Identify a different problem or issue (local or state) that needs political attention through policy action. Once you’ve identified the issue, you will be constructing an issue brief on the proposed policy action. Your 3-5 page issue brief should be constructed using the attached template and should cover the following sections:
Brief history of the issue
General accounting of the current problem (stated in one or two sentences)
The options available for addressing the problem
Whether there are current applicable policies that need to be expanded, adjusted or eliminated
What actors are currently involved with the issue and where support currently exists
What your recommendations are and how you would propose moving the policy forward (i.e., what support needs to be built, what channels does it need to go through, which of the options listed above are most feasible, etc.)
Remember that any recommendations for new programs need to include how you will pay for them in a sustainable manner.
Do not complete the template attached below with bullets or broad lists. This should be a detailed analysis of each element discussed above. Write this issue brief as if you were handing it to the state governor, the head of an agency, etc. They should understand your policy, your recommendations, and the policymaking process of this issue through review of your issue brief. It shouldn’t need elaboration from you.
Be sure to draw from our course readings and to use at least three scholarly sources.
