In this blog post, we will explore the link between the likelihood of marijuana businesses being permitted in a city’s jurisdiction and the level of financial stress being experienced by the city.
Understanding the economics of bureaucracy: The implications of William Niskanen’s theory on public policy
William Niskanen, an economist and public policy expert, is known for his theory on the economics of bureaucracy. He argues that bureaucracy is not a neutral and efficient agent, but rather a rational, self-interested agent that maximizes its own budget and power, rather than serving the public interest.
Unemployment Insurance During the Pandemic and Its Externalities
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Federal government has been extremely involved in the U.S. economy. Stimulus after stimulus has been passed by Congress without much thought about the externalities of such new policies. One of the largest interventions by the government over this time period has been the increased amount of unemployment insurance benefits available to individuals that have lost their jobs.
A Global Minimum Tax Rate
The Group of Seven (G7), which consists of seven wealthy democracies including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, met over the weekend to consider a ‘global minimum corporate tax rate’. A new minimum rate of at least 15% was tentatively agreed on.
Is Minimum Wage An Effective Anti-Poverty Tool?
Since its inception due to the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the minimum wage has been a highly debated topic. Originally set at 25 cents, the minimum wage has grown much larger over time. The Federal minimum wage currently stands at $7.25, unchanged since 2009 (DOL, 2019). Many states, however, have decided to set their own minimum wages, and some are much higher than the minimum Federal level. In this study, we attempt to determine the effect that minimum wage laws at the state and Federal level have had on poverty in the United States.
American Freedom Institute 