Topic: Fiscal Policy

How Rent-Seeking Wrecks the Soul of Enterprise

– July 26, 2024

“The more the state becomes involved in everyday affairs, the more we move to a rent-seeking society, enabling a power dynamic based on what can be accessed rather than on what can be earned.” ~Kimberlee Josephson

Economic Growth, Fiscal Policy

Gen Z’s Financial Nihilism

– July 23, 2024

“Not only are Gen Z Americans unprepared to reform our country’s spending programs and revive the nation’s fiscal health, they are also engaging in the very behavior that will undermine their ability to achieve the American Dream.” ~Michael Peterson

Crisis, Fiscal Policy, Healthcare

Medicare’s Real Contribution: Hollowing Out Healthcare

– July 17, 2024

“Declining reimbursement rates, on top of losses in purchasing power, result in reduced access to care, as some physicians have limited the number of Medicare patients they accept or have stopped accepting new Medicare patients altogether.” ~Peter C. Earle

Books, Economic Education, Fiscal Policy

Misunderstanding Poverty: a Review of ‘Second Class’

– July 16, 2024

“Frédéric Bastiat famously warned against economic sophisms, the facile myths around free trade and economic policy… Alas, Batya Ungar-Sargon is not even a bad economist.” ~Nikolai Wenzel

Fiscal Policy, Regulation, Taxation

Money First, People Last?

– July 11, 2024

“Higher corporate tax rates will bring about exactly what people like Senator Hawley fear: the control of the market in the hands of a few key players by means of force.” ~Thomas Savidge

Economic Growth, Fiscal Policy, International

The End of the Olympics?

– July 8, 2024

“Politicians, at least when they pitch the idea, seem to be buoyed by with high public support for the bids….citizens turn sour when they start to notice the high price they actually are paying to host the Olympics.” ~Laura Arce

Fiscal Policy, War and Peace

We Still Bear Eisenhower’s Cross of Iron

– July 4, 2024

“We have seen the rise of the military-industrial complex, the creation of the national security state, and a bloated military that is second to none, but with a price tag to match.” ~Andrew Byers

Authoritarianism, Fiscal Policy, Taxation

ULTRAs: The Worst Idea You’ve Never Heard Of

– July 1, 2024

“Instead of taking two percent (say) of the liquidated value of the wealth, the state would simply take ownership of the wealth, in place… In a relatively short time, the government literally takes substantial ownership of all successful private businesses.” ~Michael Munger

Financial Markets, Fiscal Policy, Regulation

Policy Uncertainty Drives Economic Volatility

– June 26, 2024

“Regulations often have significant compliance costs and operational challenges. The regulatory burden can stifle innovation and deter investment, particularly in industries struggling with economic headwinds.” ~Vance Ginn

Education, Fiscal Policy, Government

Want Better Higher Ed? Get the Feds Out

– June 24, 2024

“Market-like responses to dissatisfaction with schools are heavily muted by subsidies. The Biden administration is working for wide cancellation of student debt, which would squelch even these limited market forces.” ~Neal McCluskey

Crisis, Fiscal Policy, Inflation

Don’t Let a Crisis Go to Waste in 2025

– June 18, 2024

” By returning to principles of fiscal responsibility and market-driven activity, America can navigate away from the fiscal abyss and toward a future of economic stability and prosperity.” ~Vance Ginn

Education, Fiscal Policy

Governments Shouldn’t Be In the Lending Business

– June 6, 2024

“When government officials approve and guarantee loans, lenders don’t have to worry about taking the loss. They can be very generous, pursuing what they regard as socially beneficial goals, and never worrying about the losses the taxpayers will have to bear.” ~ George Leef