Publications

Policy Briefs

Short, focused, and evidence-based. Each brief identifies a specific solvable problem, reviews the evidence, and proposes concrete legislation — written to be adoptable across party lines.

Three dockets — one published · two in progress

PublishedNYUP-2026-01·Criminal justice · March 2026

Reducing Recidivism Through Targeted Education and Workforce Programs

An evidence-based case for expanding vocational training and education access inside correctional facilities — with specific legislative proposals, a state-by-state implementation roadmap, and cost-benefit analysis showing net taxpayer savings within six years.

NYUP Research Team·28 pages·47 citations

Key findings

States with robust prison education programs see recidivism rates 30–40% below the national average
Every $1 invested in prison education saves $4–$5 in future incarceration costs
Vocational programs outperform GED programs alone in long-term employment outcomes
Federal Pell Grant restoration (2023) created an implementation window most states haven't used

Full text temporarily offline — being re-hosted

Image needed:
photo for the recidivism brief

Suggested: vocational training / classroom setting

Chart needed:
state-by-state recidivism comparison

Suggested source: BJS recidivism data, 2012–2023 cohorts

Graphic needed:
ROI of education programs vs. incarceration cost

Suggested source: the brief's own cost-benefit table

In progressNYUP-2026-02·Electoral reform · Est. 2026

The Case for Ranked-Choice Voting in Federal Elections

A review of the evidence from ranked-choice jurisdictions in the United States and abroad — and a proposal for phased federal adoption starting with primary elections, where polarization is most acute and where RCV has shown the clearest benefits.

NYUP Research Team·Draft in progress

Key arguments

First-past-the-post primaries reward candidates who energize the base, not those who can govern broadly
Alaska's 2022 adoption of RCV produced two competitive, less polarizing general elections back-to-back
RCV can be implemented for primaries by statute — no constitutional amendment required
Over 60% of voters in RCV ballot measures have supported adoption

Diagram needed:
how ranked-choice ballot counting works, step by step

Best done as an original graphic — this is the piece readers share

Photo needed:
polling place or ballot imagery (rights-cleared)

Avoid stock that signals either party

In progressNYUP-2026-03·Technology & media · Est. summer 2026

Social Media Algorithmic Transparency Act: A Model Bill

Proposed federal legislation requiring platforms to disclose how their recommendation algorithms amplify politically charged content — and to give users meaningful opt-out tools. Modeled after EU DSA precedents, adapted for the U.S. First Amendment context.

NYUP Research Team·Technology & media

Key arguments

Platforms are not neutral conduits — engagement-maximizing curation systematically surfaces outrage
Narrowed definitions can separate algorithmic amplification from Section 230's core protections
The EU Digital Services Act offers a tested framework adaptable without compelled-speech problems
A user opt-out to chronological feeds is a minimal ask with support across the political spectrum

Comparison table needed:
EU DSA provisions vs. the proposed U.S. framework

Two columns, five rows max — keep it readable

Photo needed:
everyday phone use, no visible brand logos

Rights-cleared or original photography