Public Policy

A new White House initiative is intended to involve social and behavioral scientists in policy making.

Information for various policies in the United States.

Public policy consists of a system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities by a government or its representatives. Public policy decisions are often decided by a group of individuals with different beliefs and interests.

Legislation, regulations, guidance, and other policy documents can be found here for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and other topics.

Many conservatives argue that our economy can flourish only when the federal government gets out of the private sector's way. Many progressives counter that in our free market system, there are times when the government needs to step in to protect the common good and ensure there is broad-based economic growth. This debate defines our politics today.

The President has outlined his vision of an America built to last - where an educated, skilled workforce has the knowledge, energy and expertise to compete in the global marketplace. Yet - for far too many Americans - that vision is limited by drug use, which not only limits the potential of the individual, but jeopardizes families, communities and neighborhoods.

A Purdue University agricultural economist is producing a series of publications to help farmers, policymakers and taxpayers better understand changing U.S. agricultural policy and develop informed opinions about them.

Learn about the U.S. government's agriculture policy and understand the issues. Get the recommendations from Solutions 2014 from The Heritage Foundation.

U.S. public's views of energy policy, including nuclear power, offshore drilling, mining and drilling on federal land, and fuel efficiency for cars.

National policies to improve energy efficiency can reduce oil imports, improve the reliability of the U.S. electric grid, save consumers money, reduce air pollution, create jobs, and reduce prices.

President Obama's All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy is making America more energy independent and supporting jobs. Since the President took office, domestic energy-related emissions have fallen to their lowest level in 20 years, and our dependence on foreign oil is at a 40-year low and declining. America is producing more oil, gas, and renewable energy, and the U.S. is becoming more energy efficient overall. These trends are increasing our energy security, cutting our carbon pollution, and enhancing our economic growth.