Analysis of how public policies make the current and future generation’s chances of rising up or falling down the economic ladder. Is the American Dream alive and well?
The great and calamitous fiscal trends of our time—dependence on government by an increasing portion of the American population, and soaring debt that threatens the financial integrity of the economy—worsened yet again in 2010 and 2011. Read More.
Increasingly, policymakers are focused on entrepreneurial innovation as a key to unlocking higher levels of economic growth. Read More.
The similarities between the United States and the United Kingdom are common knowledge. It is no exaggeration to refer to Britain and America sharing a common political culture. Read More.
When a neighbor is in need, who bears responsibility to help? Increasingly in America, responsibility for taking care of others is placed at the foot of government. Read More.
Abstract: The great and calamitous fiscal trends of our time—dependence on government by an increasing portion of the American population, and soaring debt that threatens the financial integrity of the economy—worsened yet again in 2010 and 2011. The United States has long reached the…
Produced by the Center for Data Analysis - Delivered March 14, 2011 Abstract: Increasingly, policymakers are focused on entrepreneurial innovation as a key to unlocking…
It's time for common sense; I'm Ernest Istook. Every year, The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal…
Abstract: The number of Americans who pay taxes continues to shrink—and the United States is close to the point at which half of the population will not pay taxes for government benefits…
Abstract: Year after year, The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Dependence on Government documents the ever-growing number of federal aid programs and the ever-growing number of Americans who rely on government subsidies for their existence. The number…
James Sherk discussing the rise of wealthy families in the US. …
The similarities between the United States and the United Kingdom are common knowledge. It is no exaggeration to refer to Britain and America sharing a common political culture. …
Less than two weeks ago, the Republican convention erupted with chants of "Drill, Baby, Drill." In a recent Quinnipiac poll of likely voters support "drilling for new oil supplies in currently protected areas off shore" Support included 82% of Republicans, 50% of Democrats, 60% of Independents, 67% of…
As Labor Day draws near, so too does the return of Congress, something every American should fear. While the House of Representatives is clearly controlled by a majority of Democrats, the Senate is made up of a coalition of 49 Democrats and two independents. One…
Some years back, a newspaper comic strip showed lemmings running toward a cliff. One said to another, "Don't worry, this was a bipartisan decision." That, in a nutshell, is how Washington sometimes works. As long as both parties agree to an idea, everyone assumes the idea must be correct. Even if it's not. Consider spending. For…
A new report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) offers new proof that many of America's poorest citizens are doing better than they were 14 years ago. Between 1991 and 2005, the average annual income of the poorest households with children increased by 35 percent, adjusted for inflation--a bit over 2 percent per year.…
What causes poverty in America? If you’re like most people, you are concerned about poverty—but probably not your own. By historical standards, most Americans are quite wealthy. And that’s part of what bothers us.…
By the numbers, America's economy is strong. The economy has expanded 3.5 percent over the past 12 months, above the average historical rate of growth, while unemployment has fallen to 4.6 percent. Except for the technology bubble of the late 1990s, unemployment has not been this low since…
Congress has not raised the federal minimum wage since 1997, and some Members of Congress say that a raise is overdue to help low-income workers get ahead.[1] These lawmakers appear to believe that low-income workers will not get a raise unless the government steps…
There is a widespread belief in America that productivity is rising but workers are not receiving the fruits of their labor. Citing government data that wages have lagged far behind increases in worker productivity in recent years, many politicians and journalists contend that America is becoming less economically mobile. This mistaken belief is the result…
How to Be a Good Steward of Energy and the Environment When it comes to energy and the environment, most of us feel conflicted. On the one hand, we depend on affordable energy for almost everything --…
For conservatives who have the stomach to monitor Congress, the 110th Congress has been especially unsatisfactory. Real Clear Politics has Congress with an average approval rating of 20% and a disapproval rating of 74%, strong evidence that the American people are nauseated with Congress. Conservatives are angry because members…
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has enhanced U.S.-African trade and investment relations since its inception in 2000, will have its seventh annual forum in Washington, D.C., July 14-16. Under the theme of "Mobilizing Private Investment for Trade and Growth," a focal point for this year's AGOA forum…
When a neighbor is in need, who bears responsibility to help? Increasingly in America, responsibility for taking care of others is placed at the foot of government. In a culture that speaks about desires in terms of needs, needs in terms of rights, and rights in terms of entitlements, government is considered obligated to provide…
Many commentators believe that the increase in income inequality over the last 30 years is a serious problem. They argue that America has become an increasingly class-based society where a rich minority lives in opulence while most other Americans struggle with little hope of becoming wealthy themselves. New research into income inequality debunks that notion.…
Americans have always expressed concern about becoming dependent on government even while understanding that life's challenges make most of us, at one time or another, dependent on aid from someone else. This concern stems partly from deeply held views that life's blessings are more readily obtained by independent people and that growing dependence on government…
Silicon Valley is one of the few bright spots in the U.S. economy today, but a new report warns that Washington’s...…
The front page of The New York Times yesterday featured a very long story on the state displacing the market within the...…
Distinguished Fellow and Director, Center for Policy Innovation
Director, Center for Data Analysis and Lazof Family Fellow
Assistant Director, Center for Data Analysis and Research Fellow
Senior Policy Analyst in Labor Economics