PublicPolicy

The UMBC Department of Public Policy is pleased to announce that the inaugural recipient of the Judith A. Shinogle Memorial Award is an outstanding Ph.D. student in health policy currently conducting research for his dissertation. Stephen will receive $1,500 to provide support for his scholarly advancement. Stephen received his M.A. in Economic Policy Analysis from UMBC, where he was selected by the Economics Department as the Outstanding Graduating Student in 2007. His research interests include economics of health-related behaviors, pharmaco-economics, and mental health economics. Stephen is employed full-time as a Senior Research Leader at Truven Health Analytics, assisting pharmaceutical clients… Continue Reading Stephen Johnston, Public Policy PhD Student, Receives Inaugural Judith A. Shinogle Memorial Award

The sudden appearance of three referenda in Maryland’s last election made some in Annapolis predict that they would be a regular feature in future elections, used as a tool by Maryland’s GOP to contest policy passed by the Democratic majority in the Maryland General Assembly. However, political scientists now suggest that the number of signatures required to get a referendum on the ballot is still a high threshold to meet, even with the help of the Internet in gathering signatures. Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, told AP that this year’s failed efforts to contest… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in AP Story on CBS Baltimore

Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, offered insight for today’s front-page Baltimore Sun story, “Democrats watch for Gansler’s next move,” on the state attorney general’s possible plans to run for governor. Gansler is planning to wait until the fall to announce any campaign, but Norris questions that strategy. By delaying an announcement, says Norris, “he gives a three-month advantage to Brown-Ulman. They’ll be able to out-fundraise him and go around the state as the only announced candidates.” Norris appeared in three other news stories yesterday about the 2014 gubernatorial election. In another Baltimore Sun article… Continue Reading Donald F. Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun, Washington Examiner and on WBAL

In this week’s news of Maryland’s 2014 gubernatorial race, Harford County Executive David R. Craig set a date to announce his Republican candidacy and Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown’s campaign confirmed that his running mate in seeking the Democratic nomination will be Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, told the Baltimore Sun that in selecting Ulman, Brown’s campaign is “appealing to a different Democratic base.” He predicts that while Brown’s strength is among Baltimore and Prince George’s County voters, Ulman can help Brown pick up votes in Howard, Anne Arundel… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun and Daily Record

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley today signed a bill banning the sale of assault weapons, limiting magazines to 10 bullets, requiring handgun purchasers to submit fingerprints and get a license, and creating penalties for people who don’t notify police when their firearms are lost or stolen. The Baltimore Sun reports that gun control advocates are now planning Baltimore-area TV ads to bolster support among Maryland voters, in case of a future referendum or campaigns to oust lawmakers who backed the bill in the General Assembly. This ad buy begs the question: Could Maryland’s anti-gun control community gather enough support to change course… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun

Larry DeWitt, public policy Ph.D. student and former public historian for the U.S. Social Security Administration, has published the new book The Other Welfare: Supplemental Security Income and U.S. Social Policy (Cornell University Press 2013) written with co-author Edward D. Berkowitz. The book offers a comprehensive history of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), from its origins in 1972 as part of President Nixon’s social reform efforts to its pivotal role in the politics of the Clinton administration. Reviewer Christopher D. Howard (College of William & Mary) writes, “Calling The Other Welfare one of the best histories of a U.S. social program… Continue Reading Larry DeWitt, Public Policy, Publishes “The Other Welfare”

Stress Testing the USA: Public Policy and Reaction to Disaster Events, a new book by professor of public policy John Rennie Short, arrives in stores tomorrow! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcUEyXn28hI] Stress testing is a procedure, common to fields from medicine to engineering, that is used to reveal a system’s weaknesses. In his new book, Short applies this concept to analyzing four serious traumas the United States experienced at the start of the 21st century: the invasion of Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, the financial meltdown, and the BP oil spill. In Stress Testing the USA (Palgrave MacMillan), Short identifies specific structural flaws with the… Continue Reading John Rennie Short, Public Policy, Publishes “Stress Testing the USA”

“The worst kept secret in Maryland is that Martin O’Malley is running for president,” says Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, in a Washington Jewish Week article on O’Malley’s recent visit to Israel and Jordan. He suggests, “One of the important bases that has to be touched is showing you have foreign policy experience. Another is going to Israel. He’s doing a twofer.” Formally, the 8-day visit was a trade mission; the O’Malley administration notes that in 2012 Israel was Maryland’s 43rd largest trading partner. Twenty Israeli companies already have offices in Maryland and three… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in Washington Jewish Week and the Gazette

As the initial shock following last week’s indictment of inmates and correctional officers at the Baltimore City Detention Center gives way to more detailed analysis, the Baltimore Sun is asking what ramifications this case could have on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s future political career. “It’s a major problem that has to be fixed,” Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, told the Sun, suggesting the debacle’s ultimate political impact will depend on how O’Malley handles it going forward. He noted, “It could tarnish O’Malley. It could also rebound in his favor.”

Yesterday’s allegations that state prison guards helped a gang operate a contraband smuggling scheme from behind bars at the Baltimore City Detention Center are prompting strong responses from Maryland lawmakers. While Sen. Brian E. Frosh said the O’Malley administration deserves credit for its role in a “very bold, aggressive and appropriate” prosecution, Del. Curtis S. Anderson called the indictments “just horrific” and asked for further explanation from the governor. Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, told the Washington Post that any political fallout from the episode for O’Malley, who is considering a 2016 presidential bid,… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Washington Post

In the last year, three top aides and three department secretaries have left Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration. Although some have voiced concern, Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, tells The Daily Record, “This is not at all unusual for the second half of the second term of a term-limited governor.” Norris notes, “If the replacements are qualified, there’s no brain drain.”