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Private donors contributed more than $350 million to local election officials to support the administration of the 2020 election. Supporters argue these grants were neutral and necessary to maintain normal election operations during the pandemic, while critics worry these grants mostly went to Democratic strongholds and tilted election outcomes. How much did these grants shape the 2020 presidential election? To answer this question, we collect administrative data on private election administration grants and election outcomes. We then use advances in synthetic control methods to compare presidential election results and turnout in counties that received grants to counties with similar election results and turnout before 2020. While Democratic counties were more likely to apply for a grant, we find that the grants did not have a noticeable effect on the presidential election. Our estimates of the average effect on Democratic vote share range from 0.03 to 0.36 percentage points. Our estimates of the average effect of receiving a grant on turnout range from 0.03 to 0.14 percentage points. Across specifications, our 95% CIs typically include negative effects and all fail to include effects on Democratic vote share larger than 0.58 percentage points and effects on turnout larger than 0.40 percentage points. We characterize the magnitude of our effects by asking how large they are compared to the margin by which Biden won the 2020 election. In simple bench-marking exercises, we find that the effects of the grants were likely too small to have changed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Context Methods Findings Conclusions Policy Points Earmarked tax policies for behavioral health are perceived as having positive impacts related to increasing flexible funding, suggesting benefits to expand this financing approach. Implementation challenges related to these earmarked taxes included tax base volatility that impedes long‐term service delivery planning and inequities in the distribution of tax revenue. Recommendations for designing or revising earmarked tax policies include developing clear guidelines and support systems to manage the administrative aspects of earmarked tax programs, cocreating reporting and oversight structures with system and service delivery agents, and selecting revenue streams that are relatively stable across years. Earmarked tax policies for behavioral health are perceived as having positive impacts related to increasing flexible funding, suggesting benefits to expand this financing approach. Implementation challenges related to these earmarked taxes included tax base volatility that impedes long‐term service delivery planning and inequities in the distribution of tax revenue. Recommendations for designing or revising earmarked tax policies include developing clear guidelines and support systems to manage the administrative aspects of earmarked tax programs, cocreating reporting and oversight structures with system and service delivery agents, and selecting revenue streams that are relatively stable across years. Over 200 cities and counties in the United States have implemented policies earmarking tax revenue for behavioral health services. This mixed‐methods study was conducted with the aim of characterizing perceptions of the impacts of these earmarked tax policies, strengths and weaknesses of tax policy designs, and factors that influence decision making about how tax revenue is allocated for services.Study data came from surveys completed by 274 officials involved in behavioral health earmarked tax policy implementation and 37 interviews with officials in a sample of jurisdictions with these taxes—California (n = 16), Washington (n = 12), Colorado (n = 6), and Iowa (n = 3). Interviews primarily explored perceptions of the advantages and drawbacks of the earmarked tax, perceptions of tax policy design, and factors influencing decisions about revenue allocation.A total of 83% of respondents strongly agreed that it was better to have the tax than not, 73.2% strongly agreed that the tax increased flexibility to address complex behavioral health needs, and 65.1% strongly agreed that the tax increased the number of people served by evidence‐based practices. Only 43.3%, however, strongly agreed that it was easy to satisfy tax‐reporting requirements. Interviews revealed that the taxes enabled funding for services and implementation supports, such as training in the delivery of evidence‐based practices, and supplemented mainstream funding sources (e.g., Medicaid). However, some interviewees also reported challenges related to volatility of funding, inequities in the distribution of tax revenue, and, in some cases, administratively burdensome tax reporting. Decisions about tax revenue allocation were influenced by goals such as reducing behavioral health care inequities, being responsive to community needs, addressing constraints of mainstream funding sources, and, to a lesser degree, supporting services considered to be evidence based.Earmarked taxes are a promising financing strategy to improve access to, and quality of, behavioral health services by supplementing mainstream state and federal financing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Governance, health financing, and service delivery are critical elements of health systems for provision of robust and sustainable chronic disease care. We leveraged the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to evaluate oversight and financing for kidney care worldwide. Methods A survey was administered to stakeholders from countries affiliated with the ISN from July to September 2022. We evaluated funding models utilized for reimbursement of medications, services for the management of chronic kidney disease, and provision of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). We also assessed oversight structures for the delivery of kidney care. Results Overall, 167 of the 192 countries and territories contacted responded to the survey, representing 97.4% of the global population. High-income countries tended to use public funding to reimburse all categories of kidney care in comparison with low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle income countries (LMICs). In countries where public funding for KRT was available, 78% provided universal health coverage. The proportion of countries that used public funding to fully reimburse care varied for non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (27%), dialysis for acute kidney injury (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) (44%), chronic hemodialysis (45%), chronic peritoneal dialysis (42%), and kidney transplant medications (36%). Oversight for kidney care was provided at a national level in 63% of countries, and at a state/provincial level in 28% of countries. Conclusion This study demonstrated significant gaps in universal care coverage, and in oversight and financing structures for kidney care, particularly in in LICs and LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, research increasingly has paid attention to resilience as a way to strengthen electricity systems against the cascading impacts caused by electricity disruptions. Although much of the electricity resilience literature has focused on scale of large grids, a growing segment of research has focused on smaller-scale electricity systems, particularly with applications for communities. Research on financing these systems could encourage their uptake in local communities, particularly by including community in the ownership or operation of these systems; however, much of this research remains comparatively nascent. This paper seeks to review what previous studies have identified as some of the conditions that shape financing electricity resilience in local communities in G7 countries and how this field uses the term "electricity resilience" compared to broader uses of electricity resilience. The review provides a technical overview of smaller-scale systems for communities and a review of three socio-economic research areas—governance, cost-benefits, and business models—which shape financing electricity resilience in local communities. The discussion section finds that costs and the level of community involvement seem to play a fundamental role in shaping the conditions for financing electricity resilience across much of the research. Comparing this field to broader uses of "electricity resilience" suggests that more work is needed to understand the role of adaptation in financing electricity resilience for local communities, particularly over the long term. We posit that the field's approach costs and its inclusion of the community in electricity resilience may contribute to its general lack of attention to long-run adaptation. Despite potential benefits of continued advancements from technical research, the maturity of the field and age of some of the early cases suggests that researchers could begin to study adaptation to electricity disruptions at the community level more than in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The attainment of global health security goals and universal health coverage will remain a mirage unless African health systems are adequately funded to improve resilience to public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the global inequity in accessing medical countermeasures, leaving African countries far behind. As we anticipate the next pandemic, improving investments in health systems to adequately finance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) promptly, ensuring equity and access to medical countermeasures, is crucial. In this article, we analyze the African and global pandemic financing initiatives and put ways forward for policymakers and the global health community to consider. Methods: This article is based on a rapid literature review and desk review of various PPPR financing mechanisms in Africa and globally. Consultation of leaders and experts in the area and scrutinization of various related meeting reports and decisions have been carried out. Main text: The African Union (AU) has demonstrated various innovative financing mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of public health emergencies in the continent. To improve equal access to the COVID-19 medical countermeasures, the AU launched Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) and Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT). These financing initiatives were instrumental in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and their lessons can be capitalized as we make efforts for PPPR. The COVID-19 Response Fund, subsequently converted into the African Epidemics Fund (AEF), is another innovative financing mechanism to ensure sustainable and self-reliant PPPR efforts. The global initiatives for financing PPPR include the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF) and the Pandemic Fund. The PEF was criticized for its inadequacy in building resilient health systems, primarily because the fund ignored the prevention and preparedness items. The Pandemic Fund is also being criticized for its suboptimal emphasis on the response aspect of the pandemic and non-inclusive governance structure. Conclusions: To ensure optimal financing for PPPR, we call upon the global health community and decision-makers to focus on the harmonization of financing efforts for PPPR, make regional financing mechanisms central to global PPPR financing efforts, and ensure the inclusivity of international finance governance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the sustainability of sexual health programs is important, but there are few practical tools to facilitate this process. Drawing on a sustainability conceptual framework, this Editorial proposes four ideas to increase the sustainability of sexual health programs – early planning, equitable community engagement, return on investment, and partnerships to address social determinants. Early planning during the design of a sexual health program is important for sustainability because it provides an opportunity for the team to build factors relevant to sustainability into the program itself. Equitable community engagement can expand multi-sectoral partnerships for institutionalisation, identify allies for implementation, and strengthen relationships between beneficiaries and researchers. From a financial perspective, considering the return on investment could increase the likelihood of sustainability. Finally, partnerships to address social determinants can help to identify organisations with a similar vision. Existing sustainability frameworks can be used to measure each of these key elements. Several approaches can be used to enhance the sustainability of sexual health programs. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief provides potential lessons for increasing the sustainability of sexual health programs in diverse global settings. Practical tools to enhance the sustainability of sexual health programs are needed. Early planning, strong community engagement, consideration of financing, and multi-sectoral partnerships can all be used to increase sustainability. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief demonstrates several of these lessons in the context of global sexual health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Urologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

SUMMARY: We examine the value of auditor verification to small businesses when they face economic uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant, exogenous economic shock that immediately heightened the need for external funding for many companies. Using a sample of small, private companies from 21 countries, we examine how the receipt of an audit prior to the pandemic affects the primary type of financing companies obtain during the pandemic. We find that companies with audited financial statements available are more inclined to secure primary funding from bank loans rather than from equity contributions from existing owners or new investors. However, an audit is not associated with primary funding from government sources. We also document that businesses benefit most from an audit when information asymmetry and economic disruption are relatively high and when the supply of government liquidity support is relatively low. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: M21; M42. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Small businesses often face a high risk of bankruptcy and harsh financing conditions, which can hamper them from engaging in innovation. This paper investigates whether a bankruptcy system that guarantees a good recovery rate for creditors in case of firms' liquidation stimulates small businesses' innovation investments through lower interest rates and therefore easier access to credit. With the help of a borrower-lender model, we derive insights about the interactions between bankruptcy recovery rate, borrowing interest rates and firms' investments in innovation. The model gives theoretical underpinnings for a subsequent empirical analysis. By using a cross-country sample of micro (1–9 employees)-, small (10–49 employees)-, and medium (50–249 employees)-sized enterprises (MSMEs), our study provides three main results. It shows that an increase in the bankruptcy recovery rate a) is positively associated to MSMEs' investments in innovation (investment effect); b) reduces the share of MSMEs that are credit constrained because the cost of borrowing is too high (constraint effect); c) reduces the interest rates dispersion for highly profitable MSMEs (dispersion effect). Overall, our findings suggest that improving creditors recovery rate can help promote the innovative behaviour of small businesses through easier financing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic review of the literature, the state of the art and a future research agenda on the relationship between FinTech and the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Digitalization and technological evolution have transformed access to financial resources, challenging SMEs in obtaining adequate financing. The emergence of FinTech offers new perspectives and opportunities, potentially revolutionizing how SMEs access and use financial services. Against this backdrop, 26 papers were extensively examined to analyze the relationship between the FinTech industry and its relationship with SMEs financing, possibilities, difficulties, and expectations in the current market in different parts of the world. Exploratory Research was found to be the most applied perspective to analyze the relationship between FinTech and SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Block grant funding provides federal financial support to states, with increased flexibility as to how those funds can be allocated at the community level. At the state level, block grant amounts and distributions are often based on outdated formulas that consider population measures and funding environments at the time of their creation. We describe variation in state-level funding allocations for 5 federal block grant programs and the extent to which funding aligns with the current needs of state populations. Methods: We conducted an analysis in 2022 of state block grant allocations as a function of state-level characteristics for 2015-2019 for all 50 states. We provide descriptive statistics of state block grant allocations and multivariate regression models for each program. Models include base characteristics relevant across programs plus supplemental characteristics based on program-specific goals and state population needs. Results: Mean state block grant allocations per 1000 population by program ranged from $618 to $21 528 during 2015-2019. Characteristics associated with state allocations varied across block grants. For example, for every 1-percentage-point increase in the percentage of the population living in nonmetropolitan areas, Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant funding was approximately $7 per 1000 population higher and Community Services Block Grant funding was approximately $40 per 1000 population higher. Few supplemental characteristics were associated with allocations. Conclusions: Current block grant funding does not align with state characteristics and needs. Future research should consider how funds are used at the state level or allocated to local agencies or organizations and compare state block grant allocations with other types of funding mechanisms, such as categorical funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas have been gazetted to protect natural resources and biodiversity, but evaluations of effectiveness rarely include measures of species population change. We compiled annual site‐level spending and elephant population data for 102 protected areas conserving either savannah (Loxodonta africana) or forest (Loxodonta cyclotis) elephants, which showed a median annual population decline of −0.78% across the protected areas. Site‐level population change was strongly associated with funding and government effectiveness. Annual funding deficits occurred in 78% of the protected areas, and when comparing necessary levels of annual spend to stabilize elephant populations, we estimate a US$1.5 billion annual funding deficit across all the protected areas. While financial investment can improve elephant conservation outcomes, there is still a need to identify where and how to best finance elephant poaching interventions, requiring a global commitment to improve the socioeconomic impacts of protected areas on local communities and reduce ivory demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Derecho Penal y Criminologia is the property of Universidad Externado de Colombia, Departamento de Derecho Penal y Criminologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Oeconomicus is the property of Znanstvena Rijec d.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Oeconomicus is the property of Znanstvena Rijec d.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the 21st century, defense financing is a significant challenge in the context of evolving security threats and budgetary constraints. In the context of modern warfare, nations have certain commitments to allocate as much financial and substantial resources as possible to maintain robust defense capabilities. In the first part, I will highlight the conflicts that have succeeded in convincing individual states, both the NATO alliance and globally, to invest some of their financial resources in defense. In the second part, I will briefly outline the ways in which a state can fund its defense budget even though there are economic constraints, technology tends to evolve, but also the geopolitical sphere is constantly changing. In the third part, I will highlight the principle on which the Euro-Atlantic alliance should be based, the principle of the "3E", and I will represent the spending that has taken place within the NATO alliance.

Abstract Background The attainment of global health security goals and universal health coverage will remain a mirage unless African health systems are adequately funded to improve resilience to public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the global inequity in accessing medical countermeasures, leaving African countries far behind. As we anticipate the next pandemic, improving investments in health systems to adequately finance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) promptly, ensuring equity and access to medical countermeasures, is crucial. In this article, we analyze the African and global pandemic financing initiatives and put ways forward for policymakers and the global health community to consider. Methods This article is based on a rapid literature review and desk review of various PPPR financing mechanisms in Africa and globally. Consultation of leaders and experts in the area and scrutinization of various related meeting reports and decisions have been carried out. Main text The African Union (AU) has demonstrated various innovative financing mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of public health emergencies in the continent. To improve equal access to the COVID-19 medical countermeasures, the AU launched Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) and Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT). These financing initiatives were instrumental in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and their lessons can be capitalized as we make efforts for PPPR. The COVID-19 Response Fund, subsequently converted into the African Epidemics Fund (AEF), is another innovative financing mechanism to ensure sustainable and self-reliant PPPR efforts. The global initiatives for financing PPPR include the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF) and the Pandemic Fund. The PEF was criticized for its inadequacy in building resilient health systems, primarily because the fund ignored the prevention and preparedness items. The Pandemic Fund is also being criticized for its suboptimal emphasis on the response aspect of the pandemic and non-inclusive governance structure. Conclusions To ensure optimal financing for PPPR, we call upon the global health community and decision-makers to focus on the harmonization of financing efforts for PPPR, make regional financing mechanisms central to global PPPR financing efforts, and ensure the inclusivity of international finance governance systems.

An effective government agropolicy should be balanced: To reduce the state budget pressure, it is important to reduce public spending and encourage farmers to use agricultural loans. Reducing public spending should not lead to a shortage in the agricultural market. The paper aims to substantiate the directions of government agropolicy transformation based on the optimal ratio of public expenditures and loans in the agrosector and the dependence of agroproduction dynamics on state financing. The research base is data from 10 countries with different income levels (World Bank), presented in FAOSTAT for 2004–2021. For each country, the optimal (determined by the structural modeling method) and actual proportions between state financing and lending in the agrosector are compared, adjusted for the agroproduction index. The modeling showed that the share of public funds should increase in Germany, Israel, Italy, and the UK and decrease in Azerbaijan and Georgia; the current proportion is optimal in the USA, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Based on a panel regression model with fixed effects, the influence of the actual level of state agrofinancing on the FAO Production Indices of the main types of agroproducts was determined. It is the largest for crops, meat, and milk (a decrease in state funding by USD 1 million threatens to reduce the respective indices by 4.5, 3.47, and 3.79 points), medium for cereals and sugar crops (according to points 2.69 and 2.11), and the smallest for livestock and non-food products (by 1.53 and 0.001 points, respectively).

This report considers the role of local option sales taxes (LOSTs) for transportation in influencing spending patterns in regional transportation plans adopted by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in California’s four largest metropolitan regions. Through quantitative analysis of information on LOST measures placed on the ballot from 1976 to 2022, and through case studies of recent LOSTs placed on the ballot in two counties, patterns in LOST expenditure by mode and purpose are compared over time and across regions, and with spending allocated by MPOs in their long-range regional transportation plans.View the NCST Project Webpage

This paper analyzes Moldova's higher education transformation, focusing on digital and AI integration, underpinned by the Moldova Higher Education Project financed by the International Development Association. Findings highlight the project's effectiveness in aligning education with labor market demands through AI-driven personalized learning and administrative automation, significantly enhancing learning environments and operational efficiencies. Challenges include the need for improved digital infrastructure and equitable technology access. The study offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, such as enhanced AI training for educators and policy development to ensure fair access to technology. These insights contribute significantly to understanding and implementing educational reforms in similar contexts.

Financing ultimately is aimed at increasing the value of the business through planning, executing, as well as applying financial resources besides balancing profitability and risk. This is realized when financial managers make proper decision about which financing methods to adopt. This study is aimed at providing a hybrid approach based on fuzzy ISM technique and MICMAC analysis in order to design a model to help choose financing sources for Iranian industrial enterprises through overcoming the restrictions of decision-making process. To this end, the fuzzy ISM technique has been first employed to specify the interrelationships between the indicators as well as modeling their hierarchical structure; subsequently, by means of MICMAC analysis, the dominant indicators involved in the financing process have been classified in one of the four clusters based on their Driving power and Dependence. The results indicate that the index of “government fiscal policies” has the highest effect on other indicators of the system and it is a basic criterion for making fundamental decisions to choose the financing sources of Iranian industrial enterprises. Hence, in their management decisions, decision makers should pay attention to the perspective of government fiscal policies before considering any other indicators.