Brief Analyses

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.

Health Exchange Subsidies Will Reduce Employer Health Plans

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) - the new health reform law - contains financial incentives for the states to establish health insurance exchanges where qualifying individuals and…
The Doctor’s Out. Where’s the Nurse?

There is a looming physician shortage. Nonphysician primary care providers, or nurse practitioners, could help fill the gap. Nurse practitioners, also called advanced practice nurses in some states, h…
International Housing Affordability

Housing affordability has steadily decreased in the United States and abroad over the past decade. This decrease is due in large part to strict land use regulations-- known by a variety of names, such…
Dodd-Frank Creates Obstacles, Restricts Growth

Dodd-Frank was a response to the 2008 financial collapse intended to increase oversight of massive financial institutions, such as large banks and stock brokers, and monitor consumer transactions, suc…
Temporary Employment: The New Permanent?

As the United States recovers from the 2008 recession, many consider any employment growth to be a good sign. But uncertainties about future tax and health care costs could be inhibiting permanent job…
Crisis of the Uninsured: 2010 and Beyond

One of the primary goals of the federal health reform law — the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) — is to ensure that all Americans have health insurance. In 2010, the number of…
Is Occupational Licensing Necessary?

Restrictions on who can and cannot practice a certain profession have increased significantly in recent years. Occupational licensing — the most onerous restriction — requires people to pass tests…
The EPA’s New Air Quality Regulations: All Pain, No Gain (Part Two)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to expand its reach, creating a host of new regulations at a high cost to the economy.  This is especially true of two new EPA initiatives:…