PA6622 Public Policy 

Concepts: 

This analysis aligns with core PA6622 concepts by applying the Rational Decision-Making Model to a real-world policy issue. Key concepts addressed include:

​

• Problem Identification and Definition: Clearly identifying the issues caused by Alabama's decentralized sales tax system, such as the lack of uniformity in tax rates and regulations across jurisdictions.

• Formulation of Policy Alternatives: Proposing feasible solutions, such as transitioning to an origin-based tax system or adopting a standardized tax rate for e-commerce transactions, was an essential part of this analysis. These alternatives were evaluated using specific criteria, including effectiveness, efficiency, and administrative feasibility, to ensure a comprehensive assessment of their potential impact (Kraft & Furlong, 2020). Effectiveness is measured by how well each solution could address the identified policy issues, efficiency is examined by the cost-benefit analysis, and administrative feasibility is considered by the ease of implementation within the current regulatory framework. By applying these criteria, the analysis demonstrates a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in policy formulation and implementation. 

• Policy Implementation and Evaluation: Outlining an implementation plan for the recommended policy, addressing potential obstacles such as legislative resistance and public acceptance, and proposing strategies to overcome these challenges. The evaluation plan includes methods to assess the success of the implementation through measurable outcomes and continuous monitoring.

• Application of Policy Evaluation Criteria: Utilizing effectiveness, efficiency, equity, political feasibility, social acceptability, administrative feasibility, and technical feasibility to evaluate each policy alternative. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of potential solutions (Kraft & Furlong, 2020).

​

As the Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Troy University, I advocate for small businesses and address challenges hindering their operations. This policy brief reflects my commitment to leveraging my MPA education to support small businesses through evidence-based policy recommendations. By analyzing and proposing solutions to streamline Alabama's e-commerce sales tax structure, I aim to enhance the operational efficiency of small businesses, contributing to economic growth.
 
This assignment has significantly enhanced my understanding of public policy analysis, particularly in the context of tax policy in the digital age. It has also improved my ability to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world problems, critically evaluate policy alternatives, and develop practical recommendations. This artifact showcases my growth in policy formulation and evaluation, aligning with PA6622's learning objectives and contributing to my professional development in public administration. Additionally, I have used this research to explore e-governance models, researching other implementations and improvements to the current system.

Furthermore, the insights gained from this assignment have been instrumental in my e-governance class, where I studied potential alternatives to address similar problems in depth. This comprehensive understanding has empowered me to advocate more effectively for small business owners in front of legislators and during annual meetings with the Department of Revenue. By presenting well-researched policy alternatives and their potential impacts, I can better articulate the needs and challenges of small businesses, driving meaningful change in policy discussions.