Cannabis Policy in 2026—Setbacks, Rollbacks, and Roadblocks | Rockefeller Institute of Government In 2026, cannabis legalization faces growing pushback, with repeal efforts, legislative rollbacks, and new barriers signaling a more uncertain future.

Is the tide turning on adult-use cannabis legalization? For 4/20, we take a look at efforts across states to rollback or set up roadblocks to legalization. rockinst.org/blog/cannabi...

AI Policy & Practice Forum | Rockefeller Institute of Government Join us April 23rd for a forum examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping society and the policy questions that follow from its development and use.

This week! @ctgualbany.bsky.social & @rockefellercollege.bsky.social's @milagasco.bsky.social & CTG's Derek Werthmuller speaking at the #AI Policy & Practice Forum in #AlbanyNY. Organized by @rockefellerinst.bsky.social & @albany.edu's AI & Society Research Center. rockinst.org/rig-events/2...

Challenges and Complexities in Local Tax Effort Contributions to Educational Spending in New York State | Rockefeller Institute of Government This report examines whether local tax efforts and the allocation of state aid intended to equalize wealth disparities result in similar per-pupil spending across public school districts in New York S...

Our latest report looks at how the NYS Foundation Aid education funding formula equalizes disparities in local wealth and suggests options for modifying the formula to improve equitable funding for school districts.
rockinst.org/issue-area/c...

State PFAS Policy Trends: 2025 Dashboard Updates | Rockefeller Institute of Government Broad trends from our update to the PFAS Policy Dashboard, which now includes legislation from 2025.

We've updated our PFAS Policy Dashboard with 2025 legislation. The dashboard tracks and categorizes legislation across all 50 states to show how states are dealing with a myriad of PFAS-related issues. Read our blog highlighting the 2025 trends. rockinst.org/blog/state-p...

The Evolving Kratom Policy Landscape | Rockefeller Institute of Government States are rapidly adopting conflicting approaches to kratom—from bans to regulation—creating a fragmented policy landscape.

A rapidly evolving policy landscape surrounds kratom. States and munis are taking a variety of approaches to regulating the drug. In the last few weeks, CT, KS, UT, & RI all made policy moves. Our latest blog documents the trends. 👇
rockinst.org/blog/the-evo...

Understanding the Factors that Influence Firearm Safety Engagement Among US Latino(a/e/x) and Hispanic Adults | Rockefeller Institute of Government RGVRC Affiliate Scholar Monte-Angel Richardson discusses how rising gun deaths in Latino & Hispanic communities in New Mexico highlight the urgent need for culturally informed firearm safety strategie...

In New Mexico (2022), 64% of gun homicide victims were Latino and/or Hispanic, despite less than half of New Mexicans identifying as such. The latest RGVRC analysis highlights research from New Mexico showing the importance of culturally informed policy.
rockinst.org/blog/underst...

RGVRC Member Highlight: Talib Hudson | Rockefeller Institute of Government Meet Talib Hudson of the RGVRC, whose research elevates community-driven solutions and lived experiences to better understand and prevent gun violence.

"... there are people in cities across the country working tirelessly to improve their communities. Some use well-known models, some rely more on their personal experience, but all of them are dedicated to something larger than themselves."
— RGVRC Member Talib Hudson
rockinst.org/blog/rgvrc-m...

Science Notes: Emission Equivalence Metrics | Rockefeller Institute of Government This Science Note explains emission equivalence metrics, such as GWP20 and GWP100, and the role they play in climate policy.

CO₂e. GWP20. GWP100. These terms come up in climate discussions, but what do they mean? Our latest Science Note dives into these emission equivalence metrics and explains their significance to climate policy. www.rockinst.org/blog/science...

AI Policy & Practice Forum | Rockefeller Institute of Government Join us April 23rd for a forum examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping society and the policy questions that follow from its development and use.

Join us for our "AI Policy & Practice Forum," presented with @albany.edu's AI & Society Research Center! The full-day forum features keynote remarks from NYS Chief AI Officer Eleonore Fournier-Tombs.

📅 April 23
📍 Albany, NY

Program and registration 👇
rockinst.org/rig-events/2...

On Becoming Immigrant Women in the U.S.: A Strength-Based Approach to Leveraging Opportunities and Neutralizing Threats | Rockefeller Institute of Government This webinar explores the status of immigrant women in the U.S. and New York, highlighting economic disparities and programs addressing the challenges they face.

Join the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy next Thursday (3/26) at 2p for a webinar, "On Becoming Immigrant Women in the US: A Strength-Based Approach to Leveraging Opportunities and Neutralizing Threats."

Learn more and register 👇
rockinst.org/rig-events/2...

Just a Slap on the Wrist? The Role of Civil Money Penalties in the Regulation of Nursing Homes | Rockefeller Institute of Government Do civil money penalties effectively deter regulatory noncompliance in nursing homes? This analysis provides an overview of what CMPs are, what is known about their impact, and what can be done to imp...

In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) imposed $204m in civil money penalties on poorly performing nursing homes. Do these penalties work to deter regulatory noncompliance?
rockinst.org/issue-area/j...

Science Notes: Generative AI and Its Impacts | Rockefeller Institute of Government Generative AI is now embedded in everyday tools. Science Notes looks at the urgent questions about bias, ownership, misuse, and environmental impact.

Generative AI is everywhere. Our latest "Science Note" provides a concise summary of this technology and highlights key impacts and concerns as AI proliferates across all facets of life. rockinst.org/blog/science...

Call for Proposals: Local Government Lab | Rockefeller Institute of Government We invite individuals, organizations, and particularly local government leaders to submit proposals for the presentation of active research or practice relevant to the conference theme.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The theme of our 2026 Local Government Lab is the infrastructure needs of municipal governments.

We're looking for presentation proposals on how localities are managing or leveraging opportunities around critical infrastructure demands.

More 👇
rockinst.org/rig-events/l...

RGVRC Member Highlight: Christen Rexing | Rockefeller Institute of Government Christen Rexing, a scholar with the RGVRC and the executive director of the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR), shares what led her to become interested in gun violence pr...

"As ED of @thesavir.bsky.social, I get to connect the science community for mentorship, training & advancing science, support students entering the field, & promote this work to partners, the public, & policymakers."

Latest RGVRC highlight: @christenrexing.bsky.social

rockinst.org/blog/rgvrc-m...

The Economic and Social Impact of Disability Services Providers in New York and NYSID: New Developments | Rockefeller Institute of Government In 2023, voluntary, nonprofit disability service providers generated $15.6 billion in economic output in New York State.

Our latest report, prepared for New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation and NYSID, Inc., examines the economic impact of nonprofit disability service providers in NYS: 408 providers generated $15.6 billion in economic output.
rockinst.org/issue-area/t...

Guns, Ganja, and Gavels—Five Things to Watch for in the Supreme Court’s US v Hemani Oral Arguments | Rockefeller Institute of Government On March 2, 2026, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case <em>US v. Hemani</em>. Their questions will shed some light on how they are thinking about the relationship between cannabis...

On Monday, SCOTUS hears oral arguments in US v Hemani. At issue: whether Section 922g3 of the Gun Control Act is a violation of cannabis users' 2A rights.

Fellow Heather Trela explains what oral arguments may reveal about how justices are thinking about this issue. 👇 rockinst.org/blog/guns-ga...

Initial Considerations for Adopting the New 1915c Waiver Design as Enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1) | Rockefeller Institute of Government A new 1915c waiver becomes effective for states in January 2028. In preparing, New York State should keep these considerations in mind.

Less discussed health policy changes from OBBBA include adjustments to the 1915c waiver. As NYS policymakers await further guidance from CMS, our latest outlines 6 considerations that can ensure sustainable, quality care for NY's growing aging population. rockinst.org/blog/initial...

RGVRC Member Highlight: Eric Fleegler | Rockefeller Institute of Government Meet Eric Fleegler, RGVRC scholar and pediatric emergency physician, whose research examines firearm violence, inequities, and policy solutions to protect children, families, and communities.

Learn about RGVRC member Eric Fleegler, whose "goal is to figure out the interventions that can be implemented one-on-one with families and at the community level to reduce gun violence," in our latest Consortium member highlight.
rockinst.org/blog/rgvrc-m...

Ep. 125. A Look at Labor: NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon | Rockefeller Institute of Government  In this installment of our series, “A Look at Labor,” Rockefeller Institute Director of Labor Policy Maria Figueroa interviews Roberta Reardon, commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor...

New episode of Policy Outsider!

@nyslabor.bsky.social Commissioner Roberta Reardon joins the show to discuss expanding capacity in the childcare industry, promoting green jobs, improving apprenticeship programs, advancing workplace safety protections, & more.

Listen 👇 rockinst.org/issue-area/e...

Also excited to share that the Consortium welcomed 20 new members in 2025, expanding its network to 157 scholars and practitioners across 30 states and DC, as well as Australia, Belgium, Canada, and England!

The full cast is here: rockinst.org/gun-violence...

Our Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium released its 2025 Annual Report today! The report highlights Consortium members' academic publications, policymaker briefings, media appearances, grant funding, & more.

Read it: rockinst.org/issue-area/r...

Ep. 123. Healthcare Trends to Watch in 2026 | Rockefeller Institute of Government Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke discusses the healthcare trends for policymakers to watch in 2026.

New Policy Outsider episode!
Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke discusses the healthcare trends for policymakers to watch in 2026.
rockinst.org/issue-area/e...

Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke lays out the healthcare trends to track in 2026. The analysis reflects and updates trends outlined in 2025 and points to areas where policymakers may be able to pull some policy levers to shape the industry. 👇
rockinst.org/blog/six-tre...

The Path to Universally Affordable Childcare: Where is New York Now? | Rockefeller Institute of Government A look at how a lack of childcare availability and affordability impacts family income and the economy, the existing early care and childcare landscape in New York, and federally funded childcare and ...

New analysis on childcare: we take a look at how a lack of childcare availability and affordability impacts family income and the economy, the existing early care and childcare landscape in New York, and federally funded childcare and preschool programs.
rockinst.org/blog/the-pat...

Ep. 122. A Look at Labor: NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson | Rockefeller Institute of Government  New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson is chair of the Assembly Labor Committee. On this episode of our Policy Outsider series, “A Look at Labor,” Rockefeller Institute Director of Labor Policy...

Our Policy Outsider series, "A Look at Labor," continues with an interview with NYS Assemblymember and chair of the Assembly Labor Committee @HarryBBronson. rockinst.org/issue-area/e...

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Changes to Federal PFAS Drinking Water Standards | Rockefeller Institute of Government As federal PFAS drinking water regulations finalized in 2024 face legal challenges and potential rollback, this piece examines the rule, state standards, and implications for public health.

Our latest brief on PFAS drinking water regulations examines legal challenges to the federal drinking water regulations finalized in 2024 and potential changes to those regulations by the Trump administration. rockinst.org/issue-area/t...

Call for Proposals | Forum on State and Local AI Policy Gaps and Opportunities: Health, Education, Governance, and Ethics | Rockefeller Institute of Government The Rockefeller Institute and the AI & Society Research Center are seeking proposals for an afternoon gathering of policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in the field of artificial intel...

The @rockefellerinst.bsky.social & @albany.edu #AI & Society Research Center hosting policymakers, practitioners & researchers working in the field of #artificialintelligence on April 23 at the Rockefeller Institute of Gov't in Albany, NY. Submit a proposal by Feb 3! rockinst.org/news/article...

RGVRC Member Highlight: Allison Bond | Rockefeller Institute of Government Allison Bond sees her studies into gun violence as essential to suicide prevention, using research and clear communication to turn evidence into life-saving impact.

"I moved into studying gun violence because firearms account for ~50% of suicide deaths, & suicide accounts for ~60% of gun deaths, & we really can’t talk about preventing suicide w/o talking about preventing GV."

Our latest RGVRC Member Highlight: Allison E. Bond
rockinst.org/blog/rgvrc-m...

Ep. 121. Let's Reschedule — What's in Trump's Cannabis EO | Rockefeller Institute of Government On this episode of Policy Outsider, we do a lightning round with Heather Trela, Rockefeller Institute's resident cannabis policy expert, on what President Trump's recently signed Executive Order does ...

On a new episode of Policy Outsider, we break down what's in President Trump's Executive Order to expedite the rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug with Rockefeller Institute resident cannabis policy expert Heather Trela.
rockinst.org/issue-area/e...

How Can I Help? Supporting Victims and Survivors of the Recent Mass Shootings | Rockefeller Institute of Government One of the most effective methods for supporting survivors of mass shootings is recognizing and acknowledging their lived experiences, writes Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Executive Direct...

One of the most effective methods for supporting survivors of mass shootings is recognizing and acknowledging their lived experiences, writes RGVRC Executive Director Jaclyn Schildkraut in a blog that poses the question, "How can I help?"
rockinst.org/blog/how-can...