New Book Tells Story of Health Reform

The presidential campaign and a Supreme Court case are keeping health reform in the forefront of our national conversation. In Fighting For Our Health, Institute Fellow Richard Kirsch gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the law came to be, and what it means for future policy.
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States’ Revenues Rise, But Still Below Peak

States’ tax collections grew for a seventh straight quarter and are now topping pre-recession levels, though they remain below peak levels seen after the recession's start. Looking forward, revenue growth may slow in light of broad economic trends. New to this quarterly report is an analysis of states’ fiscal positions at the end of fiscal year 2011.
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Leadership, Legacy and a Few Good Laughs

What was the “midnight roundup”? Why did Abe go to the White House? Who said Nelson Rockefeller was a good governor “in the way that all men were good”? What is the political philosophy called “mirthology”? You can find the answers in the transcript of the Institute's forum on the legacy of Governor Hugh L. Carey. You’ll also find topics such as dealing with fiscal crisis and Governor Carey’s achievements in social services.
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Where States Spend More, Children Do Better

State spending on children correlates with measures of child well-being, Institute Director Thomas Gais showed at this briefing in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored by children's advocacy groups and Senator Robert Menendez (NJ). That correlation is troubling because children increasingly live in states with low resources. Gais suggested development of policies that lessen regional differences in funding programs that help low-income children.
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From Our Experts...

Why Americans Don’t Like ‘Obamacare’

By Richard Kirsch
The health reform law known as "Obamacare" was enacted two years ago. But several key provisions don't go into effect for another two years. This is causing many Americans to believe the law achieved little. The challenge for supporters is to convince people that help really is on the way.

‘Systemness’ and Higher Ed’s Iron Triangle

By Nancy L. Zimpher
How can college be kept affordable, accessible and productive in the face of severe funding cuts? The chancellor of the State University of New York says the answer lies in SUNY’s “systemness” — the combined strength of its 64 campuses, leveraged as one formidable force.