We work with states as laboratories of democracy, practicing the values of federalism.
The Harrison Institute's policy clinic supports actors who shape and make public policy. Some of our clients are nonprofit coalitions that promote policy change at various levels - local, state, federal and international. Most of our clients are decision-makers, primarily at the state level, including legislators, attorneys general, regulatory agencies and their national associations. A sampling of our current work includes:
Trade - Do foreign investor rights threaten financial reform? Will trade rules undermine authority of governments to regulate energy, the environment or financial services?
Health - How will threatened litigation influence plans to implement health reform? How can the law protect people from genetic discrimination in long-term, disability and life insurance? How can states and local communities promote better nutrition among their residents?
Climate - How can states protect theri role as innovators on climate policy? How can state and local governments adapt to higher seas and hotter summers? What role will biofuels play in climate policy?
Students in the policy clinic analyze law-making authority, identify options for changing policy, help our clients plan their strategy and draft policy documents based on client choices.
Kevin Sinclair and Orly Caspi testified before the California Senate, January 2006.