Publications -- Brief Analysis
Restricted to two letter-size pages, a Brief Analysis summarizes some aspect or aspects of a public policy issue, presenting points for consideration in policy debates or responding to points that have been raised during these debates.
May 14, 2009 |
BA #659 – Removing the Political Shortage of WaterAbout 82 percent of Americans receive drinking water via publicly-owned water systems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many of these municipal and regional systems operate at a loss, meaning users' fees don't cover the cost of treating and delivering the water. Many water authorities are critically behind on maintenance. They lack the capital to update their water purification and wastewater treatment plants, or to secure additional water supplies to meet expected growth in demand. |
May 12, 2009 |
BA #658 – Measuring Social Security's True LiabilityEvery year the Social Security Trustees publish a report on the fiscal solvency of the program. It details the program's unfunded liabilities, which is what the government will still owe after it uses current and future tax receipts to pay for current and future retiree benefits. |
May 11, 2009 |
BA #657 – Socially Responsible InvestingSocially responsible investing (SRI) is the practice of choosing stocks, bonds or mutual funds based on political, religious or social values. This investment strategy can be hazardous to an individual's portfolio, and if followed by state and local employee pension funds can adversely affect thousands of people's retirement incomes. |
May 01, 2009 |
BA #656 – Turning Coal into Liquid FuelFirst developed by Germany during World War II, the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process offers America a chance to utilize its vast domestic coal supply, increase refining capacity, and produce a cost-efficient and clean fuel. |
Apr 29, 2009 |
BA #655 – What's Behind Vaccine Shortages?Since their introduction, vaccines have served as a cornerstone of public health in the United States and abroad. Vaccinating large numbers of people, especially children, has proven to be one of the most cost-effective options for enhancing and preserving life. |
Apr 23, 2009 |
BA #654 – Health Care Spending ForecastsCongress and President Obama appear intent on pursuing two conflicting goals for public and private health care: reining in rising costs while also increasing spending in order to expand insurance coverage to more people. |
Apr 14, 2009 |
BA #653 – 10 Ways to Keep Health Coverage if You Lose Your JobA layoff does not have to involve losing your health coverage. Although there is no need to panic, you should not put off taking action. Here are 10 options to consider as soon as possible after getting pink-slipped. |
Apr 09, 2009 |
BA #652 – The Folly of Health Insurance MandatesMany of the nearly 46 million uninsured say they are unable to afford health insurance. Advocates of various state regulations claim their proposals would make health coverage more affordable. These regulations include mandates that employers offer their employees health insurance or that individuals obtain health coverage, and requirements that health plans and insurers cover specified benefits or accept anyone who applies for insurance. |
Apr 09, 2009 |
BA #651 – Exposing the Myths of Universal Health CoverageRecent health care reform proposals have largely focused on achieving universal coverage through a combination of private-sector mandates, regulation of insurance premiums and expansion of government insurance. Proponents argue that adding more regulations and spreading costs across a wider insurance pool will make coverage more affordable. Reality belies these myths. |
Mar 31, 2009 |
BA #650 – Six Steps to Paying Off the U.S. Government DebtTo counteract the recession that began in December 2007, Congress has passed foreclosure assistance, tax rebates, bank bailouts and $787 billion of stimulus. This spending will result in massive federal budget deficits and increasing government debt - projected to rise to $23 trillion by 2019. This amount of debt will hurt economic growth and burden future generations. |