The latest volume of a classic book on New Jersey politics and government should be required reading for anyone involved in public policy in our state, according to Hall Institute Executive Director Michael P. Riccards. To learn why, read Riccards’ review of New Jersey Politics and Government: The Suburbs Come of Age by Barbara Salmore and her late husband Stephen.

Virtual Debate — The two major party candidates in New Jersey’s U.S. Senate campaign have posted their opening statements in the Hall Institute Virtual Debate, but there are five other candidates on the ballot. To learn more about them, visit our Virtual Debate Policycast Page.

Can You Hear Us Now? — In addition to the Virtual Debate, the Hall Institute is featuring a variety of topics on our new Policycast Page. Click here to hear the latest on vice presidents, baseball scandals, the price of gasoline and the role of religion in America.

Pay-to-Play — A recent court decision bodes well for those opposed to “pay-to-play” practices in New Jersey. Attorney Michael M. Shapiro explains why in A Victory for “Pay to Play” Reformers.

Visit the Hall Institute online at WWW.HALLNJ.ORG to read these articles and other topical material:

• Riccards on New Jersey 2008 — A blog on our state's expanded role in the 2008 presidential race.
• Rich Lee on Media — Musings on those who make the news and those who report it.
• Hall Institute Forum — Our public affairs television program.
• Hall Institute Radio Podcast Forum — Audio discussion of timely and topical public policy issues.
• A School Funding Scrapbook — Commentary on education issues and policy.
• White Papers
• Research Essays
• Op-Ed Articles
• Press Releases

The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Since its inception in 2005, the institute has posted more than 400 white papers, research essays and op-ed articles on its website at www.hallnj.org in an effort to generate debate and discussion and develop solutions to the problems confronting the state and its residents.

The institute has conducted several special events, including NJ2008, a series of public forums on the state’s role in the 2008 presidential campaign. In 2006, the institute presented an online Virtual Debate among the candidates in New Jersey's U.S. Senate race. At present, we are sponsoring a Similar Virtual Debate for the state's 2008 U.S. Senate election.

The organization produces public affairs television, podcasts and blogs, and also has published two books -- The State of the Garden State and Reaction and Reform in New Jersey. Both are compilations of the major papers posted on its website. A third volume, Creating A Common Future: New Jersey and Public Policy, is posted on the Hall Institute website.

Earlier this year, the institute acquired the Bay Area Center for Voting Research, a non-partisan think tank based in Berkeley, California, leading to the start of the Hall Institute of Public Policy – California.

Located in Trenton directly across from the New Jersey State House, the institute was established by George E. Hall, a successful business executive and a leading philanthropist who lives in Middletown, N.J.