POLICY PROJECTS

Students in Public Policy Methods complete policy analyses on randomly assigned issues. Over the course of the semester, they do memorandum exercises intended to help them apply concepts introduced in Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice to their issues. Near the end of the semester, each student submits a fifteen page policy analysis (exclusive of an executive summary and an unlimited number of pages of appendices) to me and to one other student. The other student writes a collegial critique and I prepare a more comprehensive evaluation following a template that helps me cover important points systematically.

Projects for 2004 randomly assigned from the following list:

Excessive and improper use contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance. What, if anything, should the federal government do to reduce the extent or consequences of antibiotic resistance? Client: Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education and Welfare

Federal regulations governing human subjects research are applied broadly. Some critics charge that the regulations do not adequately protect subjects in medical research. Other critics charge that the regulations are inappropriately applied to social science research involving negligible risks to people. Can the current system administered by the Office of Human Subjects Research be improved? Client: Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget

A number of states and localities, as well as the International Plumbing Code, recognize that the optimal ratio of bathroom facilities for women to men in public buildings is larger than one. Are Wisconsin laws and regulations governing "potty parity" for public facilities appropriate? Client: "Wisconsin Women = Prosperity Initiative," Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Walking down State Street brings one in contact with panhandlers. Should the City of Madison adopt any policies to regulate public begging? Client: Mayor David Cieslewicz

The discovery of "mad cow disease" in Washington State has raised questions about the adequacy of public policies to prevent it and keep it from infecting consumers. Some policies have already been changed. Are the policies now in place adequate? In particular, should the ban on the use of cow parts in cow feed be extended to feed for other animals? Client: Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

The music recording industry lost considerable good will in its crackdown on internet music sharers. It will not be long before a large enough number of people have sufficient bandwidth and computer memory to make the sharing of pirated movies over the internet common. What policies should be advocated by the Motion Picture Association of America to deal with this potential problem? Client: Jack Valenti, President, Motion Picture Association of America

Health stores and other outlets sell a variety of dietary supplements. Do current regulations provide consumers with adequate protection against possible health risks from use of such supplements? Client: Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration

Recent corporate accounting scandals have prompted some calls for mandatory auditor rotation of the sort used in Italy and some other countries. Should publicly traded corporations be required to periodically rotate their accounting firms? Client: Chair, Securities and Exchange Commission

In 2001, the Institute of Medicine released a report calling for greater availability and advertising of "less hazardous cigarettes" (LHCs). Should the federal government adopt policies to encourage LHCs? Client: United States Surgeon General

In the wake of 9-11, the federal government instituted temporary regulations of and subsidies for insurance coverage of losses to commercial buildings from terrorism. What role should the federal government play in the market for terrorism insurance? Client: Secretary, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Corporate reporting, even if done electronically, typically is in a traditional print format that makes the extraction of date time consuming and costly. A number of public agencies, including the Bundesbank, UK Inland Revenue, and the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, now require firms to submit reports in the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). Should policies be adopted to make this the standard reporting form for publicly traded U.S. corporations? Client: Chair, Securities and Exchange Commission

Pharmaceutical companies typically avoid testing drugs on pediatric patients because of ethical concerns and the relatively small monetary gain from being able to indicate pediatric use in labeling. Consequently, many pediatric patients must be treated "off label." Section 111 of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act provided some incentives in the form of patent extensions. Should stronger incentives be created to encourage pharmaceutical companies to engage in more pediatric testing? Client: Chair, Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

The so-called "Paragraph IV" certification under the Hatch Waxman Act requires firms wishing to market generic versions of drugs whose (20 year) patents have expired to notify originating firms. If the originating firm files a legal challenge, then the FDA automatically stays approval of the generic drug for 30 months regardless of merit. Should the generic laws be changed to eliminate this automatic delay? Client: Chair, Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. must eliminate barriers to sugar imports from Mexico by 2008. Consider options for a broader elimination of import restrictions on sugar. Client: Chair, Subcommittee on Production and Price Competitiveness, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Wisconsin has been a leader in encouraging organ donation. Currently, there is proposed legislation to provide a tax deduction for live organ donors. Take a fresh look at public policies to encourage live donation in Wisconsin. Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Health

Recent years have seen an expansion of the Wisconsin prison system. Nonetheless, capacity limitations require Wisconsin to contract with out-of-state prisons for correctional services. Consider alternatives for eliminating out-of-state incarceration for Wisconsin felons. Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Corrections and the Courts

Obesity is associated with a number of health risks. Many believe these risks are heightened when obesity begins in childhood. Should the State of Wisconsin take any steps to encourage school districts to address the problem of childhood obesity? Client: State Superintendent, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Many scientists see the day when xenotransplantation will be technically feasible. Concerns have been raised, however, that endogenous retro-viruses may cross species boundaries. How should the U.S. regulate xenotransplantation? Client: Chair, Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Xenotransplantation, Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of State is planning to require applicants for visas to the United States to be fingerprinted. Should this policy be implemented? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

The highway fatality rate in Wisconsin could be reduced if more people used their seat belts. Should the state adopt policies, such as those set out in Assembly Bill 90, to encourage greater seat belt use? Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Highway Safety

General contractors in Wisconsin need only pay a small registration fee and carry liability insurance to conduct business. In some cases, general contractors shift these requirements to homeowners. Should Wisconsin change the way it regulates general contractors? Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Small Business

The federal government provides subsidies for ethyl alcohol production. Should the State of Wisconsin provide additional subsidies? Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Economic Development

On October 17, 2003 the Wisconsin Attorney General issued an informal legal opinion that exclusion of contraceptives from coverage under employment-based group health insurance that otherwise covers drugs violates the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. Should the Commissioner of Insurance implement this decision or seek legislative clarification? Client: Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance

The Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission is currently considering restrictions on the use of phosphorous-containing lawn fertilizer. Does this approach make sense? Should the Department of Natural Resources either encourage or discourage counties from adopting this approach? Client: Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

In 1996, the federal government created medical savings accounts to provide a vehicle for tax free saving toward medical expenses. The law required that medical savings accounts be used in conjunction with high deductible insurance policies. It also placed many restrictions on eligibility and did not make the program permanent. Some of these restrictions have been removed with the introduction of the new health savings accounts. Should health savings accounts be made a more accessible and larger part of federal health policy? Client: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services

Should the Federal Government create national identity cards and mandate their use for particular purposes? Client: Chair, House Select Committee on Homeland Security

Should federal agricultural programs be restructured to place caps on the amount of subsidy that can be received by individual feed grain farmers? Client: Chair, Subcommittee on Production and Price Competitiveness, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Some critics of New Source Review (NSR) regulations argue that they discourage firms from replacing existing plants that produce high levels of pollution. Should the Environmental Protection Agency revise the NSR regulations to remove disincentives for investment in new plants? Client: Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Ritalin and other psychiatric drugs are widely prescribed to children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Some school districts even require students diagnosed with ADD to take these drugs as a condition for participation in special education programs. Should the federal government adopt policies to better control the use of these drugs? Client: Chair, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Education and Workforce

Projects for 2003 randomly assigned from the following list:

Review the regulation of deer and elk farms in Wisconsin. Specifically, should regulatory authority be transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Natural Resources? Client: Office of the Governor

On December 9, 2002 the State of Wisconsin issued an interim planning document on implementing pre-event smallpox vaccination activities. If the population of the state becomes exposed to an outbreak of smallpox, the Governor will have to make decisions concerning vaccination of the general public. When and how should public vaccinations be implemented? Client: Office of the Governor

The new secretary of the Department of Natural Resources wishes to take a fresh look at policies for dealing with Chronic Wasting Disease in the Wisconsin deer population. Client: Secretary, Department of Natural Resources

It is likely that the University of Wisconsin will face cuts in funding from the state. Consider alternatives for raising additional revenue for the system through tuition increases. Client: President Katherine Lyall

Develop alternatives for reducing funding provided by the State of Wisconsin to local school districts for primary and secondary schooling from existing revenue sources. Your alternatives should involve substantial reductions in the projected deficit. Client: Office of the Governor

Develop alternatives for increasing the amount of revenue raised by the Wisconsin sales tax. Client: Secretary, Department of Revenue

Currently, the gambling compacts between the State of Wisconsin and the eleven federally recognized Tribes have durations of five years. In the future, should compacts have longer durations? Client: Secretary, Department of Administration

School districts spend over $1 billion annually on the 12 percent of students classified as disabled. Some observers have raised concerns that the designation of disability is inappropriately being extended to include low-achieving students. Should the State of Wisconsin adopt policies to limit the growth in the numbers of students qualifying for special education programs? Client: Superintendent, Department of Public Instruction

Does Wisconsin have appropriate laws and adequate enforcement capability for combating identify theft? Client: Attorney General

Should Wisconsin adopt laws to restrict the use of cell phones while driving motor vehicles? Client: Chair, Assembly Committee on Highway Safety

Pharmaceutical manufacturers often charge lower prices for exports than for similar products sold domestically. There have been several bills introduced in Congress to allow wholesalers or retailers to re-import exported drugs into the United States. Should such re-importation be allowed? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Currently, airport gate checks are being conducted for randomly selected passengers boarding all flights. Should these checks be eliminated, based on some sort of profiling, limited to selected flights, or otherwise modified? Client: Chair, House Select Committee on Homeland Security

Many cities incur substantial costs in responding to false alarms from burglar alarm systems that place calls to 911. Cities have responded in a variety of ways, such as through education programs or fines. Select one major American city and assess alternatives for dealing with its cost of false alarms. Your detailed analysis should be specific to the selected city, but presented so that it could be a demonstration of useful analysis for other cities. Client: Director, Office of Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Justice

Pharmaceutical firms advertise prescription drugs in television commercials. Review the appropriateness of the regulatory framework governing this type of advertising. Client: Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration

Federal regulatory agencies are required by the Administrative Procedures Act to keep dockets of comments made in response to proposed regulations. Should all federal agencies be required to post complete dockets on web pages to facilitate greater public access? Client: Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget

The Orphan Drug Act was intended to reduce the costs and increase the benefits to pharmaceutical firms that developed drugs for rare diseases. Most significantly, the act gives firms seven years of market exclusivity for their orphan drugs. The current operational definition of rare disease is a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 patients. Should any provisions of the Orphan Drug Act or the operational definition of rare disease be modified? Client: Chair, Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Wisconsin has been a leader in encouraging the donation of transplant organs. Should the state adopt any additional laws to encourage either cadaveric or live organ donation? Client: Office of the Governor

Review Wisconsin laws and regulations governing home schooling. Do they provide an appropriate framework? Client: Assembly Committee on Education

Should Wisconsin license direct-entry (lay) midwives? Client: Chair, Assembly Committee on Health

Should the State of Wisconsin encourage or facilitate local law enforcement officials obtaining security clearances so that they have greater access to classified information relevant to stopping terrorist attacks? Client: Client: Attorney General

Several hundred thousand suits have been filed against firms by workers, including may who show no adverse health effects, exposed to asbestos. These suits threaten many of the firms with bankruptcy. Should Congress modify the current tort system to achieve more efficient or more equitable compensation of those harmed by asbestos? Client: Chair, Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate

In November 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published quality measures for all certified nursing homes in the country. What should be the next steps in this initiative? For example, should more data be collected or reported, risk-adjustment be implemented, or presentation changed? Client: Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Projects for 2003 randomly assigned from the following list:

Since 1975 Wisconsin local governments have been allowed to use "tax incremental financing," which allows property taxes to be diverted to subsidies for development. It now applies to some $6 billion dollars in property. Should tax incremental financing be eliminate, modified, or expanded? Client: Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Commerce

Wisconsin wineries do not pay sales tax on wine shipped to buyers in 13 states with which Wisconsin has tax reciprocity laws. Does this arrangement require any modifications? Client: Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Should Wisconsin laws governing minimum markups for retail gasoline be changed? Client: Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection

Should Wisconsin take any steps to encourage the generation of electricity from manure? Client: Secretary, Department of Natural Resources

During the 2000 season approximately 953 thousand hunters harvested over 618 thousand deer in Wisconsin. Nevertheless, there were over 20 thousand car crashes involving deer and the Department of Natural Resources asserts that the estimated deer population of 1,818,000 is too large. Should the DNR adopted policies to reduce the size of the herd? Client: Secretary, Department of Natural Resources

Several states have taken steps to make marijuana available to people suffering from specific diseases. A Wisconsin group, Is My Medicine Legal Yet?, has been advocating the legalization of medical marijuana in Wisconsin. Should Wisconsin change its laws to make marijuana available for medical purposes? Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Health

Critics of the 21 year-old minimum legal drinking age charge that it encourages college students and other young adults to experiment with alcohol in dangerous ways. Some have suggested that a "learner’s permit" be introduced that would allow those over 18 but under 21 years old to consume alcohol under restricted conditions. Develop and analyze alternatives for allowing limited access to alcohol for those between the ages of 18 and 21 in Wisconsin. Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Public Health

Airborne pollution has been increasing the amount of mercury in lakes around the world. Game fish often have high concentrations of mercury. Although these levels of mercury usually do not pose a health risk to adults, they can harm fetuses. Wisconsin residents consume more than the national average of game fish. Some ethnic groups in Wisconsin have very high rates of game fish consumption. Should the current system of fish consumption advisories be changed? Client: Secretary, Department of Natural Resources

Breast feeding is generally considered superior to bottle feeding in terms of the health of the child. Although a majority of women begin breast feeding, only a small fraction continue beyond a few months. Should Wisconsin adopt any policies to encourage the prevalence or duration of breast feeding? Client: Administrator, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Family Services

Should Wisconsin create a contractual arrangement that would allow same-sex couples to have some or all of the legal benefits of marriage? Client: President, Action Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services publishes a consumer guide for nursing homes. How effective is this report card? Is there a more useful design for providing Wisconsin residents useful information about the quality of nursing homes? Client: Secretary, Department of Health and Family Services

Beginning in 1993, Wisconsin legislature authorized school boards to establish charter schools. In 1997, the legislature authorized the City of Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Area Technical College to create charter schools. Should the legislature further expand the number of organizations that are authorized to establish charter schools? Client: Chairperson, Senate Committee on Education

Some Wisconsin school districts have considered moving to a year-round calendar as an alternative to building new facilities to handle increased enrollments. Should the legislature take any steps to encourage or discourage year-round schooling? Client: Chairperson, Assembly Committee on Education

Although one elk herd now appears established in Wisconsin, elk hunting is currently not allowed. Consider alternatives for introducing elk hunting in Wisconsin. Client: Secretary, Department of Natural Resources

Since 1987 the number of inmates in Wisconsin prisons has quadrupled. The corrections budget has also increased greatly. Consider alternatives, including revision of the "truth in sentencing" law, for reducing the growth in the size of the prison population. Client: Chairperson, Senate Committee on Economic Development and Corrections

Vaccination guidelines currently call for children to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine once between the ages of 12 and 15 months (primary vaccination), and again between the ages of 4 and 6 years (secondary vaccination). The current goal of the Department of Health and Family Services is to increase the proportion of children in Wisconsin receiving a primary vaccination by age 2 years to 90 percent. Develop alternatives for making progress toward this goal. Client: Director, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Department of Health and Family Services

The U.S. Department of Energy recently issued and then withdrew new efficiency standards for residential air conditioners. Should the current standards, issued in 1992, be modified? Client: Secretary, Department of Energy.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations recently issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provide protections to some kinds of health-related information. However, the rules only apply to Web sites that are run by health care providers, health insurance plans, or health care clearinghouses that process health insurance claims. Yet most health Web sites do not fall under the regulations. Thus, data generated by Web use, such as seeking information about particular medical conditions, may not be covered by the regulations. Should policy be changed to extend protections to information generated from the use of such Web sites? Client: Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

The Environmental Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 established the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards. Should Congress direct the Department of Transportation to change any of the major provisions of the CAFE Standards? In particular, should sport utility vehicles be treated as passenger vehicles rather than as light duty trucks? Client: Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

An increasing number of kidney donations come from live, rather than cadaveric, donors. Until recently, most live kidney donations were made by relatives or friends of the recipients, though this could occur only if there were sufficiently close antigen matches. Consider options for allowing donors, whose organs do not sufficiently match their intended recipients, to make unrestricted donations in return for giving priority to their intended recipients for cadaveric organs. Client: United Network for Organ Sharing

Should the antitrust exemption currently enjoyed by professional baseball be modified? Client: Chairman, Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Although commercial whaling has been banned since 1986, Norway and Japan continue to harvest substantial numbers of whales. Should the ban be modified or supplemented with regional sanctuaries as proposed by Australia and Brazil? Client: International Whaling Commission

Should the federal government alter its policies concerning the ownership of fossils found on federal lands? Client: Secretary, Department of the Interior

In 1999, the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species allowed a one-time sale of stockpiled ivory from selected countries. Should the United States support further sales of ivory as a way of subsidizing elephant reserves? Client: Chair, President’s Council on Environmental Quality

Current federal law and regulations restrict the importation of pharmaceuticals for use by individuals. Should these restrictions be modified? Client: Chairman, Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Projects for 1998 randomly assigned from the following list:

United Airlines recently announced plans to enforce stricter restrictions on carry_on luggage. Should the Federal Aviation Administration change its regulations regarding the setting and enforcement of carry_on luggage policies by airlines? Client: Commissioner of the Federal Aviation Administration

Women often complain that they must often wait in much longer lines than men to use rest rooms at public facilities such as stadiums, arenas, and public buildings. What actions, if any, should New York State take to achieve greater "potty parity" at places of public gathering? Client: Commissioner, New York State Division of Human Rights

Some states, including New York, require residents to pay sales tax on items purchased overseas and declared to customs. Should the federal government prohibit, permit, facilitate, or discourage such efforts? Client: Chairman, House Commerce Committee

New York State currently requires that registered motor vehicles undergo safety inspections each year. Should New York change the timing, content, or process of motor vehicle inspection? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

Many states have adopted "charter school" that allow teachers, parents, or others to establish publicly funded schools that operate under more flexible regulations than those applied to school districts. Should New York State adopt a law to permit the creation of charter schools? Client: Governor George Pataki

Should New York State changes its policies governing the establishment of paternity for babies born to unwed teenagers? Client: Commissioner, Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Department of Family Assistance

Should New York State allow its dairy farmers to join the federally_authorized compact among six New England states intended to increase the price of drinking milk? Client: Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Markets

Should New York State legalize the medical use of marijuana? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

Sport fish in many bodies of water in New York State contain chemicals that may be harmful to those who eat them. The risks appear to be especially great to pregnant women. Should the Department of Health change the way that it gathers and disseminates information about these risks? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

The Speaker and the Chair of the Higher Education Committee of the New York State Senate recently appointed a blue_ribbon panel to study need_based financial aid for New York State college students. Frame and evaluate options for revising the state's Tuition Assistance Program. Client: Paul Volcker and Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., Co_Chairs, Commission on New York State Student Financial Aid

Several hundred school districts in the United States are currently under court orders to achieve greater racial desegregation. Some of these court orders have been in effect for many years. Should uniform criteria for ending court orders be established by federal law? Client: Chairman, Senate Committee on the Judiciary

The Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act of 1992 imposed restrictions on the sale of tobacco products in vending machines and strengthened enforcement against sales of tobacco products to minors in New York State. Recently, legislation passed the New York State Senate that would impose penalties on minors for possession of tobacco products. Should the Assembly adopt this legislation or make any other revisions to the 1992 law? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

Objections are often raised to the rating factors, such as age and sex, that are used by underwriters to set premiums for automobile insurance. Should New York State require insurers to base premiums on milage as a substitute or supplement for some currently used rating factors? Client: Superintendent of Insurance, New York State Insurance Department

The New York State Public Service Commission has responsibility for regulating the quality of telephone services. Consider options for improving the way it monitors, assesses, and disseminates information on service quality. Client: Chairman, New York State Public Service Commission

The Office of Professional Medical Conduct investigates complaints against New York State physicians and places information about its affirmative findings in the public record. Should information on complaints as well as findings be part of the public record? Should greater efforts be made to disseminate findings to the public? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

Many people who move to New York State complain about he complexity of real estate transactions. In particular, they complain about the various lawyers (for the seller, buyer, and mortgage holder) who must participate in closings on residential properties. Can the process be streamlined and still protect the interests of the various parties? Client: Director, Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform

New York State drivers' licenses currently allow their holders to indicate their willingness to donate organs upon death. Should New York State take any additional steps to increase the harvest of transplant organs? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

Groups of indigenous people in Alaska, Washington State, and Canada traditionally hunted whales for subsistence. Several of these groups wish to renew whaling. Under what conditions, if any, should the International Whaling Commission allow whaling by indigenous peoples? Client: International Whaling Commission

Maryland recently adopted a strategy of "coerced abstinence" that involves frequent drug tests, escalating sanctions for failing them, and treatment for addiction for prison parolees and people on probation. Should New York State adopt a policy of coerced abstinence? Client: Commissioner, Division of Criminal Justice Services

Residents and zoning boards often block the creation of group homes for the mentally retarded in residential neighborhoods. Should New York State take any action to facilitate the opening of such group homes in residential neighborhoods? Client: New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

The Clinton Administration has proposed extending Medicare eligibility to early retirees. Consider alternatives for making health insurance more affordable for those who retire before they qualify for Medicare. Client: Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging

Breast feeding is generally considered superior to bottle feeding in terms of the health of the child. Although a majority of women begin breast feeding, only a small fraction continue beyond a few months. For example, a recent study found that while almost 60 percent of women in the Rochester area initiate breast feeding, less than 20 percent continue through six months. Should New York State adopt any policies to promote breast feeding? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

The Jones Act requires that all shipping between U. S. ports be done using U. S. ships and crews. Should it be repealed or revised? Client: Legislative Affairs Office, National Association of Manufacturers

Should the federal government expand, reduce, modify, or eliminate the tax subsidies that it provides to ethanol as a fuel additive? Client: Chairman, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Tom Golisano, independent candidate for governor, has proposed the elimination of tolls on the New York State Thruway. Evaluate this proposal. Client: Director, New York State Division of the Budget

Projects for 1997 randomly assigned from the following list:

Since January 1994 federal law has limited the flush volume of new residential toilets to 1.6 gallons. (The old industry standard was 3.5 gallons per flush.) Some critics have charged that this restriction reduces the level of sanitation and, because of multiple flushes, may have only marginal benefits in terms of reductions of the use of water. Should this law be changed? Client: Chair, U. S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

Since 1909 Canada and the United States have jointly managed a number of issues with respect to Lake Ontario. An important issue in recent years, especially to those who own property on the lakeshore, is the level of the lake. Please develop and analyze alternative guidelines for setting target levels that can be used by the joint commission that oversees the outflow of lake water. Client: International St. Lawrence River Board of Control

Should the United States remove the penny as a unit of currency? Client: Secretary, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Authority for the residential rent control program in New York City must be periodically renewed by state legislation. The 1997 debate over renewal was particularly acrimonious. Propose and analyze alternatives for phasing_out rent control in New York City that might facilitate comprise before the current extension expires. Client: Office of the Governor

Since 1991 the New York State Department of Health has rated hospitals and surgeons in terms of risk_adjusted mortality rates for coronary artery bypass surgery. Should similar "report cards" be introduced for other medical procedures? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104_193). Congress authorized the disbursement of $1 billion in bonuses between 1999 and 2003 to states that perform well in moving people from welfare to work. Develop and analyze alternative procedures for awarding the bonuses. Client: Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

Republican Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey Ross joined with Democrats in the legislature to push legislation that would have require health insurance companies to cover some experimental medical treatments. Although the bill was stopped in the Senate, it is likely to be revived in the next session. What policy should New York State adopt with respect to the coverage of experimental treatments by health insurers? Client: Superintendent, New York Department of Insurance

Many Internet users complain about "SPAM," electronic mass_mailings done for commercial purposes. Should the federal government take any actions to make it easier for the administrators of Internet sites to exclude SPAM? Client: Chair, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications

There is some evidence that the use of a cellular telephone in a moving automobile increases the risk of an accident. Should New York State change its motor vehicle laws in any way to discourage the use of cellular telephones in moving vehicles? Client: New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles

Oregon has organized elections in which all ballots are submitted by mail. Should New York State institute "voting by mail" for elections to local offices and school boards? Client: Office of the Governor

A number of police and fire departments around the country have purchased portable defibrillators (devices used to give electric shocks to revive victims of cardiac arrest) for their vehicles. Should New York State encourage, discourage, or regulate the use of defibrillators by police and fire departments and by the general public? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting now receives less than 15 percent of its annual revenue directly from the federal government. Should the Corporation seek to free itself completely from reliance on the government for general support? Client: President, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Critics of the 21 year_old minimum legal drinking age charge that it encourages college students and other young adults to experiment with alcohol in dangerous ways. Some have suggested that a "learner's permit" be introduced that would allow those over 18 but under 21 years old to consume alcohol under restricted conditions. Develop and analyze alternatives for allowing limited access to alcohol for those between the ages of 18 and 21 in New York State. Client: Office of the Governor

Review New York State regulations governing home schooling. Should they be revised to make it easier for parents to home school? Client: Regents of the University of the State of New York

Review New York State laws concerning the granting of unlimited tenure to primary and secondary teachers. Should decisions concerning the granting of unlimited tenure be left to local school boards? Client: Regents of the University of the State of New York

Rising automobile insurance rates in California prompted several analysts to propose replacing the mandatory purchase of basic liability coverage with provision paid for through a special gasoline tax __ anyone buying gasoline in the state would thus contribute into the liability fund. California residents could purchase additional coverage above that provided through the gasoline tax. Should New York State adopt a pay_at_the_pump liability insurance system? Client: Superintendent, New York Department of Insurance

Cities, counties, and states often provide large subsidies to attract professional sports teams or to keep them from leaving for other jurisdictions. These subsidies impose tax burdens that transfer wealth from the general public to franchise owners. Should the federal government heavily tax the imputed value of these subsidies in an effort to discourage local governments from providing them? Client: Chair, U.S. Congress Joint Committee on Taxation

Review the information that the Federal Aviation Administration provides to the public about the performance (on_time arrival and safety) of airlines. Develop and analyze alternatives for increasing the value of this information to consumers. Client: Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

Public libraries increasingly provide Internet access to their patrons. Should libraries take any steps to reduce the exposure of children to Internet material that would be judged inappropriate for them if it were available in print format? Client: Executive Director, American Library Association

Candidates in U.S. presidential and congressional elections must report the sources of their campaign contributions to the Federal Election Commission. Under he current reporting system campaign contributions received in the months just prior to the election are not publically available until after the election is over. Should the election laws be changed to require "real_time" posting of contributions on Internet web_pages? Client: President, Common Cause

Only about 20 percent of prescription drugs currently on the market in the United States have been tested on children. The Clinton Administration is currently considering regulations that would require more extensive pediatric testing of new drugs. Develop and analyze alternatives for providing doctors with better information about dosages, safety, and effectiveness of drugs potentially beneficial to children. Client: Director of Research, Children's Defense Fund

Should the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act of 1988 be amended to discourage, encourage, or regulate Internet gambling operations based on tribal lands? Client: Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

The federal government has established regulations concerning the crash protection provided by bumpers on motor vehicles. Light trucks and recreational vehicles often have bumpers much higher from the ground than automobile bumpers so that collisions tend not to be bumper to bumper. Should the federal government adopt regulations that would result in a larger fraction of vehicles having bumpers at the same height? Client: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The current policy toward combatants in the former Yugoslavia requires the arrest and prosecution of war criminals. As the indictments are often secret, however, many Bosnian Serb officials refuse to cooperate with the peace process because they fear they will be arrested if they meet with international officials. Should the war criminal policy be modified or abandoned? Client: U.S. Department of State

Projects for 1996 randomly assigned from the following list:

Should New York State take actions to increase the vaccination rate for children and teenagers against the major childhood diseases? Client: New York State Department of Health

Immigrants from Korea, China, and Mexico often establish what sociologists call "rotating savings and credit associations," which typically involve groups of about ten to twenty persons agreeing to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool each month. The amount collected each month is then allocated by some mechanism to one member. Often the amounts received are used to start small businesses. Should New York State take any actions to either discourage or encourage the formation of such associations? Client: New York State Department of Economic Development

Should New York State lower the minimum legal age for drinking alcoholic beverages to 18 years? Client: Governor's Office

Regulations currently limit the domestic and international marketing of encryption programs that would increase the security and privacy of Internet communications. Should these regulations be eliminated? Client: Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee

Does the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act provide an adequate framework for the regulation of food supplements? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

Should the U.S. build a ballistic missile defense system? Client: Chair, House National Security Subcommittee on Military Research and Development

It has been estimated that various tax "loopholes" cost the federal government $400 billion annually in lost revenue. Evaluate alternatives for closing loopholes to raise at least $50 billion additional tax revenue annually. Client: Chair, House Ways and Means Committee

The 1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act sets conditions under which utilities are required to purchase electricity from independent power generators. Should these conditions be changed? Client: Chair, House Energy and Commerce Committee

The New England ground fishery was once an abundant source of cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder. Currently, however, stocks of these fish are at record lows. Should the 1976 Magnuson Fishery and Conservation Act be revised to provide a better framework for management of the New England Ground fishery? Client: Chair, House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee

Should the federal government alter its policies concerning the ownership of fossils found on federal lands? Client: Secretary, Department of the Interior

California has imposed a tax on cigarettes to fund anti_smoking advertising. Should New York State adopt a similar approach? Client: New York State Department of Health

Should the United States continue to support the international ban on trade in ivory? Client: President's Council on Environmental Quality

What role should the State of New York play in dealing with the risks posed by residential radon exposure? Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Should New York State make a greater effort to establish paternity in cases of illegitimate births to teenage mothers? Client: New York State Department of Social Services

Should New York State change its policies governing the practice of midwifery? Client: Committee on Health, New York State Assembly

Evaluate the teacher certification system used in the State of New York. Client: Chair, Committee on Education, New York State Senate

In 1992 the Department of Agriculture recommended that poultry be routinely irradiated to reduce the health risks of bacterial infection. The proposal was rejected. Reconsider the recommendation. Client: Secretary, Department of Agriculture

Should New York State adopt laws similar to those in Minnesota that allow students to attend public schools in districts other than the ones in which they live? Client: New York State Board of Regents

Evaluate the Department of Agriculture's regulation of the lemon industry (Marketing Order 910). Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Should New York State adopt policies to discourage the use of disposable diapers? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Review the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the direct advertising of prescription drugs to consumers. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

Evaluate import quotas and related federal programs affecting the domestic sugar market. Client: Chair, House Committee on Agriculture

Should New York State prohibit the use of sex as a rating factor in automobile insurance? Client: New York State Superintendent of Insurance

Should the federal government regulate the disposal of the batteries used in flashlights, radios, and other consumer products? Client: Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Governor Pataki has recently taken actions to restrict advertising for New York State's lotteries. To what extent should advertising for state_run gambling be restricted? Client: Division of the Lottery

Should New York State take steps to encourage higher rates of mammography? Client: Commissioner, Department of Health

In view of the public health issues surrounding the spread of HIV, should New York State change laws governing prostitution? In particular, should prohibition be replaced with some form of regulation? Client: Commissioner, Department of Health

In 1992 the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of silicone gel_filled breast implants. Recent studies suggest that silicone implants may not be related to previously suspected health risks. Should the FDA lift or modify its ban? Client: Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration

Businesses operating in New York State continue to have concern about the high costs of workers' compensation insurance. How might the current system be changed to reduce its costs? Client: Governor's Office

Recent studies suggest that many birth defects of the central nervous system could be avoided if susceptible women consumed more folic acid prior to pregnancy. Should the federal government require that folic acid be added to some staple food? Client: Surgeon General, Department of Health and Human Services

Projects for 1995 randomly assigned from the following list:

Does the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act of 1988 provide an adequate framework for regulating gambling offered by tribes? Client: Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior

Since the federal government introduced provisions for the seizure of property related to certain crimes under the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, many states have adopted similar forfeiture laws. Should the New York State forfeiture law be altered to better protect the rights of innocent people? Client: Director of Criminal Justice, Office of the Governor

Provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act place restrictions on the disciplinary measures schools can apply to disabled students. Can the provisions be revised to strike a better balance between protection of the rights of the disabled and the general educational function of schools? Client: Chairman, House Committee on Education and Labor

Should the Endangered Species Act be revised to require that compensation be given to landowners who are restricted in the use of their property because it provides habitat for endangered species? Client: Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior

Should New York State modify its laws and regulations that require health and education professionals to report suspected cases of the maltreatment of children? Client: Chairman, New York Senate Committee on Children and Families

What role, if any, should New York State play in facilitating the provision of information on the quality of nursing homes to consumers? Client: Director, Office for the Aging

Should New York State require school districts to provide systematic information to the public about educational outcomes? Client: New York State Department of Education

Should Congress revise the Americans with Disabilities Act to restrict private party suits, especially with respect to mental disabilities? Client: Chairman, Senate Committee on Education and Labor

Should the framework under which the Food and Drug Administration regulates medical devices be revised? Client: Chairman, Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee

New York State ranks hospitals and cardiac surgeons in terms of their success in heat bypass surgery. Can the ranking process and its use be improved? Client: New York State Department of Health

Should the federal government return the choice of highway speed limits to the states? Client: Chairman, House Committee on Public Works and Transportation

New York State mandates community rating with respect to health insurance. Does this policy require modification? Client: Superintendent, New York State Insurance Department

What role, if any, should the federal government play in the development and application of quality assurance measures for Health Maintenance Organizations? Client: Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration

Consider alternatives for privatizing the electromagnetic spectrum. Client: Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee

Consider alternatives for reducing the costs of the State University of New York through the closing of campuses. Client: SUNY Board of Trustees

Should New York State take steps to encourage higher rates of mammography? Client: Commissioner, Department of Health

Consider alternatives for New York State to reduce Medicaid costs through enrollment of those eligible in Health Maintenance Organizations. Client: Commissioner, Department of Health

The Jones Act requires that all shipping between U. S. ports be done using U. S. ships and crews. Should it be repealed or revised? Client: Legislative Affairs Office, National Association of Manufacturers

Should New York State adopt policies to discourage the use of disposable diapers? Client: Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation

Evaluate the harvesting and allocation of human kidneys as transplant organs. Client: Director, National Institutes of Health

International treaties banning the harvesting of certain species of whales have resulted in their populations reaching sufficient numbers so that it may be possible to renew harvesting them without threatening their extinction. What policy should the United States propose with respect to the harvesting of renewed species? Client: President's Council on Environmental Quality

Current copyright law and its enforcement have raised the costs of photocopied course materials at colleges and universities. Should the laws be changed to strike a better balance between the interests of copyright owners and the effective educational use of copyrighted materials? Client: Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

Projects for 1993 randomly assigned from the following list:

Does the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act of 1988 provide an adequate framework for regulating gambling offered by tribes? Client: Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior

What mental health benefits, if any, should be included in the basic health insurance package proposed as part of the Clinton administration's health care reform? Client: Ira Magaziner, Senior Advisor to the President for Policy Development

How should the fees charged for grazing on federal land be set? Client: Secretary, Department of the Interior

What dental benefits, if any, should be included in the basic health insurance package proposed as part of the Clinton administration's health care reform? Client: Ira Magaziner, Senior Advisor to the President for Policy Development

Evaluate the Department of Agriculture's regulation of the lemon industry (Marketing Order 910). Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Review the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the direct advertising of prescription drugs to consumers. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

Evaluate import quotas and related federal programs affecting the domestic sugar market. Client: Chair, House Committee on Agriculture

Should New York State prohibit the use of sex as a rating factor in automobile insurance? Client: New York State Superintendent of Insurance

Should the federal government regulate the disposal of the batteries used in flashlights, radios, and other consumer products? Client: Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

A disproportionate number of children in foster care in New York State are black. Should the state revise its policy of discouraging adoption of black children by white parents? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Social Services

New York State often provides grants to local jurisdictions to help fund the construction of sports stadiums. What guidelines should be used in deciding which such grants are appropriate? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Economic Development

Should New York State eliminate or restrict awards for "pain and suffering" in tort cases? Client: Governor's Office

Should New York State encourage, discourage, or ignore local restrictions on the use of plastic containers by the "fast food" industry? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Projects for 1992 randomly assigned from the following list:

The Agriculture Department dispenses about $200 million dollars annually through its Market Promotion Program to subsidize the advertising of U.S. agricultural products in foreign markets. Should this program be continued? Client: Director, Office of Management and Budget

On June 19, 1985 the Supreme Court struck down a 1985 federal law that required states without approved disposal sites for low_ level radioactive waste by 1996 to take legal possession of the wastes. What policy should the federal government now adopt toward low_level radioactive waste disposal? Client: Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Between 1980 and 1988 the number of passenger "emplanements" in the U.S. more than doubled. Yet no new airports have opened since 1974 and only one new airport is under construction. Should the federal government play a more active role in expanding airport capacity? Client: Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

HIV appears to be spreading among intravenous drug users through the sharing of hypodermic needles. Should New York State change its laws to make sterile needles more available to intravenous drug users? Client: New York State Department of Health

It is likely that the size of the United States military will be reduced over the next ten years. Should the Marine Corps be eliminated or substantially reduced in size as part of this reduction? Client: Chair, House Armed Services Committee

Should the federal government adopt policies to encourage greater use of natural gas as a motor vehicle fuel? Client: Secretary, Department of Energy

California has imposed a tax on cigarettes to fund anti_smoking advertising. Should New York State adopt a similar approach? Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Should New York State legalize the use, possession, cultivation, or sale of marijuana? Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Should the United States continue to support the international ban on trade in ivory? Client: President's Council on Environmental Quality

The Jones Act requires that all shipping between U.S. ports be done using U.S. ships and crews. Should it be repealed or revised? Client: Legislative Affairs Office, National Association of Manufacturers

Evaluate the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. Is new legislation desirable? Client: Chair, House Subcommittee on Health and Environment

What role should the federal government play in supporting undergraduate college education? Client: Chair, House Committee on Education and Labor

Evaluate the Food and Drug Administration regulations governing the testing and marketing of breakthrough drugs such as those used to treat AIDS. Client: Chair, House Subcommittee on Health and Environment

What role should the State of New York play in dealing with the risks posed by residential radon exposure? Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Should the federal government regulate the use of the bovine growth hormone in the raising of dairy cows? Client: Chair, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, U.S. House of Representatives

Evaluate the federal price support program for rice. Client: Chair, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, U.S. House of Representatives

Should New York State change its policies to attempt to reduce the incidence of pregnancy among unmarried teenagers? Client: New York State Department of Health

The New York State legislature recently passed legislation requiring the use of community rating in the setting of health insurance premiums. Should the legislation be revised or repealed? Client: New York State Commissioner of Insurance

Many researchers believe that too few women have regular mammograms. Should New York adopt policies to encourage mammograms? Client: New York State Department of Health

Should New York State change its policies governing the practice of midwifery? Client: Committee on Health, New York State Assembly

Should New York State alter its policies to increase the rate at which teenagers complete high school? Client: New York State Commissioner of Education

Currently pesticides not approved for use in the United States can be exported for use abroad. Should so called "circle_of_poison" legislation be passed to prevent the export of pesticides not approved for use in the United States? Client: Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

The federal Asbestos Hazard and Emergency Response Act has led public and private schools to undertake the removal of asbestos. Should the act be rewritten to encourage schools whose asbestos is adequately sealed within structures to not remove it? Client: President's Council on Environmental Quality

Evaluate the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency concerning the disposal of waste oil. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

Should the federal government require firms to grant parental leave? Client: President, National Organization of Women

Should the Federal government change its policies governing the provision of cable television and other video services? Client: Chair, Federal Communications Commission

Should New York State alter its regulations governing the sale and advertising of wine coolers? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

Evaluate the policies of the State of New York concerning the disposal of medical wastes. Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Evaluate the teacher certification system used in the State of New York. Client: Chair, Committee on Education, New York State Senate

Should the federal government change the Civil Service System so that agencies can more easily hire employees for contracts of fixed duration? Client: Office of Management and Budget

Should the McCarran_Furguson Act be repealed or substantially revised? Client: Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee

Projects for 1991 randomly assigned from the following list:

Evaluate New York State's laws governing prostitution in light of the spread of AIDS. Should New York State allow brothels? Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Evaluate the harvesting and allocation of human kidneys as transplant organs. Client: Director, National Institutes of Health

Evaluate the Department of Agriculture's regulation of the peanut industry. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Should New York State change its policies to encourage or facilitate the recycling of newspaper? Client: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Evaluate federal regulations governing the disposal of lead_acid batteries used in automobiles. Client: Environmental Protection Agency

The current allocation of the electro_magnetic spectrum may be holding back the introduction of new communications technologies. Consider proposals, including H.R. 1407, for increasing access to the spectrum by users of new technologies. Client: Office of Management and Budget

Review the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the direct advertising of prescription drugs to consumers. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

Evaluate the Department of Agriculture's wool and mohair program. Client: Office of Management and Budget

Evaluate import quotas and related federal programs affecting the domestic sugar market. Client: Chair, House Committee on Agriculture

Develop and evaluate alternatives for raising an additional ten billion dollars annually through the federal personal income tax. Client: Chair, House Ways and Means Committee

Should the federal government promote the development of a standardized nuclear reactor design for commercial electricity generation? Client: Department of Energy

Should New York State prohibit the use of sex as a rating factor in automobile insurance? Client: New York State Superintendent of Insurance

Should the federal government regulate the disposal of the batteries used in flashlights, radios, and other consumer products? Client: Environmental Protection Agency

Current federal policy prohibits most cities from dumping sewage sludge in the ocean. New York and other cities that still dump will soon be prohibited from doing so. Should the dumping prohibition be continued? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

Should the federal government adopt policies that would require all patients admitted to hospitals to be tested for the HIV virus? Client: Centers for Disease Control

Evaluate federal regulation of the dairy industry. Client: Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

Should regulations governing the labeling of food products be changed to require that the percentage of calories derived from fats be listed? Client: Food and Drug Administration

Evaluate federal policies intended to preserve wetlands in light of recent debate over their definition. Client: President's Council on Environmental Quality

The 1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act requires that utilities purchase electricity generated by independent firms. Should the act be modified to require utilities to give access to their transmission lines so that independents can sell electricity directly to commercial and industrial customers? Client: Chairman, Energy and Power Subcommittee, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Should the federal government take a more active role in promoting immunization against childhood diseases. Client: Chairman, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

Should the federal government expand or modify the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program? Client: Chairman, Senate Select Committee on Hunger

Should the federal government sell the Naval Petroleum Reserve? Client: Office of Management and Budget

Should the federal government develop a national earthquake insurance program? Client: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Should the United States seek to modify the United States_Japan Semiconductor Agreement which regulates the importation of computer memory chips from Japan. Client: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce

Propose and evaluate policies for transferring the ownership of public housing to tenants. Client: Department of Housing and Urban Development

Should all new televisions sold in the U.S. be required to have an internal device to permit the hearing_impaired to receive close_captioning? Client: Office of Management and Budget

Projects for 1990 randomly assigned from the following list:

Evaluate the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency concerning the disposal of waste oil. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

What role should the federal government play in the regulation of cable television? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology

Federal law currently prohibits telephone companies from offering cable television and other video services. Should the prohibition be lifted? Client: Chair, Federal Communications Commission

Evaluate the National Vaccine Program. Is new legislation needed? Client: Chair, House Subcommittee on Health and Environment

What role should the State of New York play in dealing with the risks posed by residential radon exposure? Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Should the federal government play a role in encouraging the development and use of biodegradable plastics? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

What role should the federal government play in reducing the infant mortality rate in the United States? Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

Should the administration support more stringent minimum fleet average mileage standards (CAFE) for automobile manufacturers? Client: Chair, President's Council on Environmental Quality

Should campaign laws be changed to reduce the apparent advantage enjoyed by incumbent members of the House of Representatives? Client: President, Common Cause

What role should the federal government play in supporting undergraduate education? Client: Chair, House Committee on Education and Labor

Evaluate the Department of Agriculture's regulation of the lemon industry (Marketing Order 910). Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Medicaid program as a safety_net for ensuring the availability of long_term nursing care for the elderly. Client: Chair, House Select Committee on Aging

Should the federal government require firms to grant parental leave? Client: President, National Organization of Women

Should the anti_trust protections given the insurance industry by the McCarran_Ferguson Act be modified? Client: Chair, House Committee on the Judiciary

Should the federal government preempt state laws governing product liability? Client: Chair, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Should the State of New York discourage the use of non_biodegradable disposable diapers? Client: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

About a dozen states now employ "shock incarceration" __ correctional boot camps that provide highly disciplined, intense, and short_term experiences for inmates as a substitute for longer prison terms. What role should "shock incarceration" play in the New York State correctional system? Client: Director, Criminal Justice, New York State Executive Department

Increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other gases may be contributing to global warming caused by a "greenhouse" effect. One way to slow the increase in the growth of atmospheric carbon dioxide is to expand the world's forest acreage. Evaluate the potential for modifying the Conservation Reserve Program of the Food Security Act of 1985 (PL 99_198) to expand U.S. forest acreage. Client: Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Evaluate the teacher certification system used in the State of New York. Client: Chair, Committee on Education, New York State Senate

Evaluate the policies of the State of New York concerning immunization against childhood diseases. Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Should the State of New York change its policy concerning safety inspections of automobiles? Client: Chair, Committee on Transportation, New York State Senate

Assess and evaluate the use of sex as a rating factor in insurance sold in the State of New York. Client: Chair, Committee on Insurance, New York State Senate

Evaluate the policies of the State of New York concerning the disposal of medical wastes. Client: Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health

Evaluate federal regulations governing the sale of reconstituted milk. Client: Chair, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, U.S. House of Representatives

Should New York State alter its regulations governing the sale and advertising of wine coolers? Client: Commissioner, New York State Department of Health

The Jones Act requires that all shipping between U.S. ports be done using U.S. ships and crews. Should it be repealed? Client: Legislative Affairs Office, National Association of Manufacturers

Evaluate the rules proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration concerning travel by infants on commercial airline flights. Client: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget

Develop and evaluate alternatives for reducing the federal deficit by selling assets such as the federal power authorities. Clients: Robert Strauss and Drew Lewis, Co_Chairman, National Economic Commission

RJR Nabisco Inc. and other companies have developed "smokeless" cigarettes. How should this new product be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration? Client: Dr. Frank E. Young, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration

Should public policy encourage greater participation by private enterprise in the exploration and commercialization of space? If so, how? Client: Representative Robert A. Roe, Chairman, House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

Evaluate the Food and Drug Administration regulations governing the testing and marketing of medical devices. Client: Representative Henry A. Waxman, Chairman, House Subcommittee on Health and Environment