March 2021 Newsletter

MCCLURE CENTER MARCH 2021 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends of the McClure Center, Engaging Students in Public Policy Student engagement is at the core of the McClure Center’s JAMM-McClure work. While sustaining Legislative Interns student programs in 2020 was In January, our Legislative Interns challenging, our commitment to reported for duty, ready to cover the create meaningful applied learning 2021 First Regular Session of the and research experiences for Idaho Legislature. Alexandra Duggan students never wavered. and Conner Swersey relocated from Moscow to Boise and joined So far in 2021, we welcomed the Idaho Press Corps. Duggan and two JAMM-McClure Legislative Swersey have spent this session, Interns and three McClure like other reporters, balancing the Legislative Scholars. We are use of Idaho PTV’s Idaho in Session Alexandra Duggan is a excited to host three Martin- streaming services with occasional Treasure Valley native and senior at the University of McClure Ambassadors and a visits to the Idaho State Capitol to Idaho, studying psychology Water Policy Intern and launch a interview lawmakers and chronicle with a minor in journalism. history-public policy fellowship for policy construction and state politics Ph.D. students – all of which take as they unfold. Their coverage for place this summer. rural weekly Idaho papers continues to be a tremendous service to Operating in the state capital Idahoans and an important career allows the McClure Center to builder. offer cutting-edge experiences in You can read their coverage of the seat of policy construction. this session through Idaho Public Connecting students with applied Radio and in the Aberdeen Times, learning and research experiences Bonner County Daily Bee, Coeur in Boise and in the State Capitol d’Alene Press, Idaho County Free building is life changing for our Press, Owyhee Avalanche and students and honors the legacy of Power County Press. Thank you to Connor Swersey is a senior Senator Jim McClure. the University of Idaho School of at the University of Idaho, Journalism and Mass Media for this studying journalism and Fostering the next generation of political science. He is from longstanding partnership! Salmon, Idaho. Idaho’s leaders is a joy and an honor. Sharing their success with you is our great pleasure! McClure Legislative Research Elizabeth Scholars Marshall Undergraduate students in the McClure Legislative (senior, political science Research Scholars (a partnership with the University major) of Idaho Department of Politics and Philosophy) Addressing Alternatives: are guided by Professor Markie McBrayer and tackle Exploring Three research topics of interest to the Idaho Legislature. Alternatives to Traditional During the legislative session, the Scholars travel to Incarceration in Idaho Boise to present their research to Idaho lawmakers. This year, the Scholars used Zoom to continue the Abstract: Three program from Moscow and deliver their presentations alternatives to traditional incarceration and probation remotely. and the impact they have had/could have in the state Students and their reports this year include: of Idaho were studied. The alternatives researched are remote monitoring, drug treatment courts and mental health courts. The report discusses how the Hailee Gabbard state of Idaho has implemented these alternatives to (junior, political science and varying degrees and levels of success. English double major) Idaho Education: Investment for the Future Summer 2021 Student Abstract: Idaho spent Programs an average of $6,747 per pupil in 2018-19, ranking Martin-McClure Ambassadorship last in the nation in terms This summer, we will welcome three Martin-McClure of per-pupil funding. In conjunction with low levels of Ambassadors (a record number!): Stella Davidson, a spending, Idaho ranks 43rd in the nation in terms of junior from Boise; Natalie Mesplay, a junior from Boise education quality. This report examines both the short- and Matty Murphy, a sophomore from Boise. and long-term effects of underfunding school systems.

Niklas Stella Davidson Kleinworth (junior, international studies and public relations major) (senior, political science and pre-health professional “I am proud fifth generation major) Idahoan from Boise. This is my third year at the Coping with COVID-19: University of Idaho, and I An Analysis of Pandemic am majoring in international Healthcare in Idaho studies and public relations with a minor political Abstract: Much of the available scholarly literature on COVID-19 focuses science. Following graduation in May 2022, I intend on controlling the spread of the virus throughout to spend time in Boise preparing for my next steps. communities. However, an area largely ignored is how I am interested in continuing my education at law hospital systems in states such as Idaho are managing school or a graduate studies program focused on increased patient load. Most issues particular to the public policy. Whichever route I choose, my career will Gem State’s patient volume management are related involve advocacy and putting my skills to use to create to pre-pandemic concerns within the healthcare real change in our communities. While my plans to system. By combining both short- and long-term study abroad in Lyon, France were interrupted by the solutions, the author recommends key points of coronavirus pandemic, I look forward to opportunities interest for the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. to travel extensively in the future!” Natalie Mesplay opportunity for University of Idaho undergraduates to explore scientific and public policy research related to (junior, international studies water resources management. This summer’s Water and history double major) Policy Intern will be announced in early April. “I am from Boise, currently double majoring in McClure in History Program international studies and This summer, the McClure Center, in partnership with history at the University of the University of Idaho Department of History, will Idaho. Because of COVID, launch the McClure in History Program. This program I shifted my study abroad explores public service and inflection points in Idaho, plans from spring to fall U.S. and world history through a public policy lens. One 2021. I look forward to my semester in South Korea. University of Idaho history Ph.D. student will spend After graduation in May 2022, I would like to work time with Senator McClure’s material in the University abroad as a teacher, for an international organization of Idaho Library Special Collections. The student will or with an NGO.” also have a residency in Boise, where they will gain advanced archival research expertise in state, city and Idaho Public Television archives, and be provided Matty Murphy with mentorship and networking opportunities. The student will curate the McClure Center Gallery exhibit, (sophomore, history and which will be displayed in Boise and Moscow, as well as international studies double online. major) We look forward to updating you on these students in “I am a sophomore at the the summer newsletter and on twitter. University of Idaho, studying history and international studies double major with a minor in French. Following high school in Boise, I Conducting Nonpartisan studied in Belgium for year as a Rotary exchange Research and Informing student. Presently, I am looking into a number of opportunities to study Arabic in North Africa or Public Dialogue and Policy perhaps the Middle East. Among the many activities In 2020, the McClure Center was contracted by I am involved with on campus, I host a weekly radio the Idaho Association for Education of Young show with student run KUOI 89.3 FM. In my spare Children (Idaho AEYC) to conduct a statewide needs time, I like to read magazines like The New Yorker, The assessment of early childhood care and education Atlantic and The Economist.” (ECCE) in Idaho. The statewide Needs Assessment was published in February 2021. The Martin-McClure Ambassadorship was created through a partnership between the University of Read the full report>> Idaho Martin Institute and the McClure Center. International Studies undergraduates are provided We also would like to express our gratitude to our research awards to explore topics at the intersection student research assistants. This work could not have of international affairs and public policy. This summer been accomplished without their time, effort and skills. research program takes place in Boise and offers students an opportunity to better understand local and international relationships throughout the world. Water Policy Internship In 2019, the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWWRI) and the McClure Center launched the Water Policy Internship. The Water Policy Internship, a biannual research program, is an Amanda Douglass Jared Smith Olive Swan 3L law student 2L law studet senior, International Studies and French • Idaho National Guard Activated to Washington, D.C. In The Media (16 Jan. 2021) We are pleased to feature recent press on our Connor Swersey reports on the deployment of Idaho National Guard troops to defend the Nation’s Capital. In the Media page. Read more>> Winter highlights include: • Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children To stay current, we encourage you to follow us on Releases Needs Assessment for Idaho Preschool @UIMcClure Development Grant. (23 Feb. 2021) The Idaho Early Childhood Care and Education statewide needs assessment outlines the systems and supports for early education in Idaho. Vandal Giving Day 2021 Read more>> April 6-7, 2021 is Vandal Giving Day. • Governor’s Workgroup Finishes up Recommendations The McClure Center is committed to creating and to Help Salmon Return to Idaho (18 Dec. 2020) supporting life-changing undergraduate student Governor Little’s Salmon Workgroup finishes programs. These applied learning and research 18-month long collaboration process with experiences focus on local, state, national and final report. international policy, as well as connections with journalism and communications. Your Vandal Giving Day Watch the video>> donation directly funds these student programs. Your gift not only makes a difference to these students, it makes a significant, lasting impact by preserving Selected JAMM-McClure Articles: Senator McClure’s legacy of working across the aisle. • Bill Enhancing Medicaid Funds Passes the Idaho Join us for Vandal Giving Day House (1 March 2021). 2021 on April 6-7. Together, we Alexandra Duggan reports on House Bill 216 as can make sure Vandals have the Medicaid funding works through the legislature. support they need to explore, Read more>> grow and thrive! VANDAL GIVING DAY To donate, visit the McClure APRIL 6-7, 2021 • Power or People (26 Feb. 2021) Center’s website or contact me Connor Swersey dives deep into the power struggles at 208-364-4549. in the 2021 legislative session. To donate, visit the McClure Center’s website Read more>> or contact me at 208-364-4549.

• The Fight for Hemp; How One Idaho Representative Warmest wishes, is Putting all She’s Got into State Ag (22 Jan. 2021) Alexandra Duggan explains the long battle to legalize hemp production in Idaho. Read more>>

Katherine Himes, Ph.D. Director, James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research

Based in Boise, the University of Idaho’s James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research conducts nonpartisan public policy research, informs public dialogue and policy and engages students in learning about public policymaking. The Center’s approach to addressing society’s complex issues sustains Senator McClure’s legacy of thoughtfully pursuing bipartisan collaboration and sound public policy.