Request for Proposals –  “The LIBRE Institute Perspective Series“

Description of the Project:

The LIBRE Institute Perspective Series seeks an analysis of current government policies and ideas on the subject topics listed below, and their impact on the U.S. Hispanic community. The analysis should identify the originally proposed goals of these policies, examine their level of success and highlight their direct impact on the U.S. Hispanic community as compared to other ethnic groups and the country as a whole. Additionally, the analysis should propose market-based solutions, rooted in conservative and libertarian values, as an alternative means at achieving the originally identified goals.  To the extent possible, each analysis should examine federal and state-level policies related to each topic and the respective impact to Hispanics in those states. Particular states to be highlighted are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Virginia. Through grants, The LIBRE Institute Perspective Series will select and fund academics and fellows to develop the analysis and proposed policy initiatives rooted in values such as economic freedom and well-being, fiscal discipline, limited government, market entrepreneurship, and personal accountability.

Each paper will be peer reviewed by at least 2 scholars in the community prior to publication. Once released, each paper will be the subject of a roll-out campaign highlighting the topic of the analysis, and may include additional efforts including op-ed publications, local-level town halls and legislative briefings. It is envisioned that the author of the piece will participate in a select few of these efforts. Authors will be expected to provide a non-exclusive, but otherwise unlimited license to The LIBRE Institute so that it can publicize and otherwise use the material as part of its public education activities. Authors will be encouraged to submit their pieces for publication in other journals after the paper has been published and released by The LIBRE Institute.

Interested authors should submit a one to two-page abstract that selects one of the target issue topics, outlines their proposal for analyzing the original goals and impact on the Hispanic community, and identifies the free-market alternatives to be explored, along with a brief CV or resume. The abstract should provide sufficient detail for reviewers to assess the nature and feasibility of their idea. Subject to selection, grant funding of up to $10,000 may be available.

Proposals must be emailed to Jorge A. Lima at jlima@thelibreinstitute.org. Selected authors will be expected to submit final papers four months after notification of selection on a schedule to be detailed at time of contracting.

Submissions Must:

1. Adequately identify specific government policies related to the subject topics listed below and specifically analyze the impact of those policies on the U.S. Hispanic community;
2. Provide solutions that embody free-market principles such as but not limited to: economic freedom and well-being, fiscal discipline, limited government, market entrepreneurship, and personal accountability;
3. Propose solutions that are feasible to implement on a national or state level;
4. Outline solutions that would promote a new understanding of the current government approach to solving the identified goals, and serve as alternatives to deliver positive policy outcomes on the selected topic.

​Subject Topics to be explored:

1. Health Care – explore the current Medicaid system and its ability to provide adequate health care services to Hispanics in the U.S.; alternatively, or in coordination with, an analysis of the regulations and taxes under the Affordable Care Act and its impact on U.S. Hispanics’ ability to access care, choice and overall economic impact;
2. Regulation – examine impact of regulations on Hispanic small business owners and entrepreneurs’ ability to enter markets and succeed;
3. Education – review School Choice regulations and their impact on closing the achievement gap between Hispanics and other demographics;
4. Poverty – evaluate the success of current government policies and their ability to move Hispanics out of poverty;
5. Immigration – study the economic goals behind Hispanic immigration to the U.S. and determine whether immigrant populations are achieving those goals and whether current policies are an impediment to success;
6. Labor / Employment – investigate the current employment situation of Hispanics in the U.S., explore any changes in employment throughout the economic recovery as compared to other demographics, and analyze polices which may further exaggerate any differences.

*Title subject to change