Tuition hikes, larger class sizes. What else can be expected in response to the severe state deficits? An email recently found its way into my inbox, citing a release by the Chancellor of The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (UWO), Richard Wells, noting a tuition increase to be expected in FY 2012. I was not … Continue reading
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Markets and Healthcare
One of the great academic accomplishments of our time is our understanding of markets. They are powerful. They can enable human beings to make the most of scarce resources. I believe in having a market economy. Now let me add a caveat. While I do believe in markets, I also acknowledge market failures (externalities, monopolies, … Continue reading
Every Week is a Form of Shark Week
The beginning of August is a strange time in America. Kids become sick of the sports that their helicopter parents have forced them into, the attention span for Major League Baseball drops off before playoff races heat up, and Congress prepares for its long recess. To rescue the American public from these melancholy circumstances, the … Continue reading
Problems in Our National Parks.
NPR recently published an article on Yosemite National Park and its problem with ticket scalpers. Because of a limited number of campsites—only about 400—reservations for campsites are sold online for $20 a night. Reservations usually sell out within the hour of becoming available, and park rangers suspect ticket scalpers are purchasing large amounts of tickets … Continue reading
EPA’s New Ozone Rulemakings: More Harmful than Helpful?
Praised by environmentalists and panned by business groups, EPA’s recent rulemakings for ground-level ozone is causing quite the stir. The rule proposes to cut the national ambient air-quality standard to between 60 and 70 parts per billion (ppb) of allowable ozone. The current level is 75 ppb. The Washington Times cited the possible damaging effects … Continue reading
Patients vs. Data
In a recent hearing on the reauthorization of PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee Act), concerns were raised about the FDA’s decision to revoke the approval of Avastin for use in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Several congressmen gave heartfelt anecdotes of relatives or friends whose lives were improved or lengthened through the use of … Continue reading
Removing Obese Children From Their Parents…Right or Wrong?
There is a controversial debate on whether children who suffer from dangerous and life-threatening obesity should be removed from their parents? Does having a severely obese child equate to abuse? Some health policy researchers believe so. I found this recent book review on the New York Times blog centering on how the weight and nutrition … Continue reading
Policy Interns 