Public policy Assignment

STEPS

• 1. Research a current public policy in your state or local area, either recently enacted or under consideration. These Resources will help you begin your work. The list below provides examples of popular local and state public policy topics that may help you narrow your search:
• Read these tips for Online Research. You may also find this Activity on conducting research helpful.
• The following news and information websites may provide a good starting point for your research:
  1. Online Sunshine–Florida legislative information
  2. Florida Online–information on state policies and programs
  3. U.S. Newspaper Links–Florida
  4. Public Agenda–analysis and data on many current issues
  5. Environment Florida
• Not in Florida? These sites will help you find appropriate resources:
  1. U.S. Newspaper Links–search by city for local newspaper websites
  2. USA.gov–directory of information on local, state, and federal government offices
• Be sure to cite your sources in MLA Format. For additional citation help, visit KnightCite Citation Service.

• affordable housing
• care of the elderly or disabled
• crime
• homelessness
• infrastructure
• property taxes
• school safety
• zoning

2. Use this Policy Analysis Template to write a public policy analysis. Be sure to include the following:

• an explanation of the public policy idea, including text from the bill itself
• the costs and benefits of the policy idea for different groups of people
• your recommendation on the policy idea
• reasons for and evidence to support your recommendation
• MLA citations, in MLA Format, for your sources of information

POLICY ANALYSIS TEMPLATE

Your Name:

Policy Analysis of (Insert bill identifying code, such as HR702 or S24, and Title)

Your first paragraph should:

• introduce the issue or problem the policy or bill addresses
• explain the public policy idea, including text from the bill
• describe different perspectives on addressing the issue

Your next few paragraphs should:

• describe who or what will be impacted by the policy idea (consider the people who engage in the behavior targeted by the policy, law enforcement agencies, businesses that may have to make changes to comply with the law, etc.)
• discuss the costs and benefits of the policy idea

Your following paragraph should:

• contain your recommendation to either support or repeal a policy that already exists, or vote for or against a policy idea
• include as much strong evidence as possible, such as facts and data that you can find to support your position