Public Policy Engagement Posts
From the Streets of DC to the Halls of the Capitol
Four key insights into what drives action on Capitol Hill, from interviews with congressional staffers.
Afterschool Works, and We Can’t Afford to Lose It
Millions of kids and families—including several Burnessers—have benefited from afterschool programs. Now they're at risk.
Harnessing the Power of Caterpillar Saliva
Innovations in agriculture—which have the potential to benefit millions of Americans, our economy and the environment—are under threat.
Do Something About Something: Making Progress in the Age of Trump
After the November election, Burnesser Adam Zimmerman felt powerless. So he did the only thing he could think of to make that feeling go away: started working for progress in his own community.
Americans May Gain Access to Cuba’s Groundbreaking Medicines
Due to the Obama administration’s recent actions, life-saving treatments developed in Cuba can now enter the normal regulatory process at the Food and Drug Administration, and, if approved, begin benefiting American patients.
Alchemy: Research Turns Into Policy
The Cash and Counseling program has offered millions of low-income Americans the option to direct their own care in the face of chronic and debilitating illness. In an academic paper, Andy Burness and colleagues explain how communications was critical to this major policy victory.
Protecting the World from Killer Superbugs
The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP) is calling for global targets on antibiotic use, similar to greenhouse-gas emissions agreements.
Can Teamwork Make a Dream Work in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County is home to 88,000 people who are food insecure, which means they don't know when or how they'll get their next meal. A new bill—supported by Burness—aims to change that.
County Health Rankings Are in the House
We were thrilled when Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN) took to the House Floor to celebrate Carver County for being named Minnesota's healthiest county in this year's County Health Rankings.
Senate Balancing Act: Proper Use and Deadly Misuse of Opioids
In times of partisan vitriol and gridlock, it’s rare to see Congress rally together to try and address a complicated public health problem. But that’s exactly what they did at a hearing on opioid use among seniors last week. And we were thrilled to be there.
