Public Policy 8-2-23.docx

Policy analysis in the real world CDC’s analytical framework Identify the problem Clearly describe the issue you want to address Be specific but concise – synthesize information Burden: How many people does it affect Frequency: how often does it occur Severity: How serious of a problem is it Sco...

Policy analysis in the real world CDC’s analytical framework Identify the problem Clearly describe the issue you want to address Be specific but concise – synthesize information Burden: How many people does it affect Frequency: how often does it occur Severity: How serious of a problem is it Scope: the range of outcomes it affects Each type of problem requires very different solutions Problem must be framed to illuminate possible solution Identify appropriate solutions Describe the policy options Assess options Prioritize options Develop Strategy to adopt policy Bardach’s Eightfold path for policy Define the problem Deficits and excesses Measurable How big is it OR how small is it Risk is a problem Don’t write a solution INTO a problem Assemble the evidence Construct the alternatives Select the criteria Project the outcomes Confront the tradeoffs Decide Tell your story Notes Sales tax is not regressive because it is a constant rate tax People say its regressive because some are taxed more or less than other This EightFOld path comes from budiism Crandall-Hollick: CRS analysis of American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) Mostly a description of the policy and its effects Problem Certain families have trouble attending higher education Goal Make college more affordable Method Creates a tax credit that is partially refundable (Can get money back that exceeds the amount of tax that you have to pay) Cannot be spent on any non-essentials (room and board) Response Was an increase in attendance, but this may not be related Policy Analysis? What problem is being addressed What is the goal Fi this is the solution, what does it do Has there been a change from before its enactment What alternatives are proposed Tuition cap Forgiving Student Loan Debt Set a tax credit limit NOTE: For policy memos, even a slight change to the policy is an alternative Foster: Cost benefit analysis of covid lockdowns in Australia Blurs line between policy analysis and evaluation Were lockdowns a net positive or negative The researcher uses units (QUALY/WELLBYs) to measure QALY = 6 WELLBYs Every 6 years of life equals one year of well being Benefits Covid deaths avoided Long covid quality loss avoided Life years saved Costs Economic loss Loss wellbeing satisfaction Non-COVID excess deaths Causes more problems than solves them