• A Firearm is like a First Aid Kit by Michael P. Carroll, a member of the N.J. General Assembly
  

• How Many Times? How Much Death? by Bryan Miller, project director for Ceasefire NJ

Water Quality — In an article on water quality, Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula explains why New Jersey private water utilities need to take action to address rapidly aging water distribution systems. Read

A Dubious Distinction — Now that one out of every three people in New Jersey is officially categorized as obese, Hall Institute Executive Director Michael P. Riccards reflects on the factors that led to this dubious distinction. Read

Missing Miss America — For more than 80 years, the Miss America Pageant was synonymous with Atlantic City, but in 2006, the annual event moved to Las Vegas. Hall Institute Communications Director Richard Lee sees this as part of a pattern showing that New Jersey is destined to be a second-class state. Read

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The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Our goal is to foster constructive debate and discussion and build a stronger, better New Jersey.

Since our inception in 2005, the Hall Institute has been at the forefront of public policy in our state. We conduct research and present public forums on timely topical issues, such as public pensions, health care reform and higher education funding. The institute has had a strong presence in New Jersey's last three statewide elections by sponsoring online virtual debates that provide citizens with substantive information on where the candidates stand on the major issues confronting our state.

The Hall Institute website features more than 400 papers and provides a platform for individuals and organizations to express opinions and offer ideas and suggestions.

We also produce our own public affairs television program and use podcasts, blogs and social networking to share our work and seek feedback. In addition to our other activities, the institute 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 our website. A third volume, Creating A Common Future: New Jersey and Public Policy, was published online.

Located in Trenton at 224 West State Street, the institute was established by George E. Hall, a successful business executive and a leading philanthropist who lives in Middletown, N.J.