Period Poverty: Barriers to Safe and Equitable Menstrual Hygiene
By Grace Harrison Period poverty is a term gaining worldwide traction in discussions of public health and gender equality. It refers to the general struggle that people face when they
Research Based Governing
Quick Links
The Long-Term Budget Outlook: Implications for State Fiscal Policy
By Valerie Newberg The Congressional Budget Office released its annual Long-Term Budget Outlook in July. The Long-Term Budget Outlook is a 30-year projection of different economic factors like government spending
Featured Work
American Rescue Plan State Utilization Database
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – a $1.9 trillion economic relief package – was signed by President Joe Biden March 11. The act addresses the need for short-term economic relief and provides long-term investments for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Rescue Plan Act: Information and Tools for States
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, was signed by President Joe Biden on March 11. Learn more about the breakdown of funding available in the ARP and opportunities for states to leverage these funds for state economic and civic recovery. Browse resources by policy area below.
How States are Putting American Rescue Plan Dollars to Work
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes $350 billion in new funding for state, local, territorial and tribal governments through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Within that fund, $195 billion is distributed to state governments and Washington, D.C. While there are some restrictions on the use of funds, states have considerable discretion.
The Team
Chip O’Connell
Research Data Scientist
The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation
Chip O’Connell is a Research Data Scientist at The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics from Marshall University and expects to earn his PhD in Political Science from the University of Kentucky in 2022. Prior to coming to The Council of State Governments, Chip instructed Political Science classes in topics such as political analysis. He loves playing with data and enjoys every step of the data analysis process.
Casandra Hockenberry
Project Manager
The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation
Casandra manages the Apprenticeship Data Alignment and Performance Technical Assistance Center, the Overseas Voting Initiative, and other research areas related to cybersecurity, data and privacy. As a part of her work at CSG, Casandra regularly convenes state policy makers to facilitate the exchange of innovative policies and practices. Her work focuses on improving the quality of data collection in the states to help states inform policy decisions.
Dakota Thomas
Senior Research Analyst
The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation
Dr. Dakota Thomas is a Senior Research Analyst in the Center of Innovation at CSG. In this role, he provides data analysis and research support for state policymakers. He is currently helping lead CSG’s efforts to analyze federal funding for states and make this information understandable and actionable for members. Dakota also works closely with CSG partners to encourage the use of evidence in policymaking. Dakota earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Politics at the University of Kentucky in 2019.
Ben Reynolds
Research Analyst
The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation
Ben Reynolds is a Research Analyst for The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation. In this role, he provides policy research and technical assistance to state policymakers in all three branches of government and conducts fiscal policy research. Previously, he worked with the Tri-County Economic Development Corporation. Ben earned a B.S. in Economics from Northern Kentucky University and an M.Sc. in Applied Economics and Data Analysis from the University of Essex.
Cassidy White
Senior Policy Analyst
The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation
Cassidy White is a Senior Policy Analyst at The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation. She provides research support and technical assistance to the Shared State Legislation and Women, Infants, and Children programs. Cassidy earned a JD from William & Mary Law School and a BA in Political Science from the University of Kentucky. Cassidy possesses a wealth of policy expertise in human services, behavioral health, intimate partner violence, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Aja Croteau
Project Manager
The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation
Aja Croteau is a Program Manager at The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation. As part of this role, she oversees the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Special Project Innovation and Shared State Legislation initiatives. Aja earned a Bachelor’s in Agriculture and Natural Resources from Berea College and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky. Aja has a background working in non-profit organizations and food assistance programs.