U.S.-Mexican Economic Integration: Nafta at the Grassroots
Edited by John Bailey
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #11
2001
314 pages
HF 1746 U52 2001 Public Affairs Library
This collection offers insights into how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is affecting the integration of the U.S. and Mexican economies at the micro level of selected localities and specific industries. The eleven studies included here are the work of thirteen distinguished U.S. and Mexican researchers who have taken a solidly empirical approach to examining the political and social, as well as the economic, dimensions of the way NAFTA is affecting lives at the subnational level on both sides of the border. While situating U.S.-Mexican economic integration within the broader context of economic globalization and political decentralization, the analyses shed important light on local mechanisms through which NAFTA operates. The studies are organized into two sections: Society, Economy, Demography and Government, Politics, Public Opinion. The research collected in this volume was given impetus by a workshop held at Georgetown University in April 1997.

Getting What You Paid For: Extending Medicare to Eligible Beneficiaries in Mexico
Project directed by David C. Warner
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #10
1999
234 pages
RA 395 M6 G488 1999 Public Affairs Library
This volume is the result of a year-long policy research project investigating the feasibility of extending Medicare coverage in some form to beneficiaries of the program who live in Mexico. It is the fourth in a series of research projects that have touched on this ongoing topic over the last nine years. The book examines the present limitations on Medicare and Medicaid coverage, reviews the cost of living, incomes, and present health care structures available to Americans currently living in Mexico, and details options for extending Medicare benefits to Mexico and the issues involved in implementing such coverage.

New Federalism and State Government in Mexico: Bringing the States Back In
By Peter M. Ward, Victoria E. Rodriguez, with Enrique Cabrero Mendoza
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #9
1999
206 pages
JL 1220 S8 W374 1999 Public Affairs Library
The close ties between Texas and Mexico make imperative an informed analysis of MexicoÕs democratization and governance changes at federal, state, and city levels. In 1999, after seventy years of virtual one-party rule, almost three fifths of the Mexican population are governed by opposition (non-PRI) parties, including eight of the 31 states and the Federal District.

This book is the first systematic analysis of state governance in Mexico. Building upon their earlier work on local governments, the authors analyze President Zedillo's efforts since 1995 to reduce excessive centralization and presidentialism through a "New Federalism" initiative. Undertaking a detailed comparative analysis of six states across several regions (Baja California, Chihuahua, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Puebla and Oaxaca), this book provides a baseline study of several policy arenas: fiscal policy and revenue sharing; modernization of government; decentralization of public education; and the emergence of co-governance through a system of checks-and-balances among the governor, local legislature, and judiciary.

The authors conclude that while important and genuine changes are afoot, the federal government continues to exercise control over revenue sharing. In combination with its ability to earmark projects, this effectively restricts the autonomy of state government. Nor do the authors expect this scenario to change, even though a former state governor will become President in 2000. Moreover, it appears likely that each of the three principal parties will seek to ensure that the federal government remains the dominant actor in Mexico's New Federalist system in spite of "bringing the states back in."

Scarce Water: Doing More with Less in the Lower Rio Grande
Project directed by Jurgen Schmandt, Chandler Stolp, George Ward
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #8
1998
52 pages
TD 225 L69 S29 1998 Public Affairs Library
The single most important development factor for the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) ‹ Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties‹is a reliable and safe water supply. The purpose of this report is to examine how water institutions in the U.S. portion of the LRGV are dealing with water scarcity, and the growing and conflicting demands for water. It provides information on the authority, organization, and tasks of these water management institutions, the relations between them, and the major issues they face. Recommendations for institutional development are provided. These include a greater participatory role for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), greater stakeholder participation in water management issues, a change in perception that water is not a free good, and the need for cooperation in water management with Mexico which must be developed at the regional and local levels.

NAFTA and Trade in Medical Services between the U.S. and Mexico
Edited by David C. Warner
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #7
1997
384 pages
RA 395 A3 N348 1997 Public Affairs Library
This book analyzes trade in medical care goods and services between the United States and Mexico in light of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Its objectives are to document current arrangements in the United States and Mexico with regard to health services and to identify policy issues in both countries that will have to be addressed before even freer trade and collaboration can take place. The book is divided into three parts.
Part 1 addresses trade in health care products and high technology and research issues. Topics covered include international telemedicine applications and efforts to increase binational collaboration in health and medical research.
Part 2 looks into the two related issues of cross-border certification of practitioners and the development of cross-border delivery systems. It addresses such issues as NAFTA and free trade movement of physicians, training and certification of allied health professionals in the two countries, cross-border collaboration in medical practice, and the provision of health services to maquiladora workers.
Part 3 examines health services for elderly U.S. citizens in Mexico and discusses some options for extending Medicare and Medicaid to cover services in Mexico. The research builds on two earlier LBJ School projects: Health Care across the Border: The Experience of U.S. Citizens in Mexico and The Border Health Authority: Issues and Design.

Linking or Isolating Economies? A Look at Trucking along the Texas-Mexico Border
By David J. Molina, James R. Giermanski
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #6
1994
100 pages
HE 5636 A6 M65 1994 Public Affairs Library
Presents research on transnational trucking services that disputes conventional thinking on the effects of increased trade and greater economic integration under NAFTA. It suggests solutions that could dramatically increase the efficiency of trade flows without massive infrastructure changes.

U.S.-Mexican Free Trade: The Effect on Textiles and Apparel, Petrochemicals, and Banking in Texas
By Sidney Weintraub, Leigh B. Boske, Chandler Stolp
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #5
1993
128 pages
HF 1757 T37 1993 Public Affairs Library
Analyzes the potential effect of NAFTA on three important Texas industries‹petrochemicals, textiles, and banking. The study reveals the broad range of issues arising around liberalized trade and points to the opportunities and challenges facing investors, managers, workers, and policymakers. It presents issues related to U.S.-Mexican commerce including investment laws and regulations, treatment of intellectual property, labor standards, environmental protection, and transportation systems.

Health Care across the Border: The Experience of U.S. Citizens in Mexico
By David C. Warner, Kevin Reed
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #4
1993
252 pages
RA 187 H427 1993 Public Affairs Library
Examines health care delivery to U.S. citizens in Mexico, to Mexican citizens in the U.S., and to those who cross the border for health services. The study provides an overview of health services and facilities in Mexico and discusses financing alternatives and reforms related to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Policymaking, Politics, & Urban Governance in Chihuahua: The Experience of Recent Panista Governments
By Victoria Rodriguez, Peter Ward
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #3
1992
152 pages
JS 2119.5 C5 R637 1992 Public Affairs Library
Presents one of the first in-depth evaluations of local opposition governments in Mexico. The study provides field data gathered from participants in Chihuahua's Panista administrations and their observers, and incorporates opinions ranging from persons-in-the-street to seasoned political scientists. It also offers revealing insights into how changes in the recent political landscape affect the evolving binational relationship.

Challenges in the Binational Management of Water Resources in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo
By David J. Eaton, David Hurlbut
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #2
1992
154 pages
TC 425 R56 E2 1992 Public Affairs Library
Describes dangers facing the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte, which is economically vital to northern Mexico and South Texas, and analyzes the relationships among population growth, economic integration, and the river basin's present and projected water supplies and quality.

Free Trade with Mexico. What's in it for Texas?
By Jan G. Rich, David Hurlbut
U.S.-Mexican Policy Report Series #1
1992
80 pages
HF 1475 T4 R52 1992 Public Affairs Library
Surveys industrial integration against the background of the Texas economy before NAFTA. After summarizing earlier studies on NAFTA's projected effects, the report analyzes the treaty's potential impact on agriculture, manufacturing, labor and the border region's economy, and provides policy recommendations.