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.
Economic Analysis
Articles
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.
HICKS: Post-recession policies matter more than theory
There’s a wonderful fight brewing between some of the world’s best-known economists.
HICKS: Card check folly and the demise of unions
This Labor Day sees the American labor movement in serious decline. In fact, U.S. private-sector union membership
has been in serious decline for three decades.
HICKS: Clunkers popularity went beyond consumers
The Cash for
Clunkers program has seriously challenged my high-mindedness. It is time for a bit of soul searching.
HICKS: As classes begin, students have fresh opportunity
Classes start this week at Ball State University, and other colleges and universities across the country. For many, it is
a bittersweet moment, as parents say goodbye to their now young adults, handing them over to professors and scarily youthful
resident hall assistants for safekeeping.
HICKS: Health care experts make poor economists
In almost every place that two or more Americans gather, health care is debated. Because the bills before Congress are
inaccessible, the debate has shifted instead to principles such as the role of government and individual freedoms. I think this a healthy thing.
HICKS: Indiana State Fair offers fun kind of economic stimulus
The Indiana State Fair is a great treat, but there’s a lot more to it than the food and fun. In 2008, more than 859,000 folks visited the fair. According to our estimates, spending at the fair last year led to more than $63 million in total economic activity.
HICKS: Structural unemployment not always a burden
A few weeks ago, a couple of my economist colleagues took issue with the phrasing in one of my columns. In a rare turn
of events, they are right, and I was wrong.