Research universities are critical contributors to our national research enterprise. They are the principal source of a world-class labor force and fundamental discoveries that enhance our lives and the lives of others around the world. These institutions help to create an educated citizenry capable of making informed and crucial choices as…

Higher energy prices and the growing concern about global warming have led to a number of policy goals and targets designed to curb global warming and/or the development of alternative sources of energy. However, the Tinbergen Rule states that for each and every policy target there must be at least one policy tool. If there are fewer tools than…

This article examines the question of whether arguments can be made for government support of the arts in a democracy in the absence of massive popular approval for such a policy. It is concluded that although some grounds for government funding in the absence of popular approval exist, they entail negative consequences for the arts. (JDH)

The Internal Revenue Service has acknowledged that audits of graduate students receiving stipends were based on inconsistent interpretations of tax law but deny any policy to increase monitoring of graduate students' tax returns. (MSE)

Analysis of data from a national sample of over 4,000 child care workers indicates that (1) their wages are unaffected by government subsidies and regulations; and (2) wages have remained constant relative to other workers' wages despite substantial increases in child care subsidies. (SK)

Questions and answers by the Association of American Universities address some issues in the complex matter of indirect costs for research projects, including the different kinds of costs, federal treatment of them, the federal indirect cost system, cost allocation, the memorandum of understanding, variation among institutions' costs, and cost…

The average rate for research overhead charges at major universities has declined nearly a point to 51% in the last three years, in the wake of stricter federal rules and intense political pressure. Largest reductions are at private institutions with the highest rates. (MSE)

This paper, one of a series of topic papers assessing federal laws and programs affecting persons with disabilities, addresses the issue of housing. Major federal responsibilities are to develop additional housing opportunities for persons with disabilities and to assure that currently available housing is equally open to individuals with…