Publications

A growing body of scientific evidence supports paid family leave policies for new parents: studies have demonstrated benefits to public health (increased breastfeeding, on-time vaccinations, decreased infant hospitalizations, and improved child/parent bonding), socioeconomic wellbeing of families (improved labor force participation, decreased poverty and use of public support programs, and increased ability to arrange childcare), and […]

R/ECON’s next economic forecast is slated for release in mid-summer, followed by another forecast in the fall. As we track the latest state data and national outlook, we (much like everyone else) have been closely following the news on tariffs, the Fed’s potential actions, and associated fluctuations in the financial markets. While tariffs don’t enter […]

As discussed in our previous blog entry on our development of a State AI Readiness Index, artificial intelligence is transforming industries, economies, and governments around the globe. However, despite its increasing influence, the readiness for AI adoption in governance differs significantly across individual U.S. states. The State AI Readiness Index uses four pillars to measure […]

In New Jersey, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) services are vital for supporting food security among low-income households. However, significant accessibility barriers prevent many users from benefiting fully from the available resources. The current NJ SNAP website is designed solely in English and directs non-English-speaking users to Google’s translation service. This approach falls short in […]

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs provide a financing solution for energy efficiency upgrades using special property tax assessments. This approach tackles the significant barrier of high upfront costs that can prevent property owners from implementing clean energy improvements. Special assessments are established municipal financing tools traditionally used for public infrastructure. These assessments are “special” […]

From February 1 to April 1, 2024, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) conducted the “Statewide Survey of Older Adults” for NJ residents aged 60 and older. The survey had 1,440 participants throughout the state, with all counties represented. The results of the survey were released in August 2024. The number one issue of […]

Thinking of hopping on an e-bike or e-scooter? Before you hit the streets, check out the brand-new New Jersey Micromobility Guide, a roadmap for safe and legal travel. This comprehensive guide, now available through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center housed at the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University, offers […]

The National Student Clearing House Research Center has released a new Undergraduate Degree Earners report covering the 2023-2024 academic year[1]. According to the report, more than 59,300 students in New Jersey earned an associate or bachelor’s degree during the 2023–2024 academic year—a 0.5% decrease from the previous year. This figure also marks the lowest number […]

COVID-19 brought to light the disparities among the nursing workforce that have been simmering in our health care system and highlighted the need for nurses to access emotional well-being programs with the intention of reducing emotional distress and burnout. In recognition of National Nurses Week, researchers have published a new report examining the findings from […]

Family violence and child abuse are deeply interconnected issues that can have lasting and severe consequences for children and families. In New Jersey, the state has taken significant steps to address these challenges through the Domestic Violence and Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) Policy. This policy provides child welfare professionals with essential guidance […]

As we have discussed throughout our previous blog posts, health insurance literacy—the ability to seek, obtain, understand, and effectively use health insurance information—is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs. Additionally, for any legislative solution to bring about true change, it is imperative that we also improve the communities’ understanding of this […]

In 2023 and 2024, the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission released its annual report recommending sentencing reform across several areas of the justice system in New Jersey. To reduce racial disparities and increase fairness and equity for all, specific changes were recommended to four areas of sentencing reforms: 1) establishing a mitigating sentencing […]