Legislative Reference Library

Current Articles list for December 10, 2020

The Legislative Reference Library produces a weekly list of current journal articles for members of the legislative community. New lists are available most Thursdays at 3pm. The most recent list is below.

"Across the country, voters remove racist symbols and language from founding documents." By April Simpson. Center for Public Integrity, November 9, 2020, pp. 1-4
Discusses the recent approval of ballot measures and constitutional amendments in several states related to removing symbols and language linked to slavery and involuntary servitude.
See:https://publicintegrity.o ...


"States' experiences confirm harmful effects of Medicaid work requirements." By Jennifer Wagner and Jessica Schubel. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, November 18, 2020, pp. 1-9
Reviews the implementation of Medicaid work requirements in Arkansas, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Examines the policies' effects on health care coverage, financial hardship, and access to health care.
See:https://www.cbpp.org/site ...


"The deterrent effects of DNA databases." By Jennifer L. Doleac. Issue Brief (Manhattan Institute), December 2020, pp. 1-9
Describes new research from the United States and Denmark showing that adding more people to government DNA databases dramatically reduces recidivism and that adding people early in their criminal careers has the biggest benefits. Discusses the potential tradeoffs involved in further expanding DNA databases.
See:https://media4.manhattan- ...


"Sector strategies for success: Meeting the needs of workers and employers." By Kelsey Schaberg. Issue Focus (MDRC), November 2020, pp. 1-3
Discusses easing COVID-19–related unemployment by implementing sector programs — workforce training for high-quality jobs in industries that have strong local demand and offer career advancement. Mentions Project QUEST, a health-care focused training program in San Antonio.
Related information at:https://questsa.org/
See:https://www.mdrc.org/site ...


"Should prisoners get COVID-19 vaccines early?" By Jamiles Lartey, Michelle Pitcher, and Keri Blakinger. Marshall Project, December 3, 2020, pp. 1-2
Evaluates COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans and notes that at least six states have placed incarcerated people as a group of "phase one" recipients of the vaccine. Argues that incarcerated people are at high risk from disease and likely to incubate and seed the virus back into the community, particularly through prison employees moving between institutions and their homes. Interviews Texas prisoners and prison staff.
See:https://www.themarshallpr ...


"Texas blues." By Kevin D. Williamson. National Review, November 30, 2020, pp. 33-34
Reviews the results of the 2020 general election in Texas. Concludes that appealing to Latino and suburban voters was key to Republican victories in state and national elections.
See:https://www.nationalrevie ...


"A good school is good for students of all abilities." By Lauren Morando Rhim. Phi Delta Kappan, November 2020, pp. 18-22
Uses examples of current programs and policies, particularly within charter schools, to explore ways in which all schools can make their existing structures more equitable for students with disabilities.
See:https://kappanonline.org/ ...


"Racial and ethnic inequity in SBA lending patterns, 2010-2020." By Lebaron Sims and Simone Robbennolt. Policy Brief (Prosperity Now), December 2020, pp. 1-7
Examines the racial distribution of Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and 504 program lending activity.
See:https://prosperitynow.org ...


"Continuous renewable coverage: Rx for America's dysfunctional health-insurance system." By Chris Pope. Report (Manhattan Institute), December 2020, pp. 1-20
Presents Germany's health insurance system as a model for the United States — a system that allows individuals to control the purchase of health insurance, is structured to reward continuous enrollment, and leads private insurers to compete by improving medical coverage for all customers.
See:https://media4.manhattan- ...


"Child care a necessity for rebuilding the economy." By Jennifer Palmer. State Legislatures, November 30, 2020, pp. 1-5
Explains why state and federal support for the child care industry is critical to states’ economic recovery.
See:https://www.ncsl.org/rese ...


"Priority: Primary care." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, December 2020, pp. 15-20
Discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and highlighted issues with primary care within the health care system. Mentions the Texas Primary Care Consortium's (TPCC) recent letter and issue brief to Governor Greg Abbott that include recommendations for reform. Highlights the Texas Academy of Family Physicians' (TAFP) plan to transform health care in Texas.
See:https://cdn.coverstand.co ...
Related information at:https://tafp.org/Media/De ...
Related information at:https://uploads-ssl.webfl ...
Related information at:https://uploads-ssl.webfl ...

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