Texas House Bill HCR121

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the founding of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Impact

The Baker Institute has significantly expanded its research focus since its inception, now encompassing 16 research centers and programs with over 50 research fellows and scholars. The institute's work has influenced national and state-level policy discussions, with its scholars frequently advising legislators and engaging with the media. This increased visibility and impact demonstrate the importance of the institute in shaping public policy discourse in Texas and beyond.

Summary

HCR121 is a concurrent resolution that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Established in 1993, the institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on bridging the gap between ideas and action in public policy. It is named after former U.S. Secretary of State, James A. Baker III, who has played a significant role in American politics and public service. The resolution honors the institute’s contributions to innovative policy discussions and empirical research over the past quarter-century.

Contention

While the resolution is largely celebratory, it nonetheless underscores the importance of think tanks like the Baker Institute in American democracy. Some critics of think tanks argue that they can sometimes promote partisan agendas under the guise of nonpartisanship, which could be a point of contention for those who emphasize the need for unbiased policy discussion. However, the resolution celebrates the Baker Institute's commitment to providing empirical research and balanced analysis on critical policy issues.