Publications

Short articles designed to reach policymakers as well as business and general audiences

176 publications found, searching for 'Policy Notes '

• Policy Notes No. 1 January 01, 1999

  How Negative Can US Saving Get?

  Wynne Godley, and Bill Martin
  Abstract

  In 1998 the volume of private spending in the United States rose by almost twice the increase in disposable income. The impact of this excess private spending financed by increased net borrowing has been profound; without it, the economy would have stagnated. Can this pattern of demand growth continue? The answer is a resounding no.

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• Policy Notes No. 7 July 01, 1998

  Goldilocks and the Three Bears

  L. Randall Wray
  Abstract

  Unlike the Papa, Mama, and Baby Bears faced by the storybook Goldilocks, our Goldilocks faced three ferocious grizzlies: a cascading, global financial crisis, global deflation and excess capacity (or insufficient demand), and a domestic fiscal surplus in conjunction with record private deficits.

  Download Policy Note 1998/7 PDF (71.04 KB)
• Policy Notes No. 6 June 01, 1998

  What to Do with the Surplus

  Dimitri B. Papadimitriou, and L. Randall Wray
  Abstract

  Neither Congress nor the president is on the right track. Rather than protecting the surplus, we should be increasing spending and cutting taxes to contain the looming world recession.

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• Policy Notes No. 5 May 01, 1998

  The Fed Should Lower Interest Rates More

  Dimitri B. Papadimitriou, and L. Randall Wray
  Abstract

  Some analysts have argued against monetary ease, fearing that it might fuel a speculative boom. Alas, given the recent substantial “market correction,” this objection may safely be put away.

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• Policy Notes No. 4 April 01, 1998

  Small Business and the New Welfare

  Oren Levin-Waldman, and George W. McCarthy
  Abstract

  To what extent have small businesses hired former welfare recipients and what might induce them to hire more? The Levy Institute conducts a national survey of small firms in many industries to find out.

  Download Policy Note 1998/4 PDF (64.21 KB)
• Policy Notes No. 3 March 01, 1998

  Small Business and the Minimum Wage

  Oren Levin-Waldman, and George W. McCarthy
  Abstract

  To what extent have small businesses hired former welfare recipients and what might induce them to hire more? Do small businesses change their hiring and employment practices in response to an increase in the minimum wage? The Levy Institute conducts a national survey of small firms in many industries to find out.

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• Policy Notes No. 2 February 01, 1998

  How Should the Surpluses Be Spent?

  David Alan Aschauer
  Abstract

  The federal budget deficit is disappearing; some shadows linger, but the latest Congressional Budget Office projections put the government budget in deficit by only $5 billion in fiscal year 1998, in balance by 2001, and in surplus through at least 2008. In this Policy Note, Research Associate David Alan Aschauer examines the likely economic consequences, […]

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• Policy Notes No. 1 January 01, 1998

  Welfare Graduates

  Thomas Karier
  Abstract

  Are the effects of college-level education on income and financial independence positive enough to make it worthwhile for states to extend support to qualified welfare recipients to enable them to pursue such education? Welfare reform around the country has tended to focus on immediate work experience as a means to achieve financial independence. While many […]

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