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May 13, 2024
The American Dream Is Alive and Well (and the Problem of US Inequality Greatly Exaggerated)
Don’t listen to the populist naysayers: The U.S. economy continues to deliver jobs, higher wages and upward mobility for those who need it most. What do former President Trump and Bernie Sanders have…
December 18, 2023
The State of Democratic Capitalism: 2023
…is wrong. Their solutions won’t work. That economic reality will lead to a political course correction. The future for democratic capitalism is bright. Michael R. Strain holds the Arthur F….
December 14, 2023
The Myth of the 1%
The skewing of income toward the top 1% of earners has become a central issue in American politics, with both Republicans and Democrats proposing higher taxes on the rich. But…
November 14, 2023
Forget the Economics of Grievance
…onerous regulatory regime than existed during the Obama presidency. Read the full report. Notes A version of this report was originally published as Michael R. Strain, “Forget the Economics of…
November 13, 2023
The Jobless AI Future Is Still a Long Way Off
Tech billionaire Elon Musk recently prophesied that there “will come a point where no job is needed,” owing to advances in artificial intelligence. But the fear that AI will cause…
October 30, 2023
Does Wage Theft Vary by Demographic Group? Evidence from Minimum Wage Increases
Using Current Population Survey data, we assess whether and to what extent the burden of wage theft — wage payments below the statutory minimum wage — falls disproportionately on various…
October 17, 2023
What Poor Children Need
When it comes to helping poor children in America grow up to enjoy successful adult lives, progressives and conservatives each have half the truth on their side. There is strong…
September 23, 2023
Did Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Increase Unemployment? Evidence from Early State-level Expirations
Abstract During the 2021 pandemic year, the generosity of Unemployment Insurance benefits was expanded (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation [FPUC]) and eligibility for benefits was broadened (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance [PUA]). These…
September 15, 2023
Why Industrial Policy Fails
With Democrats and Republicans alike supporting a shift from free markets toward government planning, the United States has clearly entered a new era of economic policymaking. Yet all the reasons…
March 15, 2023
Can Businesses Boost Upward Mobility?
…wage growth and professional growth and how they correspond in the US labor market. AEI’s Michael Strain spoke last and shared an optimistic view of wage growth and upward mobility…