SACRAMENTO - The University of Southern California is establishing an institute at its Sacramento campus that will link public policy-makers and researchers.

Access to research in the areas of health, education, governance, and housing and development will be provided by the USC California Policy Institute.

"Because the issues that California policy-makers deal with are so substantial and complex, legislators need access to concise, accurate research targeted to their needs in order to make sound decisions for the future of our entire state," said USC President Steven B. Sample.

The institute, expected to be up and running by fall, will be politically neutral, officials said in a press release.

The institute is part of an effort to expand the USC State Capital Center. The center offers master's degree programs in public administration and health administration.