Research Library | Baker Institute

Texas State Capitol Building in Austin, TX

Center for Health and Biosciences | Science and Technology Policy | Commentary

Where Are the Majority Who Support Vaccines?

The number of anti-vaccine bills filed in Texas has risen, yet many Texans support vaccine policy. Fellow Kirstin R.W. Matthews and nonresident scholar Rekha Lakshmanan examine the stakes of legislative engagement in public health initiatives and provide a call to action for Texans to embrace public health as an act of freedom.

Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Rekha Lakshmanan April 29, 2024

Center for Public Finance | Commentary

The House’s Tax Relief Plan Is a Lesson in Poorly Designed Fiscal Policy

The House recently passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (TRAFWA) of 2024, which aims to provide tax relief to businesses and families with children in a fiscally responsible manner. But, as fellow John W. Diamond’s new commentary explains, if the bill succeeds, it would instead deliver more reckless tax giveaways while further delaying a real effort to deal with the consequences of poor fiscal policy.

John W. Diamond March 8, 2024

China Studies | Commentary

Taiwan Is Not Your Father’s Democracy Anymore

Taiwan’s Jan. 13 elections saw voters assert an increasingly diverse and inclusive democratic identity. Allies and foes alike should take note, writes fellow Steven W. Lewis.

Steven W. Lewis January 22, 2024

Argentina Program | Commentary

An Oil Workers Union Leader Could Be The Next Governor Of Argentina’s No. 3 Petro-Province, Santa Cruz

On August 13 the Argentine province of Santa Cruz will elect its governor and the 24 members of its unicameral provincial…

Mark P. Jones August 8, 2023

Argentina Program | Commentary

The July 30 Gubernatorial Election in Chubut, Argentina’s No. 2 Petro-Province

On July 30, Argentina’s second-most important petro-province will hold its quadrennial gubernatorial election. Unlike a…

Mark P. Jones July 26, 2023

Drug Policy | Commentary

Texas Doubles Down on Ineffective Drug Policies that Could Cost Lives

Decades of bad policy have heightened the risks of drug use and created barriers to treatment. And while some states are now trying to reduce the harms caused by the drug war, Texas is doubling down on ineffective policies.

Katharine Neill Harris June 30, 2023

Argentina Program | Commentary

Governing Parties Prevail In 4 Argentine Mining & Petro Province Election

On May 7 and May 14, the respective governing parties in the Argentine provinces of Jujuy, La Pampa, Salta and Tierra del…

Mark P. Jones May 16, 2023

Center for Health and Biosciences | U.S. Health System Transformation | Commentary

Public Medicaid Managed Care Organizations are Under Attack in Texas

Two new bills introduced in the Texas Legislature could jeopardize the care received by Medicaid patients, writes Vivian Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics. She explains why the legislation would weaken county-owned insurance plans and raise Texans’ tax bills.

Vivian Ho April 24, 2023

Argentina Program | Commentary

A Political Earthquake In Argentina’s Vaca Muerta: The 2023 Neuquén Gubernatorial Election

On April 16, Rodolfo “Rolo” Figueroa did what no gubernatorial candidate has ever done in Neuquén over the past 60 years…

Mark P. Jones April 17, 2023

Argentina Program | Commentary

Incumbent Governors on Track for Victory in Argentina’s Lithium & Copper Belt Provinces: Jujuy, Salta & San Juan

On May 7 and May 14, three of Argentina’s four major mining provinces will elect their respective governor and members of…

Mark P. Jones March 28, 2023