Public Policy Commons^™

Financial Well-Being In Low- And Moderate-Income Households: How Does It Compare To The General Population?, Sicong Sun, Olga Kondratjeva, Stephen P. Roll, Mathieu Despard, Michal Grinstein-Weiss

Social Policy Institute Research

Research Brief (18-03)

Research has increasingly shed light on the precariousness of many households’ financial situations. For example, a large national survey showed that 41 percent of adults lack sufficient liquidity to cover even a modest $400 emergency without taking on debt or selling an asset; a problem that is exacerbated for lower-income households. Compounding this issue is the fact that financial shocks, such as the loss of income or a major car repair, are common; 60 percent of U.S. households reported a shock in the prior year at a median cost of $2,000.

We would expect that these indicators …

Employee Financial Wellness Programs: Differences In Reach By Financial Circumstances, Sophia R. Fox-Dichter, Yingying Zeng, Mathieu R. Despard, Ellen Frank-Miller, Geraldine Germain

Social Policy Institute Research

Workplace-based Employee Financial Wellness Programs (EFWPs) aim to strengthen employees’ financial well-being through services such as financial coaching, payroll advances and short-term installment loans, credit counseling, debt management, and online financial management tools. Although EFWPs are a fast-growing part of employee benefit packages, offerings vary widely in service type and delivery method across em-ployers, and little research has assessed their efficacy and reach.1 Our prior research2 indicates significant differences among employees, includ-ing by race/ethnicity3, regarding their awareness, utilization, and self-reported benefits from EFWP services. This brief adds to this research by exam-ining these differences in EFWP reach by employ-ees’ financial …

Employee Financial Wellness Programs: Differences In Reach By Race And Ethnicity, Sophia R. Fox-Dichter, Mathieu R. Despard, Ellen Frank-Miller, Geraldine Germain

Social Policy Institute Research

Employee Financial Wellness Programs (EF-WPs) consist of a wide array of workplace-based services and benefits that aim to enhance em-ployees’ financial well-being, such as in-person financial coaching, online financial management tools, and payroll advances or short-term loans. EFWP provision varies across employers with few organizations offering the same set of services. The recently released Employee Financial Well-ness Programs Project: Comprehensive Report of Findings notes that EFWP utilization rates and employee self-reported benefits also vary widely. This report continues the examination of varia-tion in EFWP trends by breaking down measures of EFWP reach by employee race and ethnicity. We examine three …

Capabilities Perception Of Well-­‐Being And Development Effort: Some Evidence From Afghanistan, Jean-Francois Trani, Parul Bakhshi, Cécile Rolland

Brown School Faculty Publications

This paper examines the relationship between capabilities, well-being and the impact of development efforts in Afghanistan. Using data from a nationally representative survey, we argue that very vulnerable groups maintain a positive perception of well-being by referring to collective values and practices. Our data suggest that deprivation of individual basic capabilities does not systematically lead to a low perception of well-being if individuals have access to other capabilities such as love and care and participation in the community affairs. Nevertheless, access to basic capabilities remains crucial in order to ensure that social norms and expectations cease to constitute constraints and …

Disabilities Through The Capability Approach Lens: Implications For Public Policies Handicap Au Travers De L’Approche Par Les Capabilités: Quelles Implications Pour Les Politiques Publiques ?, Jean-Francois Trani, Parul Bakhshi, Nicol Bellanca, Mario Biggeri, Francesca Marchetta

Brown School Faculty Publications

This paper explores the contribution of the capability approach of Amartya Sen and other authors to policy making in the specific case of disability policy. After reviewing existing models, their translation into action and their limitations in this regard, the paper introduces a new policy framework based on the capability approach. In particular, we introduce a new measure of functionings and capabilities. We investigate ways of measuring the gap between functionings, what people are able to do and be, and capabilities – the valuable practical opportunities people have and choose from. The possibility of the elaboration of such a disability …

Dispelling The Myths About The Global Economy, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Murray Weidenbaum attempts to clarify many of the myths involving globalization, such as job loss, do sanctions work, is the U.S. the only country that does not use protectionism, and whether American companies doing business overseas pollute their environments due to less strict regulations.

The Pros And Cons Of Globalization, Murray L. Weidenbaum, Robert Batterson

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

This briefing book presents both sides of the globalization debate so that readers can draw their own conclusions. Although many of the factors are complex, this summary of the issues surrounding the conflict over globalization is meant to help people better understand the claims of both sides.

A Trade Policy For The United States, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The Trade Deficit Review Commission was established to study the nature, causes, and consequences of the U.S. trade deficits. This report discusses recommendations on how the nation can become more competitive in the global marketplace.

Promoting The Case For Free Trade, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The final report of the Trade Deficit Review Commission focused on the numerous disagreements between the Republican and Democratic members. In this report, Murray Weidenbaum wants to highlight the strong free trade message supported by the Republican members.

Key Challenges Facing President-Elect Bush, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

This paper focuses on the serious issues facing our nation during a difficult and perhaps dangerous period. Politically, Bush must work to restore the public's confidence in the presidency and develop a good working relationship with Congress. Bush will also have to deal with a slowing economy in which inflation is still rising. Domestically, fiscal policy and regulation will prove difficult issues to resolve. Finally, president-elect Bush must set a strong foreign policy agenda, as there are problem areas almost everywhere one looks around the globe.

A Tax System For An E-Commerce Economy, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Many state governments and federal policymakers view a new, special tax on electronic commerce to be a fresh and attractive revenue source. But whether implemented at the state or national level, this new tax would be highly undesirable, because it simply expands the shortcomings of the current revenue structure. Because of the flexibility of e-commerce, the attempt to collect such a tax would result in enforcement policies that would further complicate an already complex tax system. The way out of this conundrum is to see the shortcoming in current efforts to tax internet transactions as part of a broader need …

Progress In Federal Regulatory Policy, 1980-2000, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

As the regulatory reform movement slows, a new strategy, focusing on the shortcomings of the basic regulatory statutes, is needed. Congress should establish an independent Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis to credibly assess the costs and benefits of proposed congressional regulation legislation.

United States, China, Taiwan: A Precarious Triangle, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The economic, political, military, and environmental implications of a growing China are addressed.

Regulatory Reform: Progress And Unfinished Business, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

From 1980 to 2000, attitudes toward government regulation have shifted significantly. Terms like "command and control" have been replaced by "the magic of the marketplace." Yet as this statement before the Joint Economic Committee in March 2000 demonstrates, as the regulatory reform movement slows, a new strategy, focusing on the shortcomings of the basic regulatory statutes, is needed. Congress should establish an independent Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis to credibly assess the costs and benefits of proposed Congressional regulation legislation.

The Assault On The Global Economy, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The global economy is under assault by a strange alliance of radical groups and several mainstream environmental organizations. The outfits from the far left are long-term opponents of the capitalist system, both at home and abroad, so their opposition to trade between nations is neither new nor newsworthy. It is surprising, however, that organizations like the Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth have joined this effort to oppose the modern economy. This paper attempts to respond to these views. Isolationist policies are a foolhardy, futile pursuit in today's interconnected, globalized economy.

The Changing Economic Role Of Defense, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

How much of the federal budget should be spent on national defense is discussed in this paper.

The Global Economic Outlook: Threats And Opportunities For The U.S. Mining Industry, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The United States has built a unique service sector which is based on a unique industrial sector which is based on a unique mining sector. Harm any one of these three vital parts of our nation and you jeopardize the standard of living and future prospects of all our citizens. Now, the world economy is in the midst of a substantial and widespread upswing. In light of this positive outlook, the U.S. mining industry faces two primary threats: increased competition with international, overseas counterparts and the U.S. government's tendency to handicap American business via taxation, regulation, and intervention.

The Global Marketplace And Government Policy, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Murray Weidenbaum points out how important it is for the United States to adapt to globalization.

How The States Can Do A Better Job Promoting Economic Development In The Twenty-First Century, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

In order for states to be able to compete in the global economy, government obstacles facing new enterprises need to be examined. States need to create a positive and competitive business climate for new and expanding companies.

Regulation: Benefit Or Bane, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Murray Weidenbaum and Carol Tucker Foreman debate what are the best ways to improve government regulation.

Prospects For Success In The Global Marketplace, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

This paper explains how Americans need to understand the complexities of the global marketplace in order for the U.S. to become more competitive.

The Public And The Congress Need To Know More About Government Regulation, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The public and Congress both need to know more about the costs and benefits of government regulation. This testimony before the Senate Committee on Government affairs in April 1999 addresses the proposed S.59 bill, the Regulatory Right-to-Know Act of 1999, and the proposals for a Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis. S.59 accomplishes the desirable objective of raising the level of public regulatory understanding in a straightforward and nonpartisan manner: providing consistent regulatory data. Likewise, a new Office of Regulatory Analysis would give Congress an independent source of information - provided its charter were broad enough for the task.

The Great Confusion: A Conservative's Response To Pat Buchanan's "The Great Betrayal", Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

This piece refutes statements made by Pat Buchanan in his book, The Great Betrayal.

Government Regulation Of The Automobile: Extensive And Growing, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Automobile regulation is very burdensome and in many cases works at cross-purposes. By increasing safety features, fuel economy may be reduced.

Creating A Comprehensive Policy Toward China, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Murray Weidenbaum discusses the importance of establishing a relationship with China.

A New Approach To Regulatory Reform, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

Even though there is a legitimate need for government regulation, it is still a blunt and imperfect tool, often imposing costs that greatly outweigh the benefits. This study presents the need for regulatory reform and suggests a few ways to do so.

The U.S. Trade Deficit: A Misleading Economic Indicator, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

The U.S. trade deficit is the most misleading indicator of economic performance in our statistical tool kit. More often than not, bad news for the economy is good news for the trade deficit, and vice versa. In 1992, the economy was in recession and our trade deficit came down. One year later, the opposite was true. When we look beyond the short-run gyrations of the trade balance and the business cycle, more fundamental, longer-run problems do involve the trade deficit. Indeed, it is a symptom of a more basic economic imbalance.

Recasting The Role Of Government To Promote Economic Prosperity, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

No government in the world has an agency with the mission of depressing the economy or accelerating the rate of inflation. Yet, many government actions - especially taxation, government spending, and regulation - have those undesirable effects. The paper focuses on government regulation of business, where the costs are especially insidious, and what can be done to reform this regulation. Government decision-makers often forget the fundamental fact that individuals and private organizations have tremendous capability to deal with the shortcomings of a modern economy on their own. Relying more heavily on private initiative moves us closer to a free society …

The Case For America's Role In The Global Marketplace, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

This briefing book explains the need for "Fast Track" in considering new trade agreements.

Economic Navigation In A Period Of Great Uncertainty, Murray L. Weidenbaum

Murray Weidenbaum Publications

1997 was a very good year economically, but 1998 is expected to bring a lower growth rate and a slowdown across a number of industries. But rather than a period of doom-and-gloom, 1998 will in fact be best defined as a time of economic uncertainty. In light of this, this paper attempts to provide an economic outlook for the year ahead by answering three key questions: first, how will the East Asian financial deterioration affect us? Second, will politicians try to spend the projected federal surplus before it materializes? Lastly, will the Federal Reserve continue to stay on the policy …