Forecasts of economic apocalypse usually are — like antemortem reports of Mark Twain’s death – greatly exaggerated. Think back a couple of months to when reports of the declining value of the U.S. dollar were making headlines. Many journalists instinctively…
Preferential rates do have economic basis
Large government entities such as Hennepin County and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities get better rates on HMO coverage for their employees than do smaller, private sector businesses, according to recent news reports. Moreover, HMOs continued to charge preferential rates…
Government actions take from poor, give to rich
Government actions frequently affect income distribution, whether intentionally or not. Take two examples: the Medicare drug benefit currently in process in Congress and the recent tax bill that further reduces the “marriage penalty.” Both shift income from younger, poorer age…
Heck yes, pricing hits buyers
Whenever governments act to raise or lower prices for a product, their action affects both buyers and sellers. This is true whether it involves the U.S. or Minnesota trying to raise corn prices or the Brazilian government trying to lower…