The data presented in this combined report--"Rankings & Estimates"--provide facts about the extent to which local, state, and national governments commit resources to public education. As one might expect in a nation as diverse as the United States--with respect to economics, geography, and politics--the level of commitment to…

The federal government's financial condition and long-term fiscal outlook present enormous challenges to the nation's ability to respond to emerging forces reshaping American society, the United States' place in the world, and the future role of the federal government. This report includes education and employment challenges for the 21st century…

The major purpose of these hearings was to assess the reasons for the increase in the poverty rate, from 11.4 percent in 1978 to 15 percent in 1983. Topics examined included (1) the relation of the increase to the recession, demographic trends, budget reductions, and the 10-year decline in the real level of public assistance benefits; (2) the…

Information is presented on the three prepaid tuition programs and four college savings bond programs currently in operation in the United States, and the fiscal issues involved in their implementation are summarized. The three prepaid tuition programs are in Michigan, Wyoming, and Florida. The characteristics of the three programs are outlined…

An Internal Revenue Code provision (section 127) that allows taxpayers to exclude from gross income the amounts their employer paid for their education expired at the end of 1987. Several bills have been introduced in the 100th Congress to reauthorize section 127. Without the exclusion, individuals may have to pay taxes on such assistance unless…

Uses public opinion polls to show that rural Americans, like the rest of the country, prefer less government in general but do not support cuts in specific programs. Finds rural Americans less supportive of government spending, particularly mass transportation, welfare, and public health; more supportive of sales taxes; more changeable. (LFL)

Research suggests that investing in young children can help build a strong future workforce, improve children's educational success and health, and potentially reduce some of the social ills that drain the nation's resources and will. To have an informed conversation about future investments, it is important to start from an understanding of the…

A group of higher education policy experts identified the most pressing federal and state public policy developments likely to be debated in 1995. This report discusses the 10 issues identified: (1) student loan changes; (2) restricted taxpayer support; (3) tax policies; (4) federal support for research and other programs; (5) State Postsecondary…