State and Local Policy Project
By Mercatus Center at George Mason University
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Podcast Description
A Podcast from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University
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An Update on the Fiscal Survey of the States with Scott Pattison | Scott Pattison discusses what some states are doing to deal with the increasing costs of healthcare and pension liabilities and what challenges lie ahead. | 4/5/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Political Economy of Medicaid Reform by Scott Beaulier | Economist Scott Beaulier tackles a number of topics including the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, the perverse incentives states face with regards to health care, and how Medicaid will affect state and federal budgets going forward. | 3/12/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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When Will State Budget Stallers Step Into Line? | Matt Mitchell was a guest on The Takeaway radio show discussing why some states are struggling to finalize a budget on time.The states that tend to weather recessions the best are states that have fundamentally stronger economies. They haven’t increased spending [at as] rapid a pace as the other states, and they also haven’t obliged themselves to huge entitlement spending through Medicaid or other programs. | 6/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How to structure a state streamlining commission with Dan Rothschild | State legislatures around the country are looking to cut costs, maintain services, and eliminate waste in their budgets. One tool, state streamlining commissions, have proven effective in Louisianna and Virginia. Mercatus' own Daniel Rothschild, Managing Director of the State and Local Policy Project, joins host Jim Musser to talk about the lessons he's learned from being closely invovled with both commissions.nbsp; | 4/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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State Streamlining Commissions: The What, Why, and How | The Honorable Maurice McTigue joined the Mercatus Center in 1997 as a distinguished visiting scholar following an illustrious career as a New Zealand Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister and Ambassador.nbsp;In 1991, Mr. McTigue accepted the positions of Minister of State Owned Enterprises, Minister of Railways, and Minister of Works and Development, and assumed Chairmanship of the Cabinet's powerful Expenditure Control Committee.nbsp; In each ministry, he applied results-based criteria to help clarify the organization's mission, analyze performance, and prioritize activities accordingly. In 1993, Mr. McTigue was appointed Minister of Labour and Minister of Immigration, continuing the application of results-based principles to employment law, occupational safety and health regulations, and immigration.nbsp; In April 1994, he moved to Canada as New Zealand’s Ambassador.As director of the Government Accountability Project at Mercatus, Mr. McTigue is sharing the lessons of his practical experience with policy makers in the United States.nbsp; He works with officials in the Administration, members of Congress, officials from over 23 federal agencies and state governments on applying the principles of transparency and accountability in the public sector.Today he joins host Jim Musser to discuss the need for making state goverments cost effective, while still providing citizens with needed services. Streamlining commissions provide a uniqe way for legislators to excercise oversight and restraint, without compromising state governments.nbsp; | 3/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How Tax and Expenditure Limitations Affect State Budgets | In 1976, New Jersey became the first state in the Union to enact a tax or expenditure limitation (TEL). It was a statutory limit on state spending that forbade legislators from growing expenditures faster than state income growth. Though legislators let it expire just six years later, the New Jersey statute kicked off a new experiment in constitutionally limited government. Many states have attempted to slow state and local government spending by adopting tax or expenditure limitations. As states face hard choices and a need to balance their budgets, are TELs the answer?nbsp; Join us to discuss these questions:Do TELs Limit Budget Growth?What do states need to know before implementing a TEL?How would a TEL affect your state?Our panel will feature:Matthew Mitchell, Research Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason UniversityMicah Kellner, Assembly Member, New York 65thnbsp;DistrictNick Kasprak, Programmer and Analyst, Tax Foundation | 3/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Eleven Ideas for States in 2011 | State budgets are in trouble across the country. What can policy-makers do to reform their processes and reduce their spending and deficits? Mercatus’s Daniel Rothschild joins us to discuss his new Mercatus On Policy, Eleven Ideas for State Legislatures in 2011, and details the most important reforms states should consider. Daniel Rothschild is the managing director of the Mercatus Center’s State and Local Policy Project, where he coordinates Mercatus’s research on state and local economic policy and directs the Gulf Coast Recovery Project. State budgets are in trouble across the country. What can policy-makers do to reform their processes and reduce their spending and deficits? Mercatus’s Daniel Rothschild joins us to discuss his new Mercatus On Policy, Eleven Ideas for State Legislatures in 2011, and details the most important reforms states should consider. Daniel Rothschild is the managing director of the Mercatus Center’s State and Local Policy Project, where he coordinates Mercatus’s research on state and local economic policy and directs the Gulf Coast Recovery Project. | 1/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Getting it Right: State Pension Liabilities | State governments have reported unfunded pension liabilities of $452 billion as of June 2009. Recognizing the unsustainable future of current public pension plans, many state legislatures are considering pension reform. Unfortunately, most proposed reforms are insufficient to fill the funding gap because government accounting standards continue to underestimate the true debt. To measure pension obligations accurately, state and local governments must institutionalize the correct measurement of pension liabilities. Joining us today to explain how to accurately access pension liabilities is Eileen Norcross. Norcross is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the lead scholar on the Mercatus Center’s State and Local Policy Project. nbsp;She blogs on state and local issues at Neighborhood Effects. State governments have reported unfunded pension liabilities of $452 billion as of June 2009. Recognizing the unsustainable future of current public pension plans, many state legislatures are considering pension reform. Unfortunately, most proposed reforms are insufficient to fill the funding gap because government accounting standards continue to underestimate the true debt. To measure pension obligations accurately, state and local governments must institutionalize the correct measurement of pension liabilities. Joining us today to explain how to accurately access pension liabilities is Eileen Norcross. Norcross is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the lead scholar on the Mercatus Center’s State and Local Policy Project. nbsp;She blogs on state and local issues at Neighborhood Effects. | 1/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Deficit Commission Report: An Analysis | This week we welcome Mercatus Senior Research Fellow Jason Fichtner to discuss the highly anticipated. Deficit Commission Report and its proposals. In this podcast Jason discusses the recommendations of the report, if these recommendations will actually help reduce the deficit, and possible outcomes if these policy recommendations are implemented. Jason notes that, although it failed to pass, it won’t be the last we see of these types of recommendations. Topics of discussion include: social security reform, tax reform, and entitlement reforms. Jason J. Fichtner is Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center. Previously, he served in several positions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) including Deputy Commissioner of Social Security (Acting), Chief Economist and Associate Commissioner for Retirement Policy. Prior to the Social Security Administration, Dr. Fichtner was a Senior Economist with the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) of the United States Congress. Dr. Fichtner’s primary research interests are Social Security, federal tax policy, budget issues, as well as policy proposals to increase saving and investment. This week we welcome Mercatus Senior Research Fellow Jason Fichtner to discuss the highly anticipated Deficit Commission Report and its proposals. In this podcast Jason discusses the recommendations of the report, if these recommendations will actually help reduce the deficit, and possible outcomes if these policy recommendations are implemented. Jason notes that, although it failed to pass, it won’t be the last we see of these types of recommendations. Topics of discussion include: social security reform, tax reform, and entitlement reforms. Jason J. Fichtner is Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center. Previously, he served in several positions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) including Deputy Commissioner of Social Security (Acting), Chief Economist and Associate Commissioner for Retirement Policy. Prior to the Social Security Administration, Dr. Fichtner was a Senior Economist with the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) of the United States Congress. Dr. Fichtner’s primary research interests are Social Security, federal tax policy, budget issues, as well as policy proposals to increase saving and investment. | 12/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Effects of Intergovernmental Grants on State Taxes | The Mercatus Center is hosting a breakfast roundtable discussion with Dr. Russell Sobel of West Virginia University and the Mercatus Center on his recent paper, “Do Intergovernmental Grants Create Ratchet Effects in State and Local Taxes?” This paper addresses the question of whether federal funding in a given year results in states beginning new spending programs that then in the future require own-source revenue through state taxes to continue to fund them. | 11/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Bruce Yandle on Housing Markets, the Stimulus, and Recovery | Inside State and Local Policy regular, Dr. Bruce Yandle of Clemson University, joins us to give an economic update. In this podcast he discusses how things are looking for the United States economy, housing markets, outcomes of the stimulus, and the road to recovery. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articlInside State and Local Policy regular, Dr. Bruce Yandle of Clemson University, joins us to give an economic update. nbsp;In this podcast he discusses how things are looking for the United States economy, housing markets, outcomes of the stimulus, and the road to recovery. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. | 10/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Privatizing Alcohol Sales in the States | As states face one of the longest recessions in the history of the United States, some are looking to privatize state run liquor sales for additional revenue. nbsp;Joining us to discuss these issues is Dr. Antony Davies. nbsp;In this episode, Davies addresses his research on the social impact of privatization, the potential economic benefits, and his recommendations on how states should go about implementing these reforms. Dr. Antony Davies is currently an associate professor of economics at Duquesne University where he teaches undergraduate, graduate, and PhD level classes. His research has appeared in the Journal of Econometrics, the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the Journal of Economic Psychology, the International Journal of Forecasting, Clinical Cancer Research, Applied Economics, the Journal of Socioeconomics, and Analysis of Panels and Limited Dependent Variable Models (published by Cambridge University Press). Most recently, his research has focused on the potential outcomes privatizing state-run liquor sales for the states. As states face one of the longest recessions in the history of the United States, some are looking to privatize state run liquor sales for additional revenue. Joining us to discuss these issues is Dr. Antony Davies. nbsp;In this episode, Davies addresses his research on the social impact of privatization, the potential economic benefits, and his recommendations on how states should go about implementing these reforms. Dr. Antony Davies nbsp;is currently an associate professor of economics at Duquesne University where he teaches undergraduate, graduate, and PhD level classes. His research has appeared in the Journal of Econometrics, the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the Journal of Economic Psychology, the International Journal of Forecasting, Clinical Cancer Research, Applied Economics, the Journal of Socioeconomics, and Analysis of Panels and Limited Dependent Variable Models (published by Cambridge University Press). Most recently, his research has focused nbsp;on the potential outcomes privatizing state-run liquor sales for the states. | 9/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Managing the Crisis in Public Pensions | States have promised public workers a secure retirement, but recent events and new studies have shined light on an acute crisis. Public pensions are radically underfunded and fundamental reform is no longer an option but a necessity. State policy makers can no longer avoid addressing this shortfall with many public employees approaching retirement. The future fiscal stability of states is inextricably intertwined with the retirement security of public employees. This panel will address what steps policy makers must consider, and what pitfalls to avoid on the road to reform.In this panel discussion we will address the following questions: What is the current state of public pensions around the country? Who is doing well, and which states are in the most critical need of reform to their public pension systems? Where have reforms already been made in public sector public pension plans, both domestically and globally? What reforms have been successful? What are the first steps states that facing severely underfunded public sector pension programs should take? Speakers:Eileen Norcross, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason University Andrew Biggs, PhD, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise InstituteSenator Dan Liljenquist, Utah State SenateScott Pattison,nbsp;Executive Director,nbsp;National Association of State Budget Officers | 9/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Can New Jersey Reverse Course? | The Mercatus Center at George Mason University recently released the study,nbsp;“Institutions Matter: Can New Jersey Reverse Course?”nbsp;by Eileen Norcross and Frederic Sautet. They examine the current dire strait of the Garden State’s public finances and discuss how the state created its fiscal crisis. The study includes an examination of over 30 years of public policy decisions that led to the state’s large budget deficit. The paper recommends specific reforms to help the state right its fiscal ship, including legislating better constitutional rules to constrain spending, simplifying and flattening the tax system, and reducing budget gimmickry. Joining us is one of the author’s of this study, Eileen Norcross. Eileen is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the lead scholar on the Mercatus Center’s State and Local Policy Project. She blogs on state and local issues at Neighborhood Effects. During this episode she talks to us about how New Jersey got to this point and offers state policy makers a roadmap of what not to do. | 9/9/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Path Not Taken: State Spending Restraint | Once the recession hit, nearly every state encountered significant a budget gap. Though falling revenue and rising costs were the proximate cause of these shortfalls, the fiscal problems were years in the making. They were the result of decades of unsustainable spending growth. Today on the podcast we discuss the question: What is it that makes a state more or less likely to face a budget gap? Joining us to discuss his recent research on state budgets and spending is Dr. Matthew Mitchell. Mitchell is a research fellow with the State and Local Policy Project at the Mercatus Center. His research focuses on spending and budget issues, particularly the ways in which government policy is developed and how it impacts various measure of well-being. Mitchell received his Ph.D. in Economics from George Mason University and a B.A. in political science and B.S. in economics from Arizona State University. Once the recession hit, nearly every state encountered significant a budget gap. Though falling revenue and rising costs were the proximate cause of these shortfalls, the fiscal problems were years in the making. They were the result of decades of unsustainable spending growth. Today on the podcast we discuss the question: What is it that makes a state more or less likely to face a budget gap? Joining us to discuss his recent research on state budgets and spending is Dr. Matthew Mitchell. Mitchell is a research fellow with the State and Local Policy Project at the Mercatus Center. His research focuses on spending and budget issues, particularly the ways in which government policy is developed and how it impacts various measure of well-being. Mitchell received his Ph.D. in Economics from George Mason University and a B.A. in political science and B.S. in economics from Arizona State University | 8/16/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Everyman’s Deficit | March 2010, the total federal debt stood at almost $14 trillion. In a recent Mercatus study, “Everyman’s Deficit” by Dr. Bruce Yandle, finds each American citizen’s share of the debt now about $40,000. What’s worse, this $40,000 does not include fiscal exposure, like the unfunded liabilities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.) that taxpayers would have to pay. Thus, the debt and the deficit now belong to families like the Everymans. In this podcast we discuss the consequences of the growing debt, what the United State’s debt means for its citizens, and recommendations for the first steps to mitigating the size of our debt. Joining us is the author of the special study, Dr. Bruce Yandle. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. In March 2010, the total federal debt stood at almost $14 trillion. In a recent Mercatus study, “Everyman’s Deficit” by Dr. Bruce Yandle, finds each American citizen’s share of the debt now about $40,000. What’s worse, this $40,000 does not include fiscal exposure, like the unfunded liabilities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.) that taxpayers would have to pay. Thus, the debt and the deficit now belong to families like the Everymans. In this podcast we discuss the consequences of the growing debt, what the United State’s debt means for its citizens, and recommendations for the first steps to mitigating the size of our debt. Joining us is the author of the special study, Dr. Bruce Yandle. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. | 7/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Blueprint for Reform for New Jersey’s Public Pensions | New Jersey’s public sector defined benefit pension systems are underfunded by more than $170 billion according to a new study, “The Crisis in Public Sector Pension Plans: A Blueprint for Reform in New Jersey” by Eileen Norcross of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and Andrew Biggs of the American Enterprise Institute. This is not a sustainable path, and in order to avert a fiscal crisis and ensure that future state employees have dependable retirement savings, Norcross and Biggs offer recommendations for state policy makers to reform the public pension system. Joining us for the podcast is one of the author’s of this study, Eileen Norcross. Eileen is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She blogs on state and local issues at Neighborhood Effects. New Jersey’s public sector defined benefit pension systems are underfunded by more than $170 billion according to a new study, “The Crisis in Public Sector Pension Plans: A Blueprint for Reform in New Jersey” by Eileen Norcross of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and Andrew Biggs of the American Enterprise Institute. This is not a sustainable path, and in order to avert a fiscal crisis and ensure that future state employees have dependable retirement savings, Norcross and Biggs offer recommendations for state policy makers to reform the public pension system. Joining us for the podcast is one of the author’s of this study, Eileen Norcross. Eileen is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She blogs on state and local issues at Neighborhood Effects. | 6/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Are You Dying to Pay Taxes? | In January the federal estate tax, sometimes called the “death tax”, completed a ten-year phase out and expired. nbsp;However, the estate tax will return with a top rate of 55% on January 1, 2011 when the Bush tax cuts expire. In this podcast we discuss who the estate tax affects, the effects of inheritance taxes in the states, how the estate tax affects the everyday American and policy recommendations concerning the estate tax. Joining us to discuss these issues is Dr. Antony Davies. nbsp;Davies is currently an associate professor of economics at Duquesne University who has published a study on estate taxes and written extensively about the issue. In January the federal estate tax, sometimes called the “death tax”, completed a ten-year phase out and expired. However, the estate tax will return with a top rate of 55% on January 1, 2011 when the Bush tax cuts expire. In this podcast we discuss who the estate tax affects, the effects of inheritance taxes in the states, how the estate tax affects the everyday American and policy recommendations concerning the estate tax. Joining us to discuss these issues is Dr. Antony Davies. Davies is currently an associate professor of economics at Duquesne University who has published a study on estate taxes and written extensively about the issue. | 5/25/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Economics of Wine in Grocery Stores | There are several states that do not allow grocery stores to sell wine in grocery stores. However, in the midst of dealing with budget woes and shrinking revenues many states are considering changing existing laws to now allow the sell of wine in grocery stores as a means to increase revenue for the state. On this podcast, we provide an overview of current existing policy in several states, the affect on consumers in maintaining laws that prohibit the sale of wine in grocery stores, and what role the sale of wine in grocery stores plays on states’ economies. Joining us this week is Dr. Jerry Ellig, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Jerry is back on the podcast to talk about new developments in regulation of wine, specifically the sale of wine in grocery stores. Between 2001 and 2003, he served as deputy director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Policy Planning and coauthored the FTC staff study on direct wine shipment. There are several states that do not allow grocery stores to sell wine in grocery stores. However, in the midst of dealing with budget woes and shrinking revenues many states are considering changing existing laws to now allow the sell of wine in grocery stores as a means to increase revenue for the state. On this podcast, we provide an overview of current existing policy in several states, the affect on consumers in maintaining laws that prohibit the sale of wine in grocery stores, and what role the sale of wine in grocery stores plays on states’ economies. Joining us this week is Dr. Jerry Ellig, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Jerry is back on the podcast to talk about new developments in regulation of wine, specifically the sale of wine in grocery stores. Between 2001 and 2003, he served as deputy director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Policy Planning and coauthored the FTC staff study on direct wine shipment | 5/16/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Streamlining State Governments | States are facing tough decisions. Spending cuts, restructuring programs, and re-thinking the role of state government is being taken up across the country by “streamlining commissions” where a blend of private and public sector representatives offer recommendations how making state governments more effective and efficient. Over past year the Mercatus Center has been advising the Louisiana Streamlining Commission. Joining us to discuss streamlining state government commissions regarding their experience with the Louisiana Streamlining Commission is Maurice McTigue and Daniel Rothschild. McTigue is the Vice President, Director of the Mercatus Center’s Government Accountability Project and served New Zealand as a Cabinet Minister, Ambassador, and member of Parliament. Most recently, he was appointed to Virginia’s Governor McDonnell’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring. Daniel Rothschild is the Managing Director of the State and Local Policy Project for the Mercatus Center. States are facing tough decisions. Spending cuts, restructuring programs, and re-thinking the role of state government is being taken up across the country by “streamlining commissions” where a blend of private and public sector representatives offer recommendations how making state governments more effective and efficient. Over past year the Mercatus Center has been advising the Louisiana Streamlining Commission. Joining us to discuss streamlining state government commissions regarding their experience with the Louisiana Streamlining Commission is Maurice McTigue and Daniel Rothschild. McTigue is the Vice President, Director of the Mercatus Center’s Government Accountability Project and served New Zealand as a Cabinet Minister, Ambassador, and member of Parliament. Most recently, he was appointed to Virginia’s Governor McDonnell’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring. Daniel Rothschild is the Managing Director of the State and Local Policy Project for the Mercatus Center. | 5/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Rapping about Economics with Russ Roberts | Complex ideas can be communicated in different ways, so why not a rap? On the podcast we are joined by Dr. Russ Roberts. Roberts is the Smith Scholar at the Mercatus Center and a Professor of Economics at George Mason University. Along with his popular blog Café Hayek and famed podcast Econ Talk, Dr. Roberts the co-creator with filmmaker John Papola of the rap video “Fear the Boom and Bust”. nbsp;In this economic rap video, John Maynard Keynes and F. A. Hayek, two of the great economists of the 20th century, come back to life to attend an economics conference on the economic crisis. Before the conference begins, and at the insistence of Lord Keynes, they go out for a night on the town and sing about why there’s a “boom and bust” cycle in modern economies and good reason to fear it. On the podcast, Roberts discusses how they came up with the idea for a rap about economics, what audiences they are reaching, and the economic implications of some of the Keynesian based policies implemented to deal with the current deficit. Also, tune into hear what more to expect from Papola and Roberts at Econstories.tv in the future. Complex ideas can be communicated in different ways, so why not a rap? On the podcast we are joined by Dr. Russ Roberts. Roberts is the Smith Scholar at the Mercatus Center and a Professor of Economics at George Mason University. Along with his popular blog Café Hayek and famed podcast Econ Talk, Dr. Roberts the co-creator with filmmaker John Papola of the rap video “Fear the Boom and Bust”. nbsp;In this economic rap video, John Maynard Keynes and F. A. Hayek, two of the great economists of the 20th century, come back to life to attend an economics conference on the economic crisis. Before the conference begins, and at the insistence of Lord Keynes, they go out for a night on the town and sing about why there’s a “boom and bust” cycle in modern economies and good reason to fear it. On the podcast, Roberts discusses how they came up with the idea for a rap about economics, what audiences they are reaching, and the economic implications of some of the Keynesian based policies implemented to deal with the current deficit. nbsp;Also, tune into hear what more to expect from Papola and Roberts at Econstories.tv in the future. | 5/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Can Freedom and Knowledge Economy Indexes Explain Go-Getter Migration Patterns? | What explains the migration decisions of young adults in the prime years of their working lives, people 25-39 years old, the builders of future economies? Are they driven to find emerging knowledge economies where returns to their investment in human capital may be highest? Or are they more oriented toward avoiding high taxes and onerous regulation and finding greater personal freedom? Do people migrating within the United States behave like foreigners migrating to the United States? Does protection of personal freedom matter? In short, what are the knowledge and freedom determinants of migration? These questions are discussed in this podcast with returning guest, Dr. Bruce Yandle. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. What explains the migration decisions of young adults in the prime years of their working lives, people 25-39 years old, the builders of future economies? Are they driven to find emerging knowledge economies where returns to their investment in human capital may be highest? Or are they more oriented toward avoiding high taxes and onerous regulation and finding greater personal freedom? Do people migrating within the United States behave like foreigners migrating to the United States? Does protection of personal freedom matter? In short, what are the knowledge and freedom determinants of migration? These questions are discussed in this podcast with returning guest, Dr. Bruce Yandle. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. | 4/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Freedom in the 50 States | The current outlook for states is dire. nbsp;In recent reports, states are expected to face a cumulative budget shortfall of $193 billion for fiscal year 2010. Federal bailouts, increased taxes, and budget gimmicks are emerging as solutions to fill budget gaps. nbsp;It is critical that states employ policies and practices that enhance economic competition. Joining us today to discuss just where your state ranks and how states can avoid losing that competitive edge is Professors William Ruger of Texas State University and Jason Sorens of the University of Buffalo. They are the authors of the Mercatus Center’s “Freedom in the 50 States” that ranks each state on economic, personal and regulatory freedoms. The current outlook for states is dire. In recent reports, states are expected to face a cumulative budget shortfall of $193 billion for fiscal year 2010. Federal bailouts, increased taxes, and budget gimmicks are emerging as solutions to fill budget gaps. It is critical that states employ policies and practices that enhance economic competition. Joining us today to discuss just where your state ranks and how states can avoid losing that competitive edge are Professors William Ruger of Texas State University and Jason Sorens of the University of Buffalo. They are the authors of the Mercatus Center’s “Freedom in the 50 States” that ranks each state on economic, personal and regulatory freedoms. | 3/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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State Attorneys General and Federalism | There is an emerging trend of state attorney generals serving as enforcement arm of the federal government by issue of federal law. On the podcast this week we discuss how the role of the state attorney general has changed through history, and how this current trend effects federalism. Joining us to discuss these issues is Rob Raffety, the Associate Director of the Regulatory Studies Program and the Government Accountability Project at the Mercatus Center. In this capacity, Rob manages research for a wide network of economic, legal, and public policy scholars. nbsp; Aside from his duties at Mercatus, Rob is an adjunct professor of law and public administration for the GMU School of Law and the Department of Public and International Affairs and teaches a seminar on attorney generals. There is an emerging trend of state attorneys general serving as enforcement arm of the federal government by issue of federal law. On the podcast this week we discuss how the role of the state attorney general has changed through history, and how this current trend effects federalism. Joining us to discuss these issues is Rob Raffety, the Associate Director of the Regulatory Studies Program and the Government Accountability Project at the Mercatus Center. In this capacity, Rob manages research for a wide network of economic, legal, and public policy scholars. Aside from his duties at Mercatus, Rob is an adjunct professor of law and public administration for the GMU School of Law and the Department of Public and International Affairs and teaches a seminar on attorney generals. | 3/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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A Conversation with a Nobel Laureate | The Mercatus Center at George Mason University recently played host to Mercatus Affiliated Scholar and 2009 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics, Elinor Ostrom. She joined the Mercatus Center to discuss the unique research agenda of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at the Bloomington School. During her visit, Dr. Ostrom sat down with the host of Inside State and Local Policy, Jim Musser, to discuss her pioneering work in economics, her fascinating field work and the tradition that has become known as the Bloomington School of Economics. The Mercatus Center at George Mason University recently played host to Mercatus Affiliated Scholar and 2009 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics, Elinor Ostrom. She joined the Mercatus Center to discuss the unique research agenda of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at the Bloomington School. During her visit, Dr. Ostrom sat down with the host of Inside State and Local Policy, Jim Musser, to discuss her pioneering work in economics, her fascinating field work and the tradition that has become known as the Bloomington School of Economics. | 2/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2010 Economic Update | Dr. Yandle joins us again to discuss the latest news in the economy as 2010 kicks-off and trends happening in the states. As the economy continues to give mixed signs of recovery, Dr. Yandle discusses the role of the states in this recovery and the top significant economic trends. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. Dr. Yandle joins us again to discuss the latest news in the economy as 2010 kicks-off and trends happening in the states. As the economy continues to give mixed signs of recovery, Dr. Yandle discusses the role of the states in this recovery and the top significant economic trends. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. | 2/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Shadow Budget | Massachusetts like most states grappled with a significant decline in revenue (2.5 billion in MA) in 2009. Despite efforts by way of nbsp;spending cuts and tax increases to create a sustainable 2010 budget in Massachusetts, there is still a 600 billion gap. nbsp;In reaction to this volatile cycle, the Beacon Hill Institute has put forth recommendations in their recent publication “Massachusetts Fiscal Policy: The Legend v. the Facts” on how states can move away from relying on forecasting tax revenues, which are unstable in recessions and economic downturns, and enact reforms to eliminate a structural deficit. Joining us to talk about this project is Paul Bachman, Director of Research for the Beacon Hill Institute. Mr. Bachman shares how the Institute conducted this research project and offers specific recommendations that all states can enact to cure these budget woes. Massachusetts like most states grappled with a significant decline in revenue (2.5 billion in MA) in 2009. Despite efforts by way of nbsp;spending cuts and tax increases to create a sustainable 2010 budget in Massachusetts, there is still a 600 billion gap. nbsp;In reaction to this volatile cycle, the Beacon Hill Institute has put forth recommendations in their recent publication “Massachusetts Fiscal Policy: The Legend v. the Facts” on how states can move away from relying on forecasting tax revenues, which are unstable in recessions and economic downturns, and enact reforms to eliminate a structural deficit. Joining us to talk about this project is Paul Bachman, Director of Research for the Beacon Hill Institute. Mr. Bachman shares how the Institute conducted this research project and offers specific recommendations that all states can enact to cure these budget woes. | 1/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Tax Outlook in the States | Several states are facing huge structural budget deficits as they come back to their state capitols this month. In the past year several states raised taxes to deal with budget gaps. These taxes were generally on minority groups such as high-income earners, smokers, out-of-state business transactions, or other targeted groups. In this podcast we discuss some of the trends in taxation from 2009, what to expect in state taxes in 2010 and what are sustainable options for states to balance their budget with declining revenues due to the economic downturn. Joining the podcast to discuss these issues is Joe Henchman of the Tax Foundation. Mr. Henchman, is the Tax Counsel and Director of State Projects at the Tax Foundation in Washington DC. Several states are facing huge structural budget deficits as they come back to their state capitols this month. In the past year several states raised taxes to deal with budget gaps. These taxes were generally on minority groups such as high-income earners, smokers, out-of-state business transactions, or other targeted groups. In this podcast we discuss some of the trends in taxation from 2009, what to expect in state taxes in 2010 and what are sustainable options for states to balance their budget with declining revenues due to the economic downturn. Joining the podcast to discuss these issues is Joe Henchman of the Tax Foundation. Mr. Henchman, is the Tax Counsel and Director of State Projects at the Tax Foundation in Washington DC. | 1/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Where the Stimulus Money is Going in Your State, StimulusWatch 2.0 | StimulusWatch.org, the website that has attracted over 3 million visitors, has recently re-launched. While the original site featured proposed stimulus projects taken from the U.S. Conference of Mayors survey, the new version contains actual stimulus spending in your neighborhood from the information recently released by recovery.gov. In this podcast we discuss: how to find stimulus projects in your community, phantom districts, and interesting ways to use the data provided on the site. Joining us to discuss this innovative website is one of the creators, Jerry Brito. Brito is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and director of its Technology Policy Program. He also serves as adjunct professor of law at George Mason University. His research focuses on technology and telecommunications policy, government transparency and accountability, and the regulatory process. Jerry is the also creator of OpenRegs.com, an alternative interface to the federal government’s regulatory docketing system. Please visit www.stimluswatch.org and comment on projects in your neighborhood! | 12/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Rise of Sub-Local Governance | Sub-local forms of governments (private community associations, business improvement districts, etc) have been on the rise throughout America the past thirty years. Sub-local governments can specialize and otherwise more effectively address urban problems that have defied the efforts of conventional city governments. Professor Nelson joins us on the podcast to discuss what the rise in more localized systems means for city and urban governance and the provision of public goods at various levels of government. Robert Nelson is a Professor at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy and a Senior Scholar at the Mercatus Center. Prior to joining the University of Maryland, Dr. Nelson worked in a variety of government posts addressing public policy in the areas of the environment, industry, and land use policy. | 11/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Exploring TABOR | TABOR (the Taxpayers Bill of Rights) is on the ballot in two states (Maine and Washington) this week for the first time since it was enacted in 1992 in Colorado by voters. TABOR limits state spending from increasing faster than the growth of state population plus inflation in any given year. On this podcast we discuss the orgins of TABOR in California in the 1970s, where Colorado is now after 20 years of TABOR, and what the passage of TABOR in one or both of these states will mean for nation. Joining us to discuss TABOR is Jonathan Williams, Director of the Tax and Fiscal Policy task force for the American Legislative Exchange Council and a co-author of Rich States, Poor States. Mr. Williams has been working in both Maine and Washington to discuss the benefits of TABOR. | 11/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Spending Addiction | Over the last 10 years spending has gone up dramatically at both the federal and state level. The progression of spending as a percentage of GDP over the last decade has risen from 18% to over 26%. This trend is not only true for the federal government, but also in many states. In this episode, Dr. Veronique de Rugy, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center, joins us to discuss the dangers of the spending addiction, fiscal federalism, unfunded mandates to the states, and provides recommendations to state policy makers on unique ways to gain revenue. Dr. de Rugy’s research interests include tax competition, financial privacy, spending, and fiscal sovereignty issues. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. | 10/14/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How’s Business? Find Out Where Your State Ranks | This week we talk with the Tax Foundation to discuss their interesting and telling new publication the “2010 State Business Tax Climate Index.” TheIndexmeasures the competitiveness of the 50 states’ tax systems and ranks them accordingly based on the taxes that matter most to businesses and business investment: corporate income, individual income, sales, property and unemployment insurance taxes. Tune in to find out which states come out on top and bottom, and what policy makers can do to boost their ranking. Joining us to discuss the findings of the Index is author Dr. Kail Padgitt. Dr. Padgitt holds a Ph.D and Master’s degree in economics from George Mason University concentrating on the areas of Public Economics, Industrial Organization and Experimental Economics. Kail has taught Public Choice and International Economics at George Mason University. | 10/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Economic Update – Trends in the States | Dr. Bruce Yandle joins us from Capitol Hill to discuss the latest news in the economy and trends happening in the states as a result of the recession. In this podcast we discuss: signs of the recession ending, unemployment outlook in the US, what states will be the leaders in pulling us out of recession, explanation of the knowledge economy, and migration trends between states. Dr. Bruce Yandle is a Professor Emeritus and the BBamp;T Scholar at Clemson University, where he has been a faculty member since 1969. From 1976 to 1978, he was a senior economist on the staff of the President’s Council on Wage and Price Stability, where he reviewed and analyzed newly proposed regulations. In addition, Dr. Yandle was executive director of the Federal Trade Commission and is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles. He received his Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and his A.B. degree from Mercer University. | 9/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Taxing Sin, A Look Into Excise Taxes | With state revenues dwindling many states turned to excise taxes to decrease budget gaps. Close to a dozen states increased their cigarette taxes. According to Stateline.org, “New York, New Jersey and North Carolina raised both tobacco and alcohol taxes. Kentucky and Massachusetts ended the sales tax exemption of alcoholic beverages, while Colorado ended its sales tax break on cigarettes.” Often sin taxes on certain sugary products are used to help fight obesity as well. Joining us this week to talk about Excise Taxes is Dr. Richard Williams. Dr. Williams is the managing director of the Regulatory Studies Program and the Government Accountability Project. Prior to joining the Mercatus Center, he served as the director for social sciences at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in the Food and Drug Administration for 27 years. He also served as an advisor to the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis and taught economics at Washington and Lee University. | 8/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Resources at Your Fingertips, State Policy Network | As the old saying goes, knowledge is power. States are often the breeding ground for innovation when it comes to developing new ideas for public policy. Local think-tanks are an important piece of the puzzle. Established in 1992, the State Policy Network is a network of state-based public policy think tanks throughout the country that now has an established member in every state of the union. Their membership works daily to develop on developing research and insight into the issues facing their respective states. This week we welcome, Jennifer Butler, the Executive Vice President of the State Policy Network. During this episode Jennifer tell us more about the resources policy makers have through economic think tanks in their state and how those resources can be tapped into by state policy makers. To find the local policy think tank in your state, please visit www.spn.org. | 8/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Red, Red Wine: Interstate Wine Shipping | Many states are still revising their wine shipping laws in 2009 to conform to a 2005 Supreme Court ruling that said states cannot discriminate against out-of-state sellers when regulating direct-to-consumer wine shipment. This podcast discusses some of the changes states have seen since the 2005 decision, the economics behind wine e-commerce, how direct wine shipment regulation affects the consumer and the benefits of a permit system. This week we welcome Dr. Jerry Ellig, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Between 2001 and 2003, he served as deputy director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Policy Planning and coauthored the FTC staff study on direct wine shipment. Since his time there he has remained interested in interstate wine shipments between states. | 8/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Budget Tools & Best Practices, What Every State Legislator Should Know | Several states passed their state budgets in June only to come up against revenue gaps later in the summer and projected for the rest of the year. In one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression many states keep cutting spending only to have revenues still fall short of keeping the budget balanced. We asked state budget expert Scott Pattison, Executive Director of the National Association of State Budget Officers, his take on the state budget crises and what his recommendations are for states to avoid such large gaps in the future. Scott Pattison is the Executive Director of the National Association of Budget Officers(NASBO) and former Budget Director for the commonwealth of Virginia. NASBO which has worked with state finance officers to advance state budget practices for the last sixty years. In this podcast Mr. Pattison communicates effective ideas for addressing budget crises and up-to-date information on the status of state budgets throughout the country. Also, Pattison addresses what is in store for 2010 and gives recommendations how to avoid such large budget gaps during hard economic times. | 7/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The New Zealand Way | As states face budget crises and deficits, many state policy makers are looking at what reforms can be put into place to boost a stagnant economy. In this episode we discuss the process and steps New Zealand and other governments took to boost their economy, create effective reforms in balancing the budget and general best practices for good governance. This week we have The Honorable Maurice McTigue with us. McTigue is the Director of the Mercatus Center’s Government Accountability Project and served New Zealand as a Cabinet Minister, Ambassador, and member of Parliament. Prior to his arrival in the United States in 1997, McTigue led an ambitious and extremely successful effort to restructure New Zealand’s public sector and to revitalize its stagnant economy in the 1984-94 period and reform the education system. | 7/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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When Disaster Strikes | In 2005 the Mercatus Center launched a five-year project to follow the long-term redevelopment of the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Our inquiry seeks to determine the roles that public, commercial, and non-profit sectors play in rebuilding communities affected by large scale catastrophes. So far our research has focused on insurance, infrastructure, natural resilience within communities, recovery policy, and social capital studies. | 6/30/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Cost of Online Sites | To date, approximately twenty states have passed legislation or adopted executive orders creating some type of online fiscal database. As other legislatures around the country have followed suite and begun to propose spending-transparency Web sites the most effective argument against these efforts is the potential high cost of such Web sites. | 6/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 41 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
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This is a great resource for anyone seeking to learn more about local and state government issues. The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is simply top notch. Highly recommended.
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This is a great resource on what's happening in the state and local policy world. Really interesting participants including policymakers, researchers, think tank folks, and others. Podcasts are short and concise (never over 20 minutes, usually around 13) and point to a lot of other useful resources. A good one to subscribe to if you work in a state capital or on state politics.
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