Research Library

The U.S. health care system is grappling with a severe labor shortage, worsened by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population. A new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the sector’s needs, including expanding visa availability, reforming occupational licensing, specializing recruitment, and streamlining the immigration process.

Both presidential candidates have endorsed a policy of no tax on tips. But would this approach really help the low-income workers it’s meant to support? Fellow Joyce Beebe reviews the current tax treatment of tip income, summarizing the main arguments against such a policy, potential impacts, and possible alternatives

A globally equitable energy transition that addresses social and economic disparities may seem unlikely at the moment, but international cooperation on energy policies is achievable. In a new working paper, visiting research scholar Osamah Alsayegh outlines the complex challenges facing a just energy transition and provides policy recommendations focused on promoting international collaboration and transparency.

Recently proposed federal legislation would require the Texas electrical grid to connect to the Eastern and Western Interconnections. While connecting the Texas grid may offer more power to the state and beyond, it would not eliminate the state’s energy reliability, connectivity, or outage concerns. Thus, policymakers should shift their focus to funding a thorough, practical study of all the issues involved in Texas grid integration, writes nonresident scholar Julie A. Cohn.

Vaccines are a valuable, cost-effective public health tool to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It is vital that the next U.S. administration fosters innovation and expands vaccination programs to prevent outbreaks, save lives, reduce health care costs, and promote a healthier, more resilient society, write Rekha Lakshmanan and Kirstin R.W. Matthews.

Texas hospitals perform more reduced-cost care charity care than most of in the country, yet many eligible patients miss out on free or discounted care, leading to medical debt. This new brief examines how Texas nonprofit hospitals handle and report debt, as well as the necessary improvements currently manage and report bad debt and outlines how to address these gaps.

Matt Drwenski explains how “roadsTaken,” the interactive map and database of highway displacement in Houston, was designed and displayed.

Matt Drwenski discusses the history of freeway planning in Houston, Texas — from its origins in the early 20th century to the completion of the city’s urban highway system.

Developing global partnerships could provide essential research and funding for nuclear energy and the energy transition. In a new policy brief for Brussels School of Governance’s Centre for Security, Diplomacy, and Strategy, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard highlights potential collective efforts that JUKE could undertake to leverage their shared strengths for a more sustainable future.

In order to safeguard the peaceful use of outer space — and protect sustain U.S. leadership in this domain — a modern treaty is needed to foster international cooperation in commercial and national security space activities. This new policy brief outlines the issues.