I rant a bit (alright a great deal) about the supposed notion of fiscal restraint and fiscal discipline in the U.S. today.
Fiscal discipline for thee, but not for me
Is $2 Trillion Enough?
I have yet to see the actual text of the legislation but I am looking at the news reports of what is included and I have doubts this will be enough. It is good though to see, finally, a fiscal response from the federal government.
Continue reading Is $2 Trillion Enough?State Fiscal Rankings-ND #19
The Mercatus Center at George Mason University issued their 2018 rankings of states by fiscal condition. You can find the North Dakota discussion here. As a point of reference North Dakota was ranked in the top 5 each of the previous three years. The current ranking puts the state squarely in the average category.
Continue reading State Fiscal Rankings-ND #19Radio Day- 8 February 2018
A bit of a wonky discussion on the radio today with the guest host. Policy stances for both fiscal and monetary policy were the major topics, mostly with relations to stock price movements. I could talk policy all day, as I did for most of the hour on the radio.
Reaffirming the Impotence of the Fiscal Policy Process
In an epic display of the more things change, the more they stay the same Paul Ryan is unhappy with the process of fiscal policy under his own leadership. I will wait to comment on the legislation more fully when the votes are in (what the end passing coalition looks like may be the most interesting part of this). With this policy we essentially put in place tax cuts and spending increases, so something for both parties to celebrate or at least sell as a victory. Of course it is fiscally irresponsible and leads me to the generic comment I want to make: fiscal policy is not working. As much as people (in and out of government) want to take aim at the Fed, their policy decisions can be justified as following a defined approach to policy and the world.
Continue reading Reaffirming the Impotence of the Fiscal Policy Process