Former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm discusses his book, “The Myth of American Inequality: How Government Biases Policy Debate.” Gramm and co-authors Robert Ekelund and John Early argue that the official Census measure of household income skews policy debates. That measure excludes all noncash income, leaving out two-thirds of government transfer payments.
Former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm explains ‘The Myth of American Inequality’
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Expert warns of ‘benefits cliff’ as NC considers study of welfare program consolidation
Benefits cliffs occur when a small wage increase puts a family over the threshold to stop receiving public benefits. One study found that a single mother of two children would require a 67% raise at an annual income of $32,000 in order to overcome losses in benefits from bringing in more income.
Government numbers skew debate over American inequality
Americans can have a better debate about inequality with a clearer grasp of the facts.
Friday Interview: Focus on Growth, Not Inequality
RALEIGH — Left of-center pundits and politicians have spent a lot of time recently bemoaning growing income inequality in the United States. James Piereson, president of the William E. Simon Foundation and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, says the focus on inequality diverts attention from more important problems. Piereson explored that theme during a 2014 Hayek Lecture at Duke University. He also discussed inequality with Mitch Kokai for Carolina Journal Radio.
Got to Pick a Pocket?
To take money out of someone else’s pocket and put it in your own creates no value. You benefit at the direct expense of your victim.