Maxwell School News

"The new Democratic majority in the House spells big trouble for President Trump, who will now be subject to substantial congressional oversight," says Thomas Keck, Michael O. Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics.

According to Mary Lovely, professor of economics, the rules around Made in America labeling can be confusing, and companies can violate them without realizing it. "There are rules, and companies—even if they’re trying to abide by them—may find them complicated, so issuing a cease and desist, it might not be unreasonable."

The Huxley Invest Syracuse Scholarship was created by alum Ken Hedrick '76 M.P.A. via the University's innovative Invest Syracuse scholarship initiative. "The scholarship is really a door-opener for allowing me to do the things I want—such as study abroad—without restriction," says it's first recipient, Brielle Valenza, a double-major in political science and psychology with a minor in philosophy.

A $51,110 grant was awarded by the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York for the project, “Early Identification of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults Living at Home.” The project is led by Maria T. Brown, assistant research professor at Falk College's School of Social Work. The goal of the project is to screen for cognitive decline as part of routine community health services currently offered to older adults.

We evaluated whether a targeted literacy campaign could increase parent/guardian awareness of the importance of reading and communicating with young children.

Maxwell X Lab, part of the Center for Policy Research at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, recently completed a series of projects designed to reduce overdue property tax bills in the City of Syracuse. So far, the initiative has helped the City to recoup more than $1.4 million in overdue property taxes, and hundreds of additional properties were prompted to get current on their bills, preventing more costly and troublesome outcomes for both the owner and the City alike.

"If there are going to be deals between the House of Representatives and the president, one of the main places will be in the budget, so the appropriations committee will have a big role," says Professor of Political Science Grant Reeher.

"The president looks at this [foreign tariffs] and says it's coming from foreigners," says Mary Lovely, professor of economics. "That's not technically correct. I mean, I go to Macy's and pay a sales tax. Macy's is the one that sends the check to the government, but that doesn't mean they're the ones that pay the tax. I am."

The Susan and H. Lewis Rapaport Endowed Scholarship will support undergraduate students who have demonstrated interest in studying history or political science. When complete, the Rapaport endowment will total $250,000. “As a member of the Maxwell Advisory Board, I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable undergraduate students who are attending Maxwell today,” Lewis Rapaport ’59 B.A. (AmSt) says. 

Barkun discusses how conspiracy theorists are bringing apocalyptic beliefs into the political mainstream and examines the willingness of people to stay loyal to their beliefs even in the face of a world that contradicts them.

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, accept your temporary defeats and get involved in local or national affairs, encourages Keith Bybee, professor of political science. Studies indicate that volunteering—participating in a cause greater than yourself—is a surefire way to boost your well-being.