HICKS: Cash-strapped cities paying for prior choices
We are making budget cuts today that could well have been slowly phased-in for a generation. What are the implications?
Economic Analysis
Articles
HICKS: Tenure is protectionism in a tweed jacket
Academic tenure, with its promise of lifelong employment based upon five to seven years of work experience, is silly and
makes those of us who have pursued a career in teaching and research look disingenuous.
HICKS: A growing love connection to new media
Changes in media, especially new media,
will alter the life of my kindergartner. I am no futurist, but it seems to me that three big trends are clearly emerging.
HICKS: Economic uncertainty is crushing job growth
Businesses take risks. Risk tolerance is
the hallmark of a successful businessman and entrepreneur. But those same businesses dread uncertainty.
HICKS: So far, federal stimulus plan isn’t stimulating
It has been roughly a year since the passage of the economic stimulus, formally the more harmonious American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. This stimulus is a textbook example of what we economists call counter-cyclical fiscal policy.
HICKS: When it comes to migration, people follow the money
Folks tend to migrate to warmer, sunnier and more tax-friendly places.
HICKS: Urban-to-rural state tax flow makes sense
With only a few exceptions, tax dollars flow from urban counties to rural counties.
HICKS: Bloomington’s chain store debate a tough sell
We have this little thing called an equal protection clause that prevents us singling out so clearly a chain store.
HICKS: Reducing deficit imperative for national prosperity
The end of this decade is as good a time as any to reflect upon what has passed. We’ve had wars, two recessions,
three presidents, five Congresses and 10 Bowl Championship Series teams. Our population has risen, employment has risen, and
personal income has risen. The average American family is healthier, wealthier and, ideally, wiser. However, to listen to political rhetoric today, you’d think we’ve been living in the darkest
of ages.
HICKS: Recession may help close job-skills gap
One of the most important effects of the recession â??lower employment â?? is likely to be stubbornly persistent.
HICKS: Scandal may put chill on global-warming research
A long series of leaked or hacked e-mails strongly indicate that several prominent climate scientists have hidden data, conspired
to hide unfavorable findings, and doctored scientific evidence.
HICKS: New breast cancer recommendation not supported
Under the current proposal, the same type of groups that made the CDC’s recommendations will outline guidelines about which treatment will be offered under a government program.
HICKS: Nutritional poverty plagues land of plenty
It is not sufficient merely to provide sustenance; we need to teach folks how and what to eat.
HICKS: Content expertise best basis for teacher licensing
At a time when we are desperate for science and math teachers, and when several big firms are laying off scientists, we should
be jumping at the chance to get them into the classroom.
HICKS: Families of veterans also serve their country
I have to note that Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. It is rightfully a time we thank those among us who have served.
HICKS: Recession results in ‘great deleveraging’
On virtually every meaningful measure, this recession stacks up as only the third or fourth worst post-World War II recession, but its effects are much more profound in a few areas. One area that will be most apparent is the changes the economy has wrought on consumer credit.
HICKS: Non-market valuation is an important planning tool
One of the more intriguing things economists are called upon to do is what is known as non-market valuation. This is a process for estimating a â??priceâ?? of something that isnâ??t typically bought or sold.
HICKS: Flu season offers prelude to health care reform
This flu season looks to provide us an inkling of the real dangers inherent in large-scale health care reform, most especially
a full-blown national health care option.
HICKS: Labor market woes persist as recession wanes
So, the problem isn’t necessarily a big spike in job losses, but in much lower job-creation numbers.
HICKS: What a third-grader gets about economic policy
Business and people now, and in the future, will choose to locate
in places that have the right mix of taxes and public services.