ANN ARBOR—President Obama begins his second term next week with Inauguration Day. University of Michigan experts can discuss some of the issues on the president’s agenda during the next four years. They include:

Donald Grimes, senior research associate and economist at the Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and the Economy, specializes in economic forecasting and regional economic development, especially in Michigan and the Midwest. He can be reached at (941) 225-1304 or [email protected].

Richard Hall, professor of public policy and political science, conducts research on American national politics. He has studied participation and representation in Congress, congressional committees, legislative oversight and lobbying in Congress. He can be reached at (734) 763-4390 or [email protected].

Michael Heaney, assistant professor of organizational studies and political science, examines the organizational dimensions of American politics. His research focuses on the role of intermediary institutions—especially interest groups, political parties and social movements—in shaping the political process and policy outcomes. He can be reached at (202) 236-3369 or [email protected].

Aaron Kall, director of the U-M Debate Program and Debate Institute, can discuss President Obama’s inauguration address and State of the Union speech. His expert profile is available at http://ns.umich.edu/new/experts/experts-list/20728-aaron-kall. He can be reached at (734) 239-3996 or [email protected].

Richard Primus, law professor, teaches the law, theory and history of the U.S. Constitution. His scholarship has been cited in U.S. Supreme Court opinions. He can be reached at (734) 647-5543 or [email protected].

Kristin Seefeldt, assistant professor of social work, explores how low-income individuals understand their situations, particularly around issues related to work and economic well-being. She is currently conducting research on families’ financial coping strategies during an economic downturn and is a principal investigator of a survey examining the effects of the recession and recovery policies on individuals’ well-being. She can be reached at (734) 615-2113 or [email protected].

Michael Traugott, professor of communication studies and senior research scientist at the ISR Center for Political Studies, is an authority on political communication, public opinion, media polling and campaign surveys. He can be reached at (734) 647-0421 or [email protected].