For the Media

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What is the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute?

We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank at Southern Illinois University promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service.

Learn more about what we do.

Learn more about our history.

Our Research

Our Simon Review research papers examine public policy issues in Illinois. Recent topics include the politics of the public budgeting process and the effects of the legalization of recreational cannabis. Browse the entire collection.

Who to Contact

Expert Commentary

John Shaw, Director
Expert in the U.S. Congress, with a 25-year career covering Capitol Hill for Market News International, a global financial wire service. Author of several books about presidential and diplomatic history and the recent Restoring American Statesmanship: A Citizen's Guide. Established the Institute's "Better Politics, Smarter Government" agenda with a focus on statesmanship and forward thinking to restore Illinois, and co-founded the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award with former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar.
john.shaw@siu.edu
618-453-4009

John Jackson, Visiting Professor
Expert in state politics and government and U.S. presidential elections. Edits the Institute's Simon Review series of research papers; assists in production of the Institute's polls.
jsjacson@siu.edu
618-453-4009

General Media Inquiries

Please email paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu or call 618-453-4009 for general inquiries and someone will direct your request to the appropriate person.