Institutions and Inclusiveness
Column Published in syndication October 16, 2024Although most people are not interested in the details of pure economic research, the discoveries can affect the daily lives of virtually everyone by shaping public policy or even the way we think about the world. This year's Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics has been awarded (long overdue) to three researchers "for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity." The winners (Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson) are all affiliated with US universities (MIT and the University of Chicago).
- Tags:
- economics,
- Nobel Prize,
- institutions
What did the September Producer Price Index show?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 16, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the September Producer Price Index.
- Tags:
- Producer Price Index
What did the consumer price index look like for September?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 15, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the September consumer price index.
Debt
Column Published in syndication October 09, 2024The federal deficit for the past fiscal year was $1.8 trillion. While there have been times when it was that high (inflation-adjusted), they were during major wars or the pandemic. The fact that we are near record levels when the economy is growing is alarming, particularly given that (1) the Congressional Budget Office projects it at $2.9 trillion in 10 years if we remain on this trajectory and (2) both presidential candidates are backing proposals that would add more red ink.
- Tags:
- federal spending,
- debt,
- deficit
What is happening with the Chinese economy?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 14, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the challenges China is having with its economy.
How much did the foreign‑born population in the US increase from 2022 to 2023?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 09, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the increase in the foreign-born population in the US.
- Tags:
- foreign-born,
- population
What does Dr. Perryman think of the proposals to exempt tips from income taxes?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 08, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the proposals to exempt tip income from federal income taxes.
- Tags:
- income tax,
- tips
The Working Poor
Column Published in syndication October 02, 2024In 2022, 37.9 million people (11.5% the US population), lived below the official poverty level according to the US Census Bureau. For context, in 2022, the weighted average poverty threshold for a family of four was $29,950. For an individual, it was income below $14,880. These values are updated annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, but do not vary geographically. The Census measure does not include the value of noncash benefits (such as food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, public housing, and employer-provided benefits). On the other hand, it is extremely limited in what it considers due historical factors in how it was created (a fascinating story for later), and more accurate and comprehensive indicators reveal that the numbers in poverty are systematically higher. The overall economic and social consequences of poverty are staggering (another topic for the future).
- Tags:
- poverty,
- job market,
- working poor
How many jobs did the US economy add in September?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 07, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the September jobs report.
- Tags:
- unemployment rate,
- jobs,
- jobs report
What are the expected costs of the port strike?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on October 03, 2024Dr. Perryman discusses the expected costs of the port strike.
- Tags:
- port strike,
- economic costs