Our overarching goal is to expand understanding of policy issues impacting the state and to amplify policy recommendations – for policymakers, the public, and other key stakeholders. Our hope is that this work contributes to improving the quality of life for everyone who lives in New Jersey.
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Posts
Dr. Patti O’Brien-Richardson Speaks at World Afro Day
Dr. Patti O’Brien-Richardson was a speaker at the 2023 World Afro Day – Workplace on September 15th in the UK. Dr. O’Brien-Richardson provided hair discrimination policy training for corporations and HR professionals, spoke on the need for policies in the workplace, and the physical and mental health impact of not having hair discrimination legal protection.
NJSPL – After-School Programs and Students’ Academic Behavior in New Jersey: Current Situation and Future Development
NJSPL summer intern Xiao Liang (MPA-Camden ’24) found that although students’ test scores have increased across all racial/ethnic groups in the last few decades, access to equitable educational opportunities among different socioeconomic backgrounds has not led to improvement in overall educational outcomes.
The New Jersey State Policy Lab Announces Ten New Research Projects
The NJSPL issued a call for proposals in the early summer, and received 28 proposals, including ones from all three Rutgers University campuses and four other universities in New Jersey. Ten projects were chosen that cover a wide array of policy issues, and employ varying research methodologies to evaluate very real problems that innovative policy solutions can address.
NJSPL – Barriers to Accessing Primary Care in New Jersey
NJSPL summer intern Taylor Hughes found that regular, reliable primary care is often considered a valuable resource and a critical gateway into the healthcare system, but not every person has the ability or access to a primary care physician or office.
NJSPL – Risk Perception of Cannabis Use in Young Adults
NJSPL summer intern Sofia Wernyj found research that suggests the younger a person begins using cannabis, the higher the likelihood of them developing a dependence on the drug. It is important for NJ state leaders and policymakers to be aware of possible public health and safety issues that could arise from increased access to the drug.
NJSPL – Food Insecurity in New Jersey – Policy Solutions and Improvements
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs have identified fifty food desert communities across the state, and several programs have been enacted to address food insecurity through tax credits for grocery stores and increasing monthly SNAP benefit minimums.
NJSPL – Community-Based Partnerships and the Impact on Educational Outcomes for Black Students
Research on community-based partnerships is limited in scope; however, literature points to key benefits for Black students’ achievement when parents, schools, organizations, and other community stakeholders work together to invest in students’ educational experience.
What Will It Take to Eliminate Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities in NJ?
The New Jersey Department of Transportation adopted the Zero Deaths National Strategy with the vision of achieving zero fatalities on all public roads by the year 2050 by prioritizing safety for the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users of wheeled and mobility transports. But how can this be accomplished?
NJSPL – How Can Digital Credentialing in the Safety Net Meet the Needs of Domestic Violence Survivors?
Some administrative burdens in accessing Safety Net services could be resolved with a digital credentialing system (i.e., linking personal and financial info w/government benefit programs). However, this type of system may pose barriers and/or risks to Domestic Violence survivors.
Upcoming Events
Undergraduate New Student Information Session for Fall 2024 Majors
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesIn-Person Session August 27th The Bloustein School is hosting the annual undergraduate student orientation for new majors on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Newly enrolled direct-admit students in Planning and Public Policy, […]
International Student Resources Information Session and Panel
VirtualMeet your Bloustein Graduate student services/career team and the Bloustein Liaison to our international students. The second hour will be a panel of international alumni who will share their journey […]
Virtual Career Drop-ins
VirtualStop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein […]
Virtual Career Drop-ins
VirtualStop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein […]
Undergraduate Research Discovery Session: Public Health and Public Policy
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesDr. Jane Miller will present information about the Bloustein Honors Research Program (BHRP) and independent study options available. Dr. Liz Cooner, Director of the NJ State Policy Lab, will be […]