. S. Government Printing Office (GPO) continues to develop mobile apps to expand its mission of Keeping America Informed. Be sure to check out the apps for official information from other Federal agencies too.

Get your U. S. passport on Saturday, March 10 at the Minneapolis Passport Agency, 212 3rd Ave South, Suite 100. No appointment is necessary and the office is open from 9am - 3pm. Regular passport processing fees apply. More more information, visit travel.state.gov.

Print and online versions of President Obama's Budget for the U. S. Government, FY 2013 will be released Monday, Feb. 13. The authentic online version will be available on GPO's Federal Digital System (FDsys) after 11:15 a.m. EST.

Important events in the history of African Americans in the Military provided by the Department of Defense for Black History Month.

Be part of the decision making process for the Bottineau Transitway. Attend a Scoping Open House to give input on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that's currently under development.