Research Library

Many tax treatments can help families and individuals cover college expenses, yet methods of paying for college may change with recent and forthcoming policies. In an issue brief, fellow Joyce Beebe reviews proposed policy reforms to federal student loan forgiveness and outlines updates to repayment plans, application processes, and accompanying tax treatments.

How do urban redevelopment and revitalization projects impact a community’s small businesses? A new report by Alisha Small, scholar for economic growth, and co-author Lebena Varghese details survey results from business owners in Houston’s Third Ward, a historically African American community experiencing economic and demographic change.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have experienced substantial growth in recent years, prompting debate about abuses of this tax-advantaged vehicle and what policies should be adopted to close loopholes. Fellow Joyce Beebe reviews the design of DAFs, common criticisms, recent policy developments, and opponents’ arguments against additional regulations.

The American food supply chain is at risk due to increased farmworker shortages. This new brief explains the issues and suggests policy options to meet the needs of, and for, these vital workers.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) evaluations impact firms' market value, but inconsistencies and uncertainties in these assessments suggest that following past practice may not be the best way forward. The future lies in a more focused version of ESG principles, one that resembles environmental risk management.

America is facing a serious labor shortage. Expanding the TN visa — a pivotal pathway for Canadian and Mexican professionals originally created through NAFTA — can help the country close its growing workforce gaps, writes Tony Payan, director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico.

Legislative action on the ballooning federal deficit is long overdue. Fellow John W. Diamond proposes a new nonpartisan fiscal commission to bypass congressional inaction on reform.

Patricia Summerlin Martin provides an alternative perspective on religious women’s views in the late 1800s and early 1900s — a perspective distinct from that of wealthier women who lived in the Northeast or Deep South. The study explores how Southwestern Baptist women interpreted the Bible and how this shaped their perspectives on feminism and power.

The Mexico Country Outlook 2024 analyzes key policy issues ahead of Mexico’s June 2024 elections, from foreign investment and regulatory challenges to migration and public security.

Introduction

Car-based transportation in the United States began in the early 20th century. Before that, the country was…