Experts in the News

As Texas faces a large economic deficit brought on by the coronavirus, reports show that legalized marijuana could bring annual revenues of $1 billion to state coffers. But political science fellow Mark Jones didn't see a scenario where the Texas Senate would legalize marijuana or pass any decriminalization measures. "I think it would be dead on arrival,” Jones said.

"Vaccines are coming," said Peter Hotez, fellow in disease and poverty. "We have to get everybody through to the other side."

“Basically, AMLO has stopped implementation of energy reforms set by the previous president,” said Adrian Duhalt, postdoctoral fellow in Mexico energy studies, adding: “He wants to make Pemex great again.”

In his first 100 days in office, President-elect Biden aims to roll back many of the Trump administration's immigration policies. But permanent solutions for DACA and temporary protected status holders will not materialize soon. “They will be more challenging and for a longer term,” said Kelsey Norman, director of the Women’s Rights, Human Rights & Refugees Program.

How has the identity and influence of Hispanic GOP voters evolved over the last half century? What are the political implications nationwide and in Texas? Political science fellow Mark Jones discussed these topics and more.