Executive Summary Introduction Since the inception of global trade, there has always been a dominant, trusted currency used to facilitate transactions between parties to avoid the double coincidence of wants associated with bartering. The U.S. dollar (USD) has been the premiere global currency since the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944 where it was crowned in … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Economy
As unaffordable housing swells, its causes (and proposed solutions) should be considered
The nation undoubtedly faces an affordable housing problem, one that can be understood through the economic lens of housing supply-and-demand. Since the Great Recession, mortgage rates have remained low but at the expense of overall housing costs, with prices of the average American home soaring to $316,000 in June of 2019. A study by Freddie Mac attributes the rise … Continue reading
From the Past to the Present: U.S. Protectionism
Since assuming office, President Trump has shaken the foundation of global trade with his use of tariffs. Tariffs, in simple terms, are taxes levied on imported goods. Trump’s intentions, in line with his America First campaign promise, are to boost the domestic manufacturing industry, reduce the U.S. trade deficit, and to leverage foreign countries into … Continue reading
WIOA Under President Trump
Introduction The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports individuals from sectors across society who are looking for employment, training, or other workforce assistance. WIOA is a federal program implemented by states and it has only been active since July 1, 2016. The program is supported by a bipartisan majority and has been praised by … Continue reading
Going for Broke: How the Olympics Affect Local Economies
Since the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, the Olympic Games have been a world stage for people of all countries to show off athletic prowess through competition. In that time, 41 different cities have hosted the games with some like Los Angeles hosting multiple. Leaders in these cities justify the expense … Continue reading
Democrats Double Down on Failed Financial Services Policy
The Democratic Party’s platform draft for Financial Services states that “[t]o restore economic fairness, Democrats will fight against the greed and recklessness of Wall Street.” Despite these goals, the proscribed policies in the Democrat’s platform will have unintended consequences that will harm consumers, and make the biggest banks bigger and smaller banks disappear. In short, … Continue reading
ACA Made Easy: Individual Shared Responsibility
Since the Individual Mandate statute of the Affordable Care Act was enacted in January 2014, every American is accountable for an Individual Shared Responsibility* payment every year. Meaning, if you do not have health insurance, you will face penalties. While you may not see an actual summons, or pay a fine, the federal government enforces … Continue reading
Americans still lack confidence in economy & government
Gallup reported today that 66 percent of Americans cited some economic issue as the most important problem facing our country today.[1]Only 8 percent said the federal budget deficit or federal debt. Yet, these two issues are intrinsically linked. Exit polls in New Hampshire’s Republican primary yesterday showed that 6 in 10 voters viewed the economy … Continue reading
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