ECONOMIC RECOVERY
The House passed, and the Senate debated an economic recovery and reinvestment package this week, and CAP’s experts provided a host of accompanying analysis on the issue, including a “Recovery and Reinvestment 101.” Will Straw released a series of interactive maps giving an overview of how the funds will be allocated to states, as well as showing breakdowns of how tax cuts, help for the most needy, education investments, and funding for vital services will be distributed to the states. CAP also made available a stimulus calculator that allows you to design your own recovery package, and a variety of columns offering commentary on various aspects of the bills, including its energy provisions, how it helps low-income children, and what it will mean for our foreign policy and government transparency.
EDUCATION
Good schools that will prepare students for college and the workforce are even more vital during tough economic times. Robin Chait this week released a report outlining how federal policies can improve the teacher workforce by shifting focus from teacher qualifications to effectiveness. Chait also release a report co-authored by Andrea Venezia that shows how federal policy can help prepare students for college. This report and a companion report focusing on barriers to college attainment were discussed at an event on Tuesday on “College Going Culture and Academic Preparation.”
IRAQ
Iraqis vote tomorrow in the country’s first provincial elections in four years. Matthew Duss and Peter Juul offer analysis in advance of the elections and a report on “The Fractured Shia of Iraq.” The report includes helpful background information on the major Shia political groups and Shia Islam.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
President Obama signed his first bill this week—the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. CAP lauded this effort, and Jessica Arons said in a statement that, “It is a wonderful sign of President Obama’s commitment to women’s rights and economic security that the Ledbetter Act is the first bill he has signed into law.” There is still more work to be done, however, and CAP has provided analysis throughout the last month showing why the Paycheck Fairness Act will also be critical to promoting equality, including a column on why fair pay is critical as the recession deepens, six reasons why equal pay is still important, and a CAPAF report on the career wage gap.
CHINA
The relationship between the United States and China may well be the most important bilateral relationship in the world. In recognition of this fact, William Schulz released a report this week, “Strategic Persistence,” on how the United States can work with China on the critical issue of human rights. The report was released at an event featuring Harry Harding and Louisa Coan Greve (full video available), and Schulz spoke about the report in a short video.