Issues that will be explored by the Center for a Better South's Fellows include the following. Click on the links to find out more information about each issue.

• Watch a video now about the Center.

Rethinking taxes: In June 2006, the Center released its first report, Doing Better: Progressive Tax Reform for the American South. In general, the study determined that Southern state government tax structures were broken and needed to be modernized. The Center offered 11 pragmatic, progressive ideas for lawmakers to consider -- from broadening the sales tax and indexing income taxes to curbing corporate tax loopholes and improving accountability.

• Learn more about the Doing Better book
• Read a transcript of the 2005 panel discussion on tax policy.

Rethinking environmental policy: The South's great natural assets -- her lands -- are being swallowed by growth from in-migration and threatened in countless ways. In August 2007, the Center released its second book -- Getting Greener: Progressive Environmental Ideas for the American South -- to help Southern policymakers grapple with ways to make the South greener.

• Learn more about the Getting Greener book

Rethinking participation: With minority population numbers increasing, the Center is examining the impact on traditional leadership communities and how a more diverse population base will affect the region. In 2008, the Center will publish a book of ideas on how Southern policymakers can boost political participation.

• Read a transcript of the Feb. 25 panel discussion on polling and public policy in the South
• Read a transcript of the Feb. 25 panel discussion on Southern communities

Rethinking faith and the South: The Center is probing whether new progressive ideas to build a stronger South can come from the region's faith community.

• Read a transcript of the Feb. 25 panel discussion on faith and politics