In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.
- Examine guidance related to addressing natural disaster debris . (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 2019)
- Review figures related to the cost of war to the U.S. since 9/11. (Congressional Research Service, April 18, 2019)
- Check by VIN whether a vehicle is under a recall. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accessed May 1, 2019)
- Read a recent report of the Texas Women's Health Program. (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, May 2019)
Members of the Texas legislative community may request the articles below here or by calling 512-463-1252.
- "It's time for states to invest in infrastructure (2019)." By Elizabeth C. McNichol. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Updated March 19, 2019, pp. 1-22. (Note length)
Discusses the critical need for state investments in public infrastructure, including transportation, roads, bridges, airports, public buildings, and water and sewer treatment systems, and the economic, business, and environmental benefits of infrastructure improvement. Includes a 50-state table of state and local capital spending by state since 2000 as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), with Texas at 2.14 percent for 2016. - "Former student aid." By Jacob Fischler. CQ Weekly, April 1, 2019, pp. 27-29.
Addresses oversight of the student loan industry at the state level. Discusses states' legislative efforts to require student loan servicers to be licensed by state-level agencies. - "The future of cars: Charging ahead." Economist, April 20th-26th, 2019, pp. 57-59.
Presents an optimistic forecast for increased production and sales of electric vehicles, noting major car companies are rethinking their established business models. - "Minimum wages: Floored." Economist, April 27th-May 3rd, 2019, pp. 21, 24.
Reports state and local governments are causing the federal pay floor to be left behind, making the federal minimum wage irrelevant. - "States' progress uneven in K-12 funding battles." By Daarel Burnette II. Education Week, April 17, 2019, pp. 14, 16.
Provides a snapshot of current legislative efforts by states, including Texas, to overhaul their antiquated and often inequitable systems of funding K-12 schools. - "Texas water: Planning for more." By Spencer Grubbs, et al. Fiscal Notes, April 2019, pp. 1, 3-6.
Analyzes trends in Texas water supply and demand, surface water infrastructure, and the continuing challenge presented by droughts. - "Amending the Peeler doctrine: How to provide convicted plaintiffs an equitable opportunity to pursue legal malpractice claims." By Nicholas Van Cleve. Houston Law Review, 2019, pp. 927-963. (Note length)
Examines the inability of convicted plaintiffs to sue for legal malpractice and the evolution of the Peeler doctrine since the 1995 Texas Supreme Court ruling. Compares the doctrine to rules in other states and suggests alternatives to the present system in Texas. - "CARB [California Air Resources Board] calls for improved monitoring around refineries, communities." By Nick Snow. Oil and Gas Journal, April 1, 2019, pp. 29-30.
Reports on California's efforts to monitor air quality around refineries. Notes that these efforts resulted from a fire that raised concerns regarding emergency preparedness. References recommendations from a recent report. - "Recession graduates: The long-lasting effects of an unlucky draw." By Hannes Schwandt. Policy Brief (Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research), April 18, 2019, pp. 1-4.
Examines the effects of temporary economic fluctuations on socioeconomic status, health, and mortality. - "Environmental responsibility: The cornerstone of public power." By Betsy Loeff. Public Power, March/April 2019, pp. 38-42.
Looks at the different ways three public power utilities have implemented sustainable initiatives. Refers to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Affordable Clean Energy rule. - "It's time to update public financing of public infrastructure." By John Godfrey. Public Power, March/April 2019, p. 45.
Argues that Congress should modernize bonds as a way to update public infrastructure financing. - "The flood next time." By Gus Bova. Texas Observer, May/June 2019, pp. 20-25.
Discusses flooding risks of the proposed border wall for the Rio Grande floodplain to Texas counties and Mexico. Argues a lack of transparency has prevented input from local officials on any detailed plans for the border wall and has increased the probability of devastating flooding in their communities.
The Legislative Reference Library compiles this weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. Professional librarians review and select articles from more than 300 periodicals, including public policy journals, specialized industry periodicals, news magazines, and state agency publications. Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles using our online form.
