Economic Policy News
The Daily Signal provides economic policy news with reporting, analysis, and commentary on markets, growth, and fiscal responsibility.
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- News
Michele Bachmann’s 4-Point Plan for Restoring Economic Freedom
Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., used Wednesday’s congressional hearing on the Export-Import Bank to discuss corruption at the agency and how it contributes to the United States’ becoming a less free economy. She offered a four-point plan to get America back on track. It begins 42 seconds in.Robert B. Bluey -
- Opinion
Here’s a Crazy Idea: What About Reforming Transportation Spending Instead of Hiking Taxes?
Americans know the drill. When Congress faces a gap between its spending wants and available money, it is quick to ask for more money, instead of fixing the spending side of the budget ledger. This time it’s Senate Finance Committee chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who has proposed a rag tag group of revenue provisions, including…Emily Goff -
- Opinion
You’re Paying for America’s Political Economy
Legendary computer scientist Alan Kay once said “The best way to create the future is to invent it.” It’s an ethos that has animated every great American entrepreneur and driven our nation’s economy since its founding. Will that attitude survive the times we live in? Today, two competing impulses vie for the soul of our…Mike Needham -
- Opinion
Economic Crisis Survival: Germany Shows That Preparation Is Key
What do countries that weathered the Great Recession better than others have in common? They got in better shape before the crisis struck. Germany is one example. Reunification meant great opportunity for Germany, but it also meant a prolonged period of economic weakness. The fiscal and structural reforms lawmakers made in response continue to pay…Romina Boccia -
- News
Cutting Federal Spending, One Portrait at a Time
Conservatives are putting the finishing touches on legislation to end government spending on portraits of cabinet secretaries and members of Congress—artwork that regularly costs taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars per sitting. Today, portraits are commissioned when committee chairmen retire or are displaced by their party losing control of their house of Congress. The portraits…Philip Wegmann -
- Opinion
The Lousy Weather Isn’t the Reason for Our Disappointing Economy
Despite massive fiscal and monetary stimulus since the financial crisis, the economy continues to disappoint. The big news this past week was that the BEA revised its first quarter GDP estimate downward to reflect a 1% decline – far worse than its previous estimate of 0.1% quarter-to-quarter growth. Why so bad? A popular explanation seems…Norbert Michel -
- News
ACLU Rejects Amendment to Corral Campaign Spending
Democrats pushing for a constitutional amendment that would give government the authority to regulate political spending by outside groups will do so without one traditional ally at their side. In a letter submitted Tuesday to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the American Civil Liberties Union expressed opposition to the amendment, saying it would “lead directly to…Josh Siegel -
- News
Study: Wealthier Americans Fear Running Out of Money in Retirement But Won’t Give Up Spending
More harrowing than gaining weight, public speaking or going to the dentist, running out of money in retirement is the biggest fear for wealthier Americans, according to Bank of America’s latest Merrill Edge report. But even fear of going broke will not curb this group’s spending habits. The biannual survey—questioning 1,000 Americans with $50,000 to…Marguerite Bowling