Research by Mikko Lindberg
Policy Analysis | March 2021
Coronavirus Impacts on State Legislatures: 2021
Last updated: March 2, 2021
As of March 2, 2021, approximately 2.5 million people worldwide, including 511,000 Americans, have died from the coronavirus pandemic. On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an emergency use authorization for Pfizer/BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine. On December 18, 2020, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine for use in individuals 18 or older. On February 27, 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s single dose vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a recommended schedule for states to administer these vaccines. As of March 2, approximately 79 million vaccinations have been administered in the United States. Against this backdrop, Southern legislatures are convening for their 2021 legislative sessions.
This SLC Policy Analysis, updated on a weekly basis, tracks the special measures that Southern legislatures are adopting in order to meet safely in 2021.
Continue Reading
Policy Analysis | February 2021
Spread of COVID-19 within Regions of the United States
Last updated: February 26, 2021
A multitude of governmental, private and nonprofit research entities are closely monitoring the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1,2 – across the United States on city, county, state and national levels. Originally, at the outset of the pandemic, a limited amount of research existed for how the virus circulated on a regional basis.3
Continue Reading
Policy Analysis | July 2020
Coronavirus Impacts on State Legislatures and Elections
Last updated: August 11, 2020
Alabama
On March 31, House members arrived at staggered times and reported directly to their offices. Speaker Mac McCutcheon cautioned members who had been sick or around someone sick not to attend. Department of Public Health employees checked temperatures at State House entrances to prevent anyone with a fever from entering the building. Members came to the House chamber in small groups, with ample space between members. The Senate followed similar social distancing guidelines. After reaching quorum in both chambers, the session was suspended until May 4.
The Senate General Fund Budget Committee convened on April 28 to pass a budget for fiscal year 2021. The $2.4 billion budget increases funding for Medicaid, Department of Public Health, and Department of Corrections. Committee members followed social distancing guidelines, with some wearing face masks.
The Legislature reconvened on Monday, May 4. Members of the media will be granted access, but in different locations than usual due to social distancing. The House of Representatives will offer live streaming video of the session, with the Senate offering live audio streaming. The Legislature adjourned sine die on May 18.
U.S. Senate Republican Runoff Election moved from March 31 to July 14.
Continue Reading
More Research by Mikko Lindberg
Policy Analysis | October 2016
Policy Analysis | August 2016
SLC Regional Resource | February 2016
Special Education School Vouchers: A Look at Southern States
Policy Analysis | February 2016
Webinar | November 2015
State Strategies for Shaping Effective Teacher Preparation Programs
SLC Regional Resource | November 2015
Policy Analysis | October 2015
Webinar | September 2015
Policy Analysis | September 2015
Webinar | June 2015
Policy Analysis | June 2015
Southern States' Evaluation Methods for Teacher Effectiveness
Policy Analysis | May 2015
Policy Analysis | April 2015
SLC Regional Resource | February 2015
Scholarship Programs for Associate's Degrees in SLC Member States
SLC Regional Resource | February 2015
Policy Analysis | January 2015
Policy Analysis | July 2014
Policy Analysis | March 2014
Policy Analysis | December 2013
Policy Analysis | May 2013
Policy Analysis | March 2013
Policy Analysis | November 2012
Policy Analysis | September 2012
Policy Analysis | September 2012
Policy Analysis | June 2012
Policy Analysis | May 2012
Policy Analysis | April 2012
Selection Methods for Local Superintendents in the SLC Member States
Policy Analysis | February 2012
Policy Analysis | July 2011
Policy Analysis | April 2011
SLC Regional Resource | June 2010
Policy Analysis | May 2010
Southern States' Education Benefits for National Guard Members
Policy Analysis | April 2010
SLC Special Series Report | January 2009
Policy Analysis | July 2008
Effect of High Gasoline Prices on Driving Habits in the South
Other | May 2008
Policy Analysis | April 2008
Methods of Selection for Leadership Positions in State Legislatures
Policy Analysis | January 2008
Budgets and the Staff Sizes of Southern States' Ethics Commissions
Other | November 2007
Overview of Southern States Primary and Secondary Education Financing