State workfare programs offer home economists the opportunity to gain public policy experience while improving the welfare of families. An additional benefit is the opportunity to educate legislators, social workers, state officials, the media, and the public about the work of home economists. (SK)

This article discusses Thomas Hobbes' concept of conscience, the historical context in which the concept was formulated, and Hobbes' conclusion that civil law takes precedence over religious conscience. Hobbes' views are related to the debate between Pratte and Losito over the interaction between religious and civic conscience. (IAH)

Explains the role of senior congressional committee staff members--people recognized as very knowledgeable or influential. Two key limitations: they may be fired at will and must closely represent their bosses' views. Staff members' jobs have four aspects (connecting, collecting, initiating, and implementing) associated with forming national…

Addresses the question of generational equity and discusses several intergenerational policies that have been proposed, including family leave and long-term home health care. Concludes that the aging lobby must adapt to a changing political landscape, view intergenerational policy proposals in a more favorable light, and devote more attention to…

Explores some of the arguments that are popularly lodged against the use of counterplans in modern academic debate. Suggests that most of this criticism is not persuasive due to fundamental problems with the implicit views of the debate process and the role of the judge in that process. (MS)

Reprints part of the draft guidelines on electronic data dissemination issued by the Department of Commerce. Issues addressed in the guidelines include the decision to disseminate; the use of electronic technology; private sector involvement; user fees; and the development of performance standards. (CLB)

Describes the role of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to federal information resources management and defines issues in information resource management policy. Issues discussed include information integrity; the individual's right to freedom; information dissemination functions; and information as a strategic resource. (29…

Reflections on the politics of program evaluation are presented. Topics discussed include policy question development and translation into evaluation questions, translation of evaluation questions into the evaluation proper, translation of evaluation findings into policy, and generation of new policy questions. (TJH)

Differing views about the success evaluators have had in improving programs directly are contrasted. It is suggested that evaluation, even when decisions are not based directly on evaluation outcomes, should represent continuing education for program managers, planners, and policy makers with probable impact in the future. (SLD)

Nursing schools are urged to create and equip task forces to formulate policy concerning Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Guidelines are given for selection of task force members and for content of policy. (Author/MSE)

The education reforms of the 1980s may best be viewed as a single national reform with state variations. A brief overview is presented of five state education reforms which are described and analyzed in this issue. (JD)

Presents a blueprint for developing a consistent drug-and-alcohol-use policy that has been used nationwide by school systems to fit their own local circumstances. (MLF)

Discusses the value of a state rural policy center and identifies seven policy program areas. Presents the role of community development practitioners in contributing to the development of rural policy initiatives and implications for initiative development. (JOW)

Despite obvious need, a strong, empirically based rationale, and a growing political will, the promised new era in childcare and early education has faced complex challenges. This article discusses inequity, discontinuity, and fragmentation in providing these services and explores some ameliorative strategies within a new policy context. Includes…

Illustrates how Johnson & Johnson's crisis communication management adhered to many of the recommended guidelines for managing contingency planning, for mobilizing a crisis communication effort, and for post-crisis communication. Reveals the advantageous use of flexible, proactive, and corollary communication strategies. (MS)