Articles tagged with Fiscal Policy
Approximately 30% of the U.S. population lives in a jurisdiction that has implemented taxes specifically for mental health services, generating over $3.57 billion annually. These taxes often provide a stable revenue stream and are more politically feasible than traditional funding methods.
A nationwide study found that financial disruption, such as a parent losing their job, was associated with increased stress, sadness, and COVID-19-related worry in children, but not sleep. School disruption had no association with mental health or sleep outcomes, surprising researchers.
Researchers found that deposit insurance motivates people to keep deposits immediately below the insured threshold, leading to 'bunching' behavior. An increase in insured deposits also causes savers to change their asset allocation and increase their deposits.
A study of 4,000 middle-age workers reveals a link between sustained low hourly wages and elevated all-cause mortality risk. The findings suggest that improving the financial standing of low-wage workers through policies like minimum wage laws could lead to better mortality outcomes.
A study found that immediate reductions in child abuse and neglect-related emergency department visits occurred after the disbursement of expanded child tax credit payments. The results suggest that making the temporary expansion permanent could lead to improved child welfare outcomes.
A new USC study reveals that Medicare Advantage plans have seen a 337% increase in enrollment, while traditional Medicare has declined by nearly 3%. This trend suggests that Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly choosing MA plans over traditional Medicare.
Researchers found that giving donors control over charitable project allocation increases donations and loyalty. Donors who value agency are more likely to be loyal, active, and generous, increasing fundraising effectiveness.
A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in November to 37.0% in December, up 1.4%, while it remained unchanged at 74.4% for those without disabilities. This surge continues the gains of the last four months and highlights the ongoing strength of people with disabilities in the job market.
A new study by Bruegel experts recommends a European 'green pact' to increase climate investments and meet EU's ambitious Paris Agreement targets. The proposal involves better regulatory policies, higher emissions pricing, and public green investments.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 35.5% to 36.5% in November, up 2.8%, while it decreased slightly for those without disabilities. The labor force participation rate also rose for people with disabilities, indicating more are succeeding in finding jobs.
Researchers found that Swedes with higher incomes have more children, particularly men who accumulate higher incomes over time. For women, the pattern changes significantly over time, with those born in the 1940s and 1950s having lower incomes and more children.
An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.
Research from the University of Kansas found that financial capability can predict positive health outcomes, with higher levels associated with better health measurements. The study highlights the importance of considering both individual financial skills and access to resources in improving population health.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased to historic highs in October, while those without disabilities are only reaching pre-pandemic levels. These gains may lead to long-term improvements in workplace integration of people with disabilities.
Employment numbers remained positive for people with disabilities, increasing their employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate. The trend suggests an inclusive workforce, but also highlights the need to boost household income.
The study identifies households with high energy expenditures as the most affected groups, which should receive direct transfers for compensation. Cash payments to all households combined with moderate support for renewable energies can achieve a socially just solution, lowering energy prices and reducing hardship cases.
August COVID Update data show little change in unemployment numbers for people with and without disabilities on temporary layoff or looking for work. Challenges are on the horizon due to inflation concerns, which may lead to a tightening of the labor market and rising unemployment.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased slightly to 34.6% in August, while the labor force participation rate rose by 0.8%. Historically, impacts on the labor market lag behind economic growth movements, suggesting anti-inflationary measures may be early impact.
Employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from 34.9% in June 2022 to 34.4% in July 2022. Labor force participation rate also decreased, but remains above pre-COVID levels and historic high of 2008.
Research finds no effect of tax policy change on executive compensation; tax regulations may not be effective in curbing excessive pay. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed to reduce CEO pay by limiting deductions for performance-based compensation, but studies have found little impact on the practice.
Alternative credit scoring systems present challenges not covered by existing regulations, leaving many Americans unable to access the credit system. These systems can be opaque and ripe for abusive lending practices, making it difficult for consumers to contest erroneous information.
Research suggests that immigrants who prefer to stay in host countries develop valuable skills and social contacts, leading to better job prospects and increased economic contribution. Policymakers should consider location preferences and planned migration duration when designing immigration policies to maximize fiscal benefits.
Researchers found that an appreciation of the US dollar leads to higher stock returns, while a decline in local currency stock returns accompanies a weaker dollar. Emerging market economy stocks with high dollar beta tend to have higher average returns.
Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.
Two new studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that sugar-sweetened beverages taxes are effective and sustainable in reducing consumption. The Seattle data analysis found a 59% tax pass-through rate, a 22% reduction in volume sold of taxed beverages, and a net 19% reduction in grams of sugar sold fr...
A new study found that a UK government subsidy aimed at boosting restaurant sales during the pandemic accelerated a second wave of COVID-19 infections. The 'Eat-Out-To-Help-Out' scheme subsidized meals by up to 50% and saw a significant increase in restaurant visits, particularly on weekdays.
Researchers found that taxi drivers who smoked cigarettes were more likely to cheat riders after the federal excise tax on cigarettes was raised. This spillover effect occurs when targeted individuals defraud others due to perceived unfairness and reduced buying power.
The poor are unlikely to obey strict lockdowns due to lack of nutrition, economic opportunities, and infrastructure. African policymakers need to prioritize social and economic measures over stringent lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
A study published in Economic Inquiry examined data from 133 countries from 1950-2014, finding that reduced fiscal space in high-income countries after the 2007-2009 global financial crisis led to procyclical policy actions. This resulted in prolonged economic downturns and aggravated business cycle fluctuations.
A modified land-value tax would assess significantly higher rates on land than improvements, leading to more widespread economic equality. This structure would also incentivize development, as improving the land doesn't cost more under this type of taxation.
Research by Bocconi University finds that public debt increases the cost of capital for innovative firms, forcing them to choose only profitable projects over riskier ones, ultimately affecting national GDP growth. A high public debt can lead to a 4% decline in GDP growth after five years compared to a normal debt level.
The US health system faces significant challenges, with high costs, persistent disparities, and the financial burden of chronic illness. Eight policy directions were identified as vital to improve health outcomes and increase efficiency, including four action priorities and four essential infrastructure needs.
The Rice University's Baker Institute will examine the dynamic effects of major fiscal policies with a new $3.2 million grant from the Charles Koch Foundation. The program aims to inform policymakers and the general public about potential reforms, with a focus on reducing budget deficits and growing income inequality.
A study by researchers at the University of East Anglia found that fiscal policies can help lower harmful carbon emissions in developing countries. The research used Brazil as a case study and discovered that even early-stage measures could significantly reduce emissions.
A study by Matthias Doepke and Martin Schneider found that even mild inflation can lead to substantial redistribution of nominal assets, with younger, middle-class households benefiting the most. Rich retirees are expected to lose nearly 60% of their household-sector losses due to inflation.
A UCSF study analyzed conflict of interest policies at top US medical schools, finding 'loopholes' in disclosure and conflict management. The researchers suggest prohibiting investigators from holding stock or decision-making positions in companies that may be affected by the trial.
A new study by Cornell University and the University of Colorado found that state child-support guidelines increase the probability of unwed mothers receiving awards, often increasing their size. In contrast, guidelines for divorced or separated women with children have little impact on award levels.
A University of Michigan professor and attorney conclude that amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is necessary to protect patients' rights and physician autonomy. ERISA preempts state regulation of managed care organizations, allowing them to avoid liability for medical decisions.
A new UCSF study found that nearly all patients value primary care physicians for coordinating their care and serving as a first point of contact. However, nearly a quarter of patients feel their primary care physician or medical group limits access to specialists, leading to lower trust and satisfaction levels.
Recent trends in juvenile crime policy are being driven by unwarranted fear, not facts, according to University of California at Berkeley Law Professor Franklin Zimring. The analysis of juvenile crime statistics for the period 1980-1996 and FBI data shows that juvenile crime has been on the decline for the past four years.
The new welfare and immigration reform acts are likely to produce unintended consequences, including reduced legal immigration and increased incentives for illegal immigrants. Farm employment in rural California is also linked to poverty and a vicious cycle of rural poverty, with immigrants becoming trapped in low-paid labor.
A lack of national workforce policy has led to a mismatch between primary care physician supply and need, reducing access to care for underserved populations. The absence of rational policy also increases healthcare costs, with specialist physicians per 100,000 population predicting higher expenditures.