A. PAR Recurring Publications - Update

1. Citizens' Rights Card (Update)

2. Guide to the 2004 Louisiana Legislature - Pocket Version with Text Online, Released on March 24, 2004.

3. Louisiana Tax Handbook - Publish online version only - Revise and incorporate changes from 1998 through 2003

4. Guide to the Proposed Constitutional Amendments - If any proposed amendments are enacted in the special or regular legislative session in 2004. (Eighty-two proposed amendments have been filed to be considered during the 2004 Regular Legislative session.)

5. Louisiana State and Local Government Textbook - Supplemental update to incorporate changes since first publication in 1998.

B. Brief Commentaries (As Needed)

Brief commentaries will be released to deal with timely topics as they arise. These will most likely include:

• Reaction to legislative proposals or proposed policies by the new administration.
  
  
Op Ed pieces on a variety of topics that PAR is monitoring.

C. Continuation Research Projects

1. A Fiscal and Programmatic Evaluation of Louisiana's School and District Accountability System. The report is due to be released in April 2004.

2. PAR White Paper Series Focusing on Economic Development. Although the reports have been issued, PAR continues to present recommendations in speeches and newspaper commentaries throughout the state.

D. New Research Projects

1. East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System - Desegregation Followup/Monitoring Project.

2. State Fiscal Focus - Dealing with the state budget for FY 2004-05. Also includes the possible revamping of the capital outlay budget process.

3. Public Employee Retirement System Issues - PAR would provide an independent analysis to accompany the newly created Commission on Public Retirement. (Jim Brandt is a member of the 11-member commission.)

4. The State's Risk Management Program - Law suits against the state, current status and future prospects.

E. Other Research Staff Activities

1. PAR Website (www.la-par.org) - Continued Maintenance and Improvements

2. Legislative Monitoring

3. Home Rule Charter - Technical Assistance

4. PAR Newsletter

5. Ongoing Participation on Task Forces/Commissions/Boards -

• Blue Ribbon Commission for Educational Excellence
• Louisiana District and School Accountability Advisory Commission
• Commission on Public Retirement
• Louisiana Coalition for Open Government
• Judicial Excellence Foundation
• Louisiana Economic Development Council, State Revenue and Taxation Task Force
• Task Force on Regional and Local Economic Development

6. Speeches, Public Forums and Media Appearances

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