Publications -- Government

Oct 18, 2007

BA #597 – Repairing Bridges without Raising Gas Taxes

In the wake of the August 1, 2007, Minneapolis bridge collapse, Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, proposed a 5-cents-per-gallon increase in the federal excise tax on gasoline.  Oberstar believes the hike would raise $25 billion over three years for critical bridge repairs across the United States.  But his proposal flies in the face of growing public concern over sustained high gas prices. 

Oct 11, 2007

BA #596 – U.S. Cancer Care Is Number One

During this presidential election season, candidates are urging Americans to radically overhaul our “broken” health care system. Before accepting the premise that the system is broken, consider the impressive evidence from the largest ever international study of cancer survival rates.  The data show that cancer patients live longer in the United States than anywhere else on the globe.

Sep 28, 2007

BA #595 – Crisis of the Uninsured: 2007

Despite claims that there is a health insurance crisis in the United States, the proportion of Americans without health coverage has changed little in the past decade. The increase in the number of uninsured is largely due to immigration and population growth — and to individual choice.

Sep 24, 2007

BA #593 – Trade Is the Best Aid for Africa

The 48 countries south of the Sahara desert in Africa make up the most impoverished and diseased region of the world. Although wealthy countries have poured more than $450 billion of development assistance (in 2003 dollars) into the region since 1980, nearly half the population lives on less than $1 per day, the average life expectancy is only 46 years and nearly one-third of children are underweight and malnourished. Despite its noble intent, aid has not rescued Sub-Saharan Africa from poverty. In many cases, it has undermined development, propped up dictators and fueled corruption.

Aug 09, 2007

BA #592 – Electricity Deregulation: Taking the Next Step

A new technology called "smart" metering and innovative residential pricing plans have the potential to revolutionize the electric power industry and reduce monthly electricity bills for many consumers.  Utilities in the states that have deregulated electric power have the strongest market incentives to implement these new features, and customers in some states are beginning to reap the benefits.

Mar 19, 2007

BA #583 – Pension Reform in Chile: Closing the Gap, Not Scrapping the System

A quarter-century ago, Chile replaced its traditional social security system with personal retirement accounts funded by workers and invested in stocks and bonds.  Chile's president recently proposed several modifications to its pension system, including a new retirement benefit funded by general government revenues. 

Oct 30, 2003

ST #263 – How Large Is the Federal Government's Debt?

Social Security and Medicare have made future promises far in excess of tax revenues that will be collected at current tax rates. The difference between what has been promised to current and future generations and what will be collected from taxes dedicated to fund these programs is an "unfunded liability."

Jun 24, 2002

BA #400 – Immigrants, Welfare and Work

Throughout its history, the United States has been a nation of immigrants. However, in recent years, and even more so since September 11, 2001, Americans have favored a stricter immigration policy.

Jun 21, 2002

BA #402 – How Big Is the Government's Debt?

Reports about the enormous federal debt abound, as do dire predictions about the impact of that debt on future generations. But just how big is the debt?

Apr 15, 2002

BA #394 – Analyzing the 2002 Social Security Trustees Report

Is Social Security in financial trouble? If you believe a press release issued by the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds, the answer is no. If you go to the fine print of their annual report, however, the answer is a resounding yes.