• • If the U.S. continues to pursue the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of  “net-zero” carbon emissions and favor intermittent renewables over affordable, abundant energy sources, consumers will pay an estimated 19% more on electricity by 2028.
  • Utility-scale solar and wind power, which depend on the sun and wind, cannot always meet demand.
  • Though the U.S. increased its wind capacity this past year by 6.2 gigawatts (GW), the country experienced a decline in wind generation.
  • While solar facilities function only 24.6% of the year and wind turbines only 36.4% of the year, gas plants run 56.6% of the year and nuclear plants 93%.

By: Gabriella Hoffman

• • Traditional employment arrangements offer benefits to employees such as healthcare, paid time off, and retirement until employment is terminated.
  • Due to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) self-employed people, freelancers, and other independent contractors do not receive benefits, but they enjoy flexibility and independence.
  • Of the 64 million freelance workers in the U.S. about half are women.
  • The majority of independent contractors use flexible work to supplement earnings from a traditional job. They likely already have access to employer-provided benefits or may get coverage through spouses.

By: Patrice Onwuka & Gabriella Hoffman

• Transparency laws should require schools to post comprehensive lists of the materials used for every grade and subject on their websites.
• States should make participation in intrusive student surveys “opt-in,” rather than “opt-out.”
• States should introduce a version of the Given Name Act, which requires public education employees to receive written permission from a student’s parents or guardians before addressing a student by a name other than the name listed on a
  student’s birth certificate or using a pronoun that differs from that student’s sex.

By: Ginny Gentles

• • In fiscal year 2021, there were 1.66 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border,
    surpassing previous records.
  • This number increased to 2.2 million in 2022, with a slight decrease to 2 million in 2023.
  • The first quarter of 2024 has already seen over 1.17 million encounters, indicating an
    upward trend and an international perception that the border is navigable and that
    current policy makes for relatively easy illegal entry.

By: Meaghan Mobbs

• • An overwhelming majority of Americans (88%) want to grow old in their own home. And enabling elderly Americans to age in place can be a cost-effective measure that improves health outcomes.
  • Many senior citizens, however, cannot live alone without support, such as help with light housework, meal preparation, and driving.
  • Unless these seniors have a family that can help, they must choose between hiring the support they need, moving to a senior residential facility against their wishes, or living at home without support in a potentially unsafe situation.

By: Kristin Shapiro

• • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) such as English basements, in-law suites, or converted garages can make excellent dwelling spaces for individual renters or family members.
  • ADUs can generate needed primary or supplemental income for property owners while increasing their home values. Renters gain access to affordable units that are often less expensive than traditional one-bedroom apartments.
  • ADUs allow older women to age in their homes, build financial security in their later years, or be cared for by loved ones.

By: Patrice Onwuka