"Financial Development and Economic Growth in Transition Economies: Empirical Evidence from the CEE and CIS Countries"

We examine the role of financial development in economic growth in the former Communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States during the first two decades since the beginning of transition. These countries, which had undeveloped financial systems under Communism, provide an interesting test of the relationship between financial development and growth. We show that credit to the private sector had a positive effect on growth in these countries; however, high levels of inflation can render the positive effect of private credit insignificant. High interest rate spreads and reduced banking competition hampered economic growth.transition economies, CEE, CIS, financial sector development, economic growth, panel data

The Fight over Fizz: Soda Taxes as a Means of Curbing Childhood Obesity

When Michelle Obama found her way to the White House as First Lady, she was a woman with a mission—to help children live healthier lives and tackle childhood obesity. In speaking of this endeavor, the First Lady stated: “In the end, as First Lady, this isn’t just a policy issue for me. This is a passion. This is my mission. I am determined to work with folks across this country to change the way a generation of kids thinks about food and nutrition.” 2 Mrs. Obama’s dedication to this effort was not just talk. Her mission and passion led to the establishment of a federal campaign to fight childhood obesity and promote the education of children on health and nutrition known as Let’s Move.3 Additionally, the First Lady’s efforts have been supported by the actions of her husband, President Barack Obama.4 President Obama’s commitment to this mission was first evidenced by his signature to the creation of the first ever federal Task Force on Childhood Obesity simultaneously with the development of the Let’s Move campaign.5 Based on research done by this Task Force, it was recommended that Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move campaign focused on the following four principles: 1. empowering parents and caregivers, 2. providing healthy food in schools, 3. improving access to healthy, affordable foods, and 4. increasing physical activity

The U.S. Supreme Court's "Disability" in Statutory Construction: The Debate Over the Interpretation of the Definition of "Disability" Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & the ADA Amendments Act of 2008

This Article provides an overview of the contrasting textual interpretations offered by the Court related to the definition of “disability” in the original ADA. Next, it reviews the purposes and findings of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 that examine the conflict that arose over the correct original interpretation of the ADA. Third, this Article provides critical analysis of the Supreme Court’s problematic interpretations including: (1) its interpretation of Congress’s ambiguous language in the text of the original; (2) the Court’s disdain for the legislative history of the ADA including congressional reports and selective use of these instruments when deciding issues of statutory construction; and (3) the Court’s potential error in judgment of relying on federal agency guidelines for interpretations of the language of the original ADA when no agency had been granted interpretative authority over the ADA. Part IV then considers what legal developments have occurred since the passage of the ADAAA and what this means for the interpretation of “disability.” Finally, this Article concludes with a brief commentary on the relationship between the Supreme Court and Congress, how the dynamic between the branches can both hinder and advance public policy, and how a new interpretation of disability could impact disability law, particularly in looking at obesity as a disability

Hospital Medical Futility Policy & the Severely Disabled Child: Is Disability a Death Sentence?

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Access Denied: Accessibility and the Law of Telehealth for People with Disabilities

This paper delves into the critical issue of healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities, as explored by Dr. Laura C. Hoffman in her comprehensive analysis. The document sheds light on the definition of disability within the healthcare framework and elucidates the existing healthcare disparities faced by individuals with disabilities. Dr. Hoffman emphasizes the pivotal role of telehealth in bridging the accessibility gap and advocates for the integration of disability-specific training for medical professionals. Furthermore, the paper underscores the necessity of incorporating accommodations such as sign language interpreters and speech-to-speech translators into standard clinical workflows to ensure equitable healthcare access. By examining the intersection of telehealth, disability law, and healthcare policy, this paper offers valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing healthcare accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. [Abstract generated by AI