Democrats are basking in the glory of a solid national showing, but how does the picture look closer to home? This week, Michael M. Shapiro speculates that the prospects for New Jersey Democrats may not be so rosy next year. Read

Transparency in Government— Are law enforcement agencies operating as transparently as New Jersey law requires? Martin O'Shea, an individual who works on government transparency issues throughout the state, explains why he believes this is a problem in OUT OF THE PUBLIC’S SIGHT.

The Cost of Research— Faced with rising costs and declining state funds, how are New Jersey research universities responding? A study by Tsung Y. (Bill) Soo Hoo, a distinguished professor at New Jersey City University's College of Professional Studies, examines these issues. Read

College Drinking— Reconsideration of the current legal drinking age of 21 is being advocated by a national movement of college presidents and chancellors in an effort to reduce binge drinking on college campuses. But when a New Jersey legislative panel considers the issue, Hall Institute Executive Director Michael P. Riccards, a former college president, plans to testify against lowering the legal drinking age. Read

• 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.
• School Funding — Commentary and analysis on educational issues.
• 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. Our weekly email newsletter is sent to organizations and individuals with an interest in the material posted on our website at www.hallnj.org.

Since its inception in 2005, the institute has emerged as a leading voice for public policy in New Jersey. More than 400 papers, on topics ranging from health care to education to property taxes, have been posted on our website.

In 2006 and 2008, the institute presented online Virtual Debates among the candidates in New Jersey's U.S. Senate race. We also sponsored NJ2008, a special section on New Jersey's role in the 2008 presidential campaign.

In addition to our other activities, the institute 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.

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.