May 8, 2008
China's Undervalued Currency Benefits Americans
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1919)
Politicians looking for quick fixes to perceived U.S. economic ills have focused yet again on trade. The China Currency Manipulation Act of 2008 was introduced ...
May 6, 2008
Meeting Energy Challenges in the Western Hemisphere
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1079)
Meeting the nation’s petroleum needs from affordable and secure sources is vital for national security. The best guarantee for future energy security remains a stable, ...
May 6, 2008
H-1B Workers: Highly Skilled, Highly Needed
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1916)
H-1B visas enable businesses to temporarily hire highly skilled immigrants to fill vital positions. Immigration opponents argue that workers on H-1B visas are not especially ...
May 6, 2008
H.R. 5830, the Frank–Dodd FHA Refinance Plan, Is Still the Wrong Policy for the Housing Mess
By David C. John
(WebMemo #1918)
Chairman Barney Frank (D–MA) of the House Financial Services Committee has proposed H.R. 5830, which would use the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to refinance at-risk ...
May 3, 2008
April Jobs Report Provides a Glimmer of Sunlight
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1914)
The American economy continued to shed jobs in April due to the housing market crash, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ payroll survey, ...
April 30, 2008
More H-1B Visas, More American Jobs, A Better Economy
By James Sherk and Guinevere Nell
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-01)
High-tech employers cannot hire needed new workers, and advanced fields like computers and mathematicals are at full employment. Raising the cap on H-1B visas for ...
April 29, 2008
How Smart Growth Exacerbated the International Financial Crisis
By Wendell Cox
(WebMemo #1906)
The U.S. mortgage meltdown has dominated business news for months. The crisis seems to deepen daily, and its impacts are felt throughout an increasingly interdependent ...
April 22, 2008
The Subprime Mortgage Market Collapse:
A Primer on the Causes and Possible Solutions
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2127)
The collapse of the subprime mortgage market has created depression-like conditions in the housing market and driven the economy to the brink of recession, but ...
April 22, 2008
Executive Summary: The Subprime Mortgage Market Collapse: A Primer on the Causes and Possible Solutions
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2127)
The collapse of the subprime mortgage market has created depression-like conditions in the housing market and driven the economy to the brink of recession, but ...
April 17, 2008
Getting Better, Not Bitter, in Pennsylvania
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1895)
The recent firestorm over Senator Barack Obama's comments about Pennsylvania's "bitter" voters has focused on charges of condescension and on the perceived denigration of gun ...
April 15, 2008
Private Faith, Big Government: Understanding the Impact of Marginalizing Religion
By Ryan Messmore
(Backgrounder #2123)
In the 20th century, America witnessed a significant transition toward a privatized understanding of reli¬gion. Social and political pressures have prompted many to view religion ...
April 15, 2008
Economic Effects of Increasing the Tax Rates on Capital Gains and Dividends
By William Beach, Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and Guinevere Nell
(WebMemo #1891)
On December 31, 2010, the low tax rates on capital gains and dividends enacted in 2003 will increase to the higher level that applied prior ...
April 4, 2008
Economic Pessimism: No Excuse for Protectionism
By Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1883)
Especially in a presidential election year, Congress must take a long-term view focused on strengthening economic fundamentals.
April 4, 2008
March Jobs Report Confirms a Poor First Quarter for the American Economy in 2008
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1885)
The March jobs report shows a weakening economy. However, by historical standards the current job market remains strong. An unemployment rate of 5.1 percent is ...
April 3, 2008
Subprime Mortgage Problems: A Quick Tour Through the Rubble
By Ronald D. Utt
(WebMemo #1881)
Proposals for new federal spending and credit programs would greatly expand the role of government in the economy while doing little to alleviate the distress ...
March 31, 2008
The Housing and Financial Markets:
Congressional Action Could Disrupt Market Correction
By J.D. Foster
(WebMemo #1874)
Congressional action could prolong and exacerbate the current situation.
March 31, 2008
The Isakson Tax Credit: Another Approach that Won't Fix the Mortgage Mess
By David C. John
(WebMemo #1873)
Unfortunately, there are no simple or quick solutions to a highly complex financial situation.
March 31, 2008
Increasing the Cap for H-1B Visas Would Help the Economy
By James Sherk and Diem Nguyen
(WebMemo #1875)
Congress should allow America's high-tech industries to hire more skilled foreigners to work in the United States.
March 24, 2008
Frank-Dodd Approach Won't Fix the Mortgage Mess
By David C. John
(WebMemo #1864)
The most discussed proposals in Congress would make matters worse over the long term.
March 20, 2008
Preventing the Next Subprime Crisis
By David C. John
(WebMemo #1862)
If implemented properly, recommendations made by the President's Working Group on Financial Markets will help to prevent the next subprime mortgage crisis.
March 18, 2008
The Fed Engages as Economy Wavers
By J.D. Foster, Ph.D. and David C. John
(WebMemo #1857)
The health of the economy will depend significantly on the actions of the Federal Reserve in the days and weeks ahead.
March 11, 2008
The House Budget Resolution: Tax Hikes Would Harm Economy, Taxpayers
By Shanea Watkins, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1844)
This WebMemo projects the likely impact of the House budget resolution in states and congressional districts.
March 7, 2008
Jobs Picture Darkens
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1839)
The federal government should ease the burdens it imposes on businesses and entrepreneurs.
March 4, 2008
Tax Cuts, Not the Clinton Tax Hike, Produced the 1990s Boom
By J.D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1835)
The 1993 tax increase probably slowed the economy compared to what it could have achieved.
February 27, 2008
Want More Economic Stimulus? Pass the Pending Free Trade Agreements!
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1830)
Congress should pass the pending FTAs with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
February 26, 2008
No Economic Silver Lining in Tax Hikes
By J. D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1826)
A new theory mistakenly suggests that higher taxes may be benign or even beneficial to economic growth.
February 7, 2008
President's Homeownership Proposals Should Be Sent Back to the Drawing Board
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1802)
Expanding the federal government's role in the mortgage market would encourage more irresponsible behavior.
February 1, 2008
The January Employment Report: Private Employment Increased
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1792)
An aggressive stimulus package containing rebates and new spending would be an excessive response to the current economic situation.
January 25, 2008
RSC Stimulus Proposal Would Be a Move in the Right Direction
By Tom Finnigan
(WebMemo #1779)
As an alternative to rebates, this proposal would lower the tax and regulatory burden on businesses.
January 24, 2008
The House Stimulus Package: The Good and the Bad
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #1778)
Certain elements would boost the economy, but other provisions should be omitted.
January 18, 2008
Congressional Hearing on What Should Congress Do to Avoid a Recession
By William W. Beach
(Testimony )
Congressional Hearing on What Should Congress Do to Avoid a Recession
January 18, 2008
Why Tax Rate Reductions Are More Stimulative Than Rebates: Lessons from 2001 and 2003
By Brian M. Riedl
(WebMemo #1776)
Lawmakers currently examining economic stimulus proposals should reject rebates in favor of tax rate reductions.
January 18, 2008
Unemployment Insurance Does Not Stimulate the Economy
By James Sherk and Patrick Tyrrell
(WebMemo #1777)
Extending unemployment benefits would harm the economy.
January 10, 2008
A Safe and Bountiful Harvest: How to Ensure America's Food Safety
By Daniella Markheim and Caroline Walsh
(Backgrounder #2096)
Legislating an unwise food safety policy could seriously undermine the primary benefits of international trade and harm U.S. households and the economy as a whole. ...
January 7, 2008
The Economy's Year-End Fizz
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1766)
Policymakers should be careful not to overreact to the December jobs report.
December 31, 2007
Taxing Visitors Is the Wrong Way to Promote the United States
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1764)
Congress should do its own job better and leave travel promotion to the private sector.
December 13, 2007
HOPE NOW: One Step to Resolve the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
By David C. John and Alison Acosta Fraser
(WebMemo #1742)
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s “HOPE NOW” is a far better way to deal with the hundreds of billions of dollars worth of subprime mortgages than ...
December 7, 2007
Employment Fattens Up During November
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1726)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives a bit of holiday cheer and stems worries that the economy is rapidly heading for a recession.
December 6, 2007
Beware of Cap and Trade Climate Bills
By Ben Lieberman
(WebMemo #1723)
S. 2191 would likely increase energy costs and do considerably more economic harm than environmental good.
November 30, 2007
Sovereign Wealth Funds No Cause for Panic
By Terry Miller, Daniella Markheim, and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1713)
Policymakers should not consider stricter investment controls in the wake of Abu Dhabi's purchase of 4.9 percent of Citicorp.
November 27, 2007
Productivity Growth, Not Trade, Is Cutting Manufacturing Jobs
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1709)
U.S. leaders must reject anti-trade demagoguery and embrace America's tradition of optimism in the face of change and progress.
November 14, 2007
H.R. 3915 Would Impose New Burdens and Limits on Moderate Income Borrowers
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1703)
H.R.3915 would make borrowing tougher for moderate income families and delay the housing market recovery that is now struggling to get underway.
November 7, 2007
The End of Pro-Growth Tax Policy: How the Rangel Tax Bill Could Affect the U.S. Economy
By William W. Beach and Guinevere Nell
(WebMemo #1697)
At stake in the current debate is a shift in tax policy from emphasizing growth in the economy to emphasizing tax increases that would pay ...
November 2, 2007
Post-Halloween Jobs Report Is a Treat
By James Sherk and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #1689)
The economy continues to grow and provide jobs and higher wages for American workers.
November 1, 2007
IMF Report: U.S. Economy on Track for a Soft Landing
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1686)
A positive assessment of the global economy is a reminder that economic freedom and open economies lead to sustained growth and prosperity.
October 18, 2007
Free Trade: Media Should Include Facts with Opinion Polls
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1670)
Stories that focus on negative attitudes toward free trade should include information about the undeniable benefits that free trade generates.
October 5, 2007
Leaves Fall, But Not Jobs
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1657)
The latest data show that fears of recession are misplaced, but Congress must still take care to avoid upsetting the economy.
September 10, 2007
The Subprime Mortgage Crunch: Providing Tax Relief for Ex-Homeowners
By JD Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1603)
The President’s package of initiatives, while well intentioned, is misguided. A better approach would be to correct the tax treatment of cancelled mortgage debt.
September 10, 2007
The Subprime Mortgage Situation: Bailout Not the Right Solution
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D., and David C. John
(WebMemo #1604)
The government's response should be limited to dealing with the immediate problem and should not become a vehicle for expanded housing programs or pushing other ...
September 7, 2007
The August Jobs Report: Mixed Signals Send a Warning to Congress
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1601)
As most Americans' lives continue to improve, Congress must refrain from enacting policies that could tip the economy into recession.
August 31, 2007
Upwards Leisure Mobility: Americans Work Less and Have More Leisure Time than Ever Before
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1596)
While Congress focuses on income inequality, new research shows that lower-income Americans have disproportionately benefited from an increase in leisure time over the past generation. ...
August 29, 2007
Census Report Adds New Twist to Income Inequality Data
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #1592)
With the help of a new measure for income inequality, a new report refutes the notion that "the rich are getting richer and the poor ...
August 23, 2007
Is Europe Doomed to Continued Economic Stagnation?
By Sally McNamara
(Heritage Lecture #1040)
As the European Union’s largest trading partner, with a bilateral trade and investment relationship valued at almost $3 billion dollars per day, America has enormous ...
August 1, 2007
American Competitiveness: Why Well-Intentioned Labor Regulations Can Hurt More Than Help
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1037)
Congress should not use the conventional European approach to labor markets unless it also wishes to invite European levels of unemployment. The idea of mandatory ...
July 27, 2007
Surprises in the Bullish GDP Report
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1572)
Congress must reject protectionist measures for strong economic growth to continue for the rest of the year.
July 6, 2007
Fireworks for the June Jobs Report
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1539)
In light of strong job creation and low unemployment, Congress should make the Bush tax cuts permanent and refrain from meddling in the labor market, ...
June 26, 2007
Twelve Principles to Guide U.S. Energy Policy
By Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D., and Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2046)
The best way to facilitate access to oil and gas and foster new alternatives that work for the U.S. economy while addressing homeland and national ...
June 20, 2007
Foreign Investment, Growth, and Economic Freedom: What Is OPIC’s Role?
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1033)
Empirical studies show that growth comes first, and investment follows, which implies that building the institutions for growth is the optimal development strategy. Congress should ...
June 13, 2007
Performance-Based Pay Driving Increase in Inequality
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1505)
Much of the increase in income inequality in recent decades is due to the expanded business practice of paying workers based on their individual levels ...
June 11, 2007
Trade Deficits and Stolen Jobs: April Update
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1496)
After years of scaring voters with stories of economic decline, protectionists are now pursuing mistaken policies to reap what they have sown.
May 31, 2007
Analyzing Economic Mobility: Measuring Inequality and Economic Mobility
By Paul Winfree
(WebMemo #1478)
There is no comprehensive measure of economic inequality and mobility, but several metrics, used together, can give a more complete picture.
May 14, 2007
Are Foreign Trade and Investment Unbalanced?
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1455)
Recent trade data show why Congress must tread very carefully in regulating capital markets and playing politics with the international economy.
May 4, 2007
April Jobs Report Doesn't Rain on Sunny Economy
By James Sherk and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #1444)
Congress should ensure that job growth continues by rejecting policies that would put workers and employers at a disadvantage in the free market.
April 30, 2007
Promoting Stronger Economic Growth: What Public Policy Can Do to Improve Productivity
By Edward P. Lazear, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1014)
Ensuring economic growth and productivity will require keeping marginal tax rates low; encouraging investment in human capital; maintaining America’s openness to trade and investment; and ...
March 9, 2007
February Job Growth Was Not Chilly
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #1391)
Job numbers reflect an economy that continues to grow and expand, although at a slightly cooler pace than in 2006.
February 7, 2007
Union Members, Not Minimum-Wage Earners, Benefit When the Minimum Wage Rises
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1350)
Unions are not just being altruistic when they push to raise the minimum wage.
February 1, 2007
Jobs, Taxes, and the Goldilocks Economy
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1336)
Congress should not impose a triple whammy of tax hikes on the American workers who are doing so much to keep the economy growing.
January 23, 2007
Who Earns the Minimum Wage? Suburban Teenagers, Not Single Parents
By James Sherk and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #1320)
A minimum wage hike is a raise for suburban teenagers, not the working poor.
January 16, 2007
The four pillars of Reaganomics
By Arthur Laffer
(WebMemo #1311)
The following is Arthur Laffer's November 13 address to members of The Heritage Foundation’s President's Club at the fall 2006 President’s Club meeting, held at ...
January 5, 2007
A Strong Year for Jobs Offers Lessons for Congress
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1301)
The new Congress should enact policies to continue the economic expansion. It should make permanent the pro-growth tax cuts of 2003 but leave the minimum ...
December 8, 2006
New Job Report Shows Wage Gains Are on Track
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1282)
Wages are up, and unemployment remains low. Good policy will help sustain this strong economy.
November 3, 2006
A Strong Pre-Election Jobs Report, Thanks to Good Economic Policy
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1245)
With unemployment near record lows, another strong jobs report refutes the economy's critics.
October 16, 2006
Shared Prosperity: Debunking Pessimistic Claims About Wages, Profits, and Wealth
By James Sherk
(Backgrounder #1978)
Americans throughout society have shared the gains from economic growth. Low- and middle-income families enjoy dramatically improved standards of living, family incomes are well above ...
October 10, 2006
Economy Remains Strong: Unemployment Is Low and Workers Are Sharing in Productivity Growth
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1233)
A much-cited map misleads on median household incomes.
September 28, 2006
Tax Rate Reductions Strengthen the Economy, But Excessive Government Spending Threatens Long-Run Performance
By Daniel J. Mitchell, Ph.D., and Michelle L. Muccio
(Backgrounder #1975)
To enhance economic performance, Congress should make the pro-growth portions of the Bush tax cuts permanent, implement reforms to shift the Internal Revenue Code closer ...
September 8, 2006
Lies, Damn Lies, and Income Statistics: Understanding the Detroit Free Press's Income Map
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1208)
A much-cited map misleads on median household incomes.
September 1, 2006
Remember the Bush Tax Cuts This Labor Day
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1204)
Labor Day is an opportunity to think about the policies behind our prosperity.
August 4, 2006
July Jobs Report Isn't as Hot as the Weather
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1189)
A weak jobs report for a strong economy
August 3, 2006
Who Earns the Minimum Wage--Single Parents or Suburban Teenagers?
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1186)
Raising the minimum wage will not help low-income workers or single parents.
August 3, 2006
Low-Income Workers May Be Worse Off if Congress Increases the Minimum Wage
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and Sam Hyman
(WebMemo #1187)
Raising the minimum wage may cause some low-income workers to receive fewer government benefits.
July 28, 2006
Minimum Wage Workers' Incomes Rise When the Minimum Wage Does Not
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1181)
Hard work, education, and growing skills lead to higher wages. Government intervention does not.
July 28, 2006
What Is Really Happening to Government Revenues: Long-Run Forecasts Show Sharp Rise in Tax Burden
By Daniel J. Mitchell, Ph.D., and Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1957)
Instead of raising taxes even faster than projected in an effort to catch up with out-of-control spending, the wise course is to tackle the explosion ...
July 25, 2006
Raising the Minimum Wage Hurts Vulnerable Workers' Job Prospects Without Reducing Poverty
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #1176)
Intended to reduce poverty, the minimum wage encourages teenagers to drop out of school and reduces low-income workers' future job prospects and earnings.
July 7, 2006
A Strong Jobs Report Points the Way to Better Policy
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1146)
Surveys show that many Americans feel anxious about their economic prospects. Often they hear stories about weak job growth or stagnant earnings that seem to ...
June 2, 2006
U.S. Economy Strong Despite High Oil Prices
By James Sherk and Samuel Hyman
(WebMemo #1105)
Many Americans worry that that high energy costs combined with rising interest rates will plunge the U.S. economy into economic doldrums. The latest data, however, ...
May 17, 2006
A Victory for Taxpayers and the Economy
By Tracy L. Foertsch, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1082)
This afternoon, President George W. Bush signed the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (H.R. 4297), which Congress passed last week.
May 8, 2006
Economy Will Benefit If Lawmakers Extend 15 Percent Tax Rate on Dividends and Capital Gains
By Daniel J. Mitchell, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1066)
Lower tax rates on dividends and capital gains have proven successful.
May 5, 2006
Job Numbers Show a Strong Economic Recovery
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., James Sherk, and Samuel Hyman
(WebMemo #1063)
The current economic recovery is benefiting average Americans.
February 3, 2006
Surging Payrolls, Falling Unemployment, and the Shifting Policy Debate
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #985)
Strong employment data may change the tenor of the debate over issues from tax cuts to health care policy.
January 6, 2006
The Silver Lining of 2005: Jobs Boom Should Protect Tax Reform
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #958)
Why 2005 was a good year, economically speaking.
January 5, 2006
Make the Bush Tax Cuts Permanent
By William W. Beach and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #956)
If the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 are allowed to expire, millions of working families will see their economic prospects dim.
December 2, 2005
The November Jobs Report: An Early Christmas Present
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and William W. Beach
(WebMemo #929)
Strong jobs numbers show the importance of extending expiring provisions of the 2003 tax cuts.
November 15, 2005
Windfall Profits of Doom
By Ben Lieberman
(WebMemo #918)
Criticizing big oil companies and their big profits is very popular in Congress right now. Even some normally free-market Republicans have tried to outdo the ...
October 7, 2005
Hurricane Job Losses: How Severe?
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #876)
How bad was the economic damage from Katrina? Not so bad, really.
September 19, 2005
Repealing Tax Cuts to Pay For Katrina Recovery Would Cost the Gulf Coast, and the Nation, Jobs
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Scott Moody
(WebMemo #849)
Congress should prioritize and cut spending, instead.
September 2, 2005
Labor Day Review: In Katrina's Wake
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #828)
A recap of this year's economic and labor milestones.
August 5, 2005
Revised! Job Creation Better Than Ever
By William W. Beach and Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #815)
The new job number continue to impress--including big revisions to recent data.
July 29, 2005
GDP Growth Continues to Impress
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #812)
Growth is steady and not at all flashy--and that may be the best kind.
July 8, 2005
5.0 Percent Unemployment: Better Than Good
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #788)
The economy approached the natural rate of unemployment.
May 12, 2005
Trade Deficits, Dollars, and China: Wrong Lessons Make Dangerous Policy
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Marc Miles, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #743)
Could it be that trade deficits are not a drag on growth?
May 6, 2005
Jobs, Growth, and the Washington Connection
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Andrew Grossman
(WebMemo #739)
April's job numbers were good; Congress can make them better.
April 12, 2005
U.S. Troops and Economic Growth: Regression Analysis with Robustness Tests
By Garett Jones and Tim Kane
(Center for Data Analysis Report )
The deployment of U.S. military troops to foreign countries has a positive relationship with economic growth in the host countries.
April 7, 2005
The Bankruptcy Bill and Debt Obesity
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #712)
The rise of bankruptcies is caused by a lack of accountability in America's bankruptcy laws.
April 1, 2005
April Jobs: Lower Unemployment is No Joke
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #708)
Nobody should doubt the health of the American workforce.
March 4, 2005
Unemployment Rates of Modern Presidents
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #675)
The latest numbers and how George W. Bush stacks up.
March 4, 2005
Minimizing Economic Opportunity by Raising the Minimum Wage
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #676)
Raising the minimum wage would cost unskilled workers jobs.
February 4, 2005
Bush's First-Term Record on Job Growth
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #647)
Did the economy create jobs during President George W. Bush's first term?
January 28, 2005
The Big Picture on GDP Growth
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #644)
How sure are you that the new economy was a mirage? With the release of fourth quarter GDP data for 2004 today, there may be ...
January 7, 2005
Here's to a Good Year: A Look at Employment Gains in 2004
By Alison Acosta Fraser and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #634)
It was a very good year.
December 21, 2004
Medical Leave Regulations Should Reflect Intent Behind FMLA
By Paul Kersey
(WebMemo #626)
DOL's FMLA regulations allow abuse and should be fixed.
December 3, 2004
Jobs Gap Defies Expectations
By Alison Acosta Fraser, Tim Kane, and Rea Hederman
(WebMemo #616)
Today's job report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is still more evidence of an expanding economy, with job growth exceeding 100,000 for the ...
December 3, 2004
After Overtime, Now What?
By Paul Kersey
(WebMemo #617)
One of the most important stories lost in the last-minute rush to pass a budget last month was what Congress did not do: In spite ...
November 5, 2004
The Post-Election Employment Picture
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Rea Hederman
(WebMemo #603)
The employment numbers released today confirm again that labor markets are healthy. The labor force is 147.9 million strong, a record high.
October 29, 2004
Past. Present! Future? Economic Growth in America
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Rea Hederman
(WebMemo #601)
This paper looks forward at how the two parties' radically different plans may affect growth and prosperity.
October 21, 2004
Scorecard on the Economy: A Guide for Policymakers
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., Andrew Grossman, Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D.
(Center for Data Analysis Report #04-10)
More than 1.5 million payroll jobs, and nearly 2 million jobs on the household survey, added over the past year; high output, manufacturing outlook, business ...
October 13, 2004
Insource More Jobs by Raising the H-1B Visa Cap
By Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #585)
Letting highly skilled workers into the U.S. is a smart policy.
October 8, 2004
Jobs: The Ultimate Pocketbook Issue
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Rea Hederman
(WebMemo #584)
A pleasant last look at employment before the election.
October 7, 2004
Framing the Economic Debate
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., Rea S. Hederman, and Kirk Johnson, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #582)
A statistic-rich summary of the state of the economy.
October 6, 2004
Revising the Payroll Survey Benchmark: What To Expect
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #581)
Will an annual adjustment to the payroll survey send job numbers soaring?
September 23, 2004
One Cheer for the Tax Extender Package
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #572)
Congress will soon vote on extending several tax cuts. A good move, but there's more yet to do.
September 3, 2004
A Labor Day Report Card
By Tim Kane, Rea Hederman, and Alison Acosta Fraser
(WebMemo #560)
The jobs market looks great today. Look back over the last year, and the picture is even better.
August 6, 2004
A Problem with Payrolls?
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Rea Hederman
(WebMemo #550)
Fundamentally, the employment situation in America is solid, but payroll job growth is out of line with a host of positive indicators.
July 30, 2004
GDP, Trade, and the Gods of Economic Statistics
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #546)
It is too easy to take progress for granted, and the expectation of constant improvement clouds appreciation for what the American economy has achieved.
July 21, 2004
The 2003 Tax Cuts and the Economy: A One-Year Assessment
By Bill Beach, Rea Hederman, Tim Kane
(WebMemo #543)
All across the economic spectrum, JGTRRA left its tracks.
July 14, 2004
Closer Examination, Fewer Changes: A Rebuttal of EPI's White Collar Exemption Analysis
By Paul Kersey
(WebMemo #536)
The Economic Policy Institute says the new overtime regulation threatens the overtime protection of millions of workers. EPI's analysis is flawed.
July 2, 2004
Flexibility, Quality, and Numbers: The Job Market Is More Than on Track
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #527)
Today's employment situation report from the Labor Department is more proof that the job market is solidly on track.
June 30, 2004
Questions and Answers About Inflation
By Norbert Michel and William Beach
(WebMemo #526)
This paper provides a basic guide to inflation—what it is, how it works, and how the Fed tries to manage it
June 30, 2004
How Good Are the New Jobs?
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1773)
America is enjoying a jobs boom, with 1.4 million new jobs over nine straight months of payroll growth, but the real story lies in a ...
June 4, 2004
Jobs Momentum In May
By Bill Beach, Tim Kane, and Rea Hederman
(WebMemo #515)
Employment in America continues to expand strongly and steadily.
May 24, 2004
Michigan Leads a National Jobs Boom
By Rea Hederman and Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #510)
This month's state data release confirms that the national expansion in jobs is widespread across all sectors and all regions.
May 24, 2004
Pumping Gas: What Consumers See Is Different Than What They Get
By Charli Coon
(WebMemo #511)
Is gas is much more expensive than it has been in the past? Not really.
May 13, 2004
Myths and Realities: The False Crisis of Outsourcing
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., Brett D. Schaefer, and Alison Acosta Fraser
(Backgrounder #1757)
Outsourcing is a new variant of the myth that capitalism is good for capital at the expense of labor. Rather than relying on protectionism, Congress ...
May 7, 2004
April Jobs Report: It's All Good
By Tim Kane, Rea Hederman, and Alison Acosta Fraser
(WebMemo #499)
On its face, the April jobs report released today by the Labor Department looks good, but the details look even better.
May 5, 2004
Federal Spending Creates Few Jobs, Less Value
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #497)
Most studies find that federal spending creates few job.
May 5, 2004
Ready to Compete: The Link Between Productivity, Jobs, and Wages
By Paul Kersey
(WebMemo #498)
Americans workers are producing more goods per hour of work and boosting their own incomes in the process.
April 29, 2004
First Quarter GDP: Above Average Again
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and William Beach
(WebMemo #493)
Today's numbers may presage employment growth, and they are just the latest evidence of the power of the President's tax cuts.
April 27, 2004
The Real Story on "Stagnant" Wages
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #491)
Now that payroll jobs are growing, economic skeptics are falling back on a new line of defense: "stagnant" wages.
April 23, 2004
Promoting Global Economic Freedom at the G-7 Meetings to Secure Future Growth
By Brett D. Schaefer, Balbina Y. Hwang, and Tim Kane
(WebMemo #490)
European- and Japanese-style government intervention is a barrier to growing prosperity
April 21, 2004
When Would the President's Tax Cuts Expire?
By Andrew M. Grossman
(WebMemo #486)
Descriptions of all that tax cuts that will expire between 2004 and 2011 unless Congress takes action.
April 21, 2004
Extending Unemployment Insurance: Three Simple Charts Against
By Paul Kersey and Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #487)
Although the perception of weakness in the labor market has led to calls for another extension of temporary unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, this is a ...
April 16, 2004
The Economic Lessons of President Hoover
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #482)
Some charge that President Bush has "the worst economic record since Herbert Hoover." Is that true?
April 16, 2004
How Would Senator Kerry's Tax Proposals Affect the Economy?
By William W. Beach
(WebMemo #483)
The net effect of Kerry's tax plan is a slower economy and job creation significantly below potential.
April 2, 2004
Strong Employment Growth in March
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Alison Acosta Fraser
(WebMemo #468)
Today's release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is a strong one and should lay to rest any remaining doubts about the strength of the ...
April 1, 2004
What's Really Happening with Jobs and Outsourcing?
By Alison Acosta Fraser
(Heritage Lecture #827)
Many proposed "solutions" to outsourcing and the current false perception of job loss are forms of trade isolationism that will not work, but policies like ...
April 1, 2004
Ten Myths about Jobs and Outsourcing
By Tim
