Twelve scholars from across the United States participated in a week-long intensive workshop in June hosted by UW–Madison’s Center for Financial Security Retirement and Disability Research Center with support from Howard University’s Center on Race and Wealth.

The Center for Financial Security Retirement and Disability Research Center (CFS RDRC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison received a second year of funding from the US Social Security Administration (SSA). One of just four RDRCs in the country supported by SSA, UW–Madison’s is the only one focusing on the financial well-being of economically vulnerable families, older people, people with disabilities, low-wealth households, and children.

The Fall 2019 issue of On Wisconsin magazine featured a study by La Follette School Associate Professor Yang Wang (MIPA ’03) and a colleague at Lehigh University. The study found that pregnant women who travel long distances to work face increased risks of adverse birth outcomes.

The Wisconsin Federal Statistical Research Data Center (WiscRDC) is hosting the annual RDC conference September 5 and 6 at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street. La Follette School Professor Jason Fletcher is executive director of WiscRDC.

The La Follette School completed another successful Office Hours at the Capitol event in June. Office Hours is a twice-yearly, drop-in event for legislators and staff to connect with UW–Madison faculty and staff who are doing research on timely public policy issues.

The latest Wisconsin poverty analysis using a state-specific poverty measure devised by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers found mixed results in efforts to alleviate poverty and promote self-sufficiency in the state.

Four La Follette School faculty members received funding from the Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition in spring 2019: Professors Jason Fletcher and Susan Webb Yackee, Associate Professor Yang Wang, and Professor Emeritus Barbara “Bobbi” Wolfe.

La Follette School Professor Jason Fletcher received a 2019 Vilas Mid-Career Award for excellence in research and teaching from UW–Madison’s Office of the Provost. The award, which provides flexible research funding for one year, is funded by the estate of William F. Vilas (1840-1908).

Solar energy, an intriguing novelty 15 years ago, has become a substantial global industry, exceeding expectations of even the most optimistic experts. How did this happen? And why did it take so long?

It has been a busy spring for La Follette School faculty member Yang Wang. She received a Vilas Early Career Investigator Award, was promoted to associate professor with tenure, and had her research highlighted in the New York Times and other news media.