Arts Jun 22 Can Investment Assumptions Worsen the State Pension Fund Crisis? Well, no. Investment assumptions themselves don't worsen the crisis, but as we explain in our story on Rhode Island on Wednesday's broadcast, decisions about pension fund investment assumptions can mean higher taxes, lower pensions and bitter politics. Why?…
Economy Apr 06 Government Shutdown: Rx of the Devil or Just What the Doctor Ordered? A conversation this morning with a centrist Democrat from the Brookings Institution who lived through the shutdown of 1995, economist Martin Baily. "In terms of the economy, it had a surprisingly small effect," he said. "On the other hand, when…
Economy Mar 10 ProPublica’s Mortgage Mod Squad: HAMP’S a Flop As you've probably heard by now either on our program or elsewhere, the administration's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP for short) has been a disappointment -- to put it generously. The program, announced back in February 2009, aimed to…