Two worthwhile resources debuted on the Web this past week: the latest edition of the RI Government Owner's manual and the 2009 RI Kids Count Factbook.

The RI Owner's Manual is published by the office of Secretary of State Ralph Mollis, and includes contact info for the Congressional delegation, municipal leaders, and key officials in all three branches of state government.

In a release announcing the publication, Mollis said, "Our State House and our town halls belong to the people. This directory recognizes the central role they play in our democracy and works as a bridge to the help government offers."

And today, RI Kids Count release their 15th annual factbook, comprising statistics on 63 different aspects of children’s lives, from birth through adolescence charting the well-being of children and youth across the state.

Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in prepared remarks announcing the release, said, "The 2009 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook shows areas of progress and areas where we need to make improvements. The recent economic crisis in our state and in our nation places children and families at risk as they struggle to pay the high costs of housing, food, heat, gas, and child care."

Editorial note: Yep, both items from press releases. Can you tell I've been totally slammed at work?