Your papers should run about 5-6 pages, including tables and charts and an executive summary, if you choose to write one. They should be structured as what are called policy-briefs or issue-briefs.
These are short, succinct issue-centered papers that maintain a strong focus on providing factual information and advocating policy positions. They are written by legislative staff, non-profit advocacy groups, think tanks and lobbyists and are intended to be useful to busy policy-makers trying to understand a topic and make a decision. You are welcome to hand in an earlier draft for feedback and comments. Note that it is sometimes harder to write a short paper than a long paper. You might start by writing something longer, submitting a draft, then paring it down and editing for succinctness.
Papers must include a bibliography. You must have at least three sources besides those assigned for the class. If you have questions about where to find information, please ask. There are extensive resources on historical and current state and local revenues and spending on-line. Many of the newspaper articles I assigned have links to in-depth studies.
Grades will be based on (1) Having a clear question or policy position; (2) providing a clear, succinct overview of pro-con arguments; (3) citing relevant research; (4) drawing a clear conclusion.
Is the decision by the state and city to provide subsidies, tax credits and infrastructure investment for General Electric to move its headquarters to Boston worth the cost? Should Boston and MA governments provide a similar package to Amazon?
Should Massachusetts impose a higher tax rate on millionaires? Will doing so raise revenues or will it drive millionaires out of the state?
Should the federal government repeal the Affordable Care Act? How would a repeal affect state finances? (in MA or other states)
Should states fund more charter schools? Or allow private, for-profit companies to run schools?
Should Medicaid be converted to a block grant program?
Should states that have not expanded Medicaid do so?
How will a decision in favor of the Janus case impact state workers and their unions?
Why are there so few affordable housing units in cities like Boston? How can cities and towns increase the number of affordable housing units?
Has privatization improved the quality and reduced the cost of public services?
Can user fees on cars (parking, tolls, congestion fees, etc) reduce pollution?
Will the federal caps on deductibility of state and local taxes impact state and local governments ability to raise revenue?
Should Massachusetts provide more money to state colleges and universities?
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