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How to measure health care cost control

I want to propose a four-part test for measuring any particular bill on health care cost control.

short run

long run

Federal deficit

Understanding the President’s CAFE announcement

(Editorial note: I was doing so well moving to shorter posts. I fail miserably in achieving that goal here. I went the comprehensive route instead. I promise to return to shorter posts in the future. Buckle up — this is a long ride. I hope you…

Slowing health cost growth requires information AND incentives

When I was growing up, I was taught that you change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.

Suppose I take my three-year old car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change.

A quick guide to the G-20 summit

The President has arrived in London for the G-20 economic summit. I have different policy views than the President on some of these issues, but I will not criticize him while he is overseas. I will attempt to gently highlight a couple of substantive issues that concern…

Auto loans, part 3: the Bush approach

The White House press office announced this evening that the President will speak about the auto industry tomorrow (Monday), at 11 AM, in the Grand Foyer of the White House.

Is $700 billion enough?

I think President Obama will soon need to ask Congress for more TARP funding, and that such a request will displace his legislative agenda for a while. Let’s do the math.

When President Obama took office, $387 B of the $700 B of available TARP funds had already…

Bonuses and the peril of Congressional hindsight

Which matters more to you?

1. Anger at failed AIG executives who are receiving bonuses while their employer is being bailed out by the taxpayer.
2. Fear of what this or a future Congress might do once…