Bond ratings don’t get much attention, but they should. Why? Because they play a crucial role in the health and well-being of our communities. Three bond-rating agencies this week issued reports on the quality of debt issued by the city…
Health care is too important to be left in the hands of a single official
Some interesting economic issues surround the campaign against Allina and other health maintenance organizations being waged by Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch. But it’s not yet clear whether efficiency or fairness will improve as a result. First, some background. Allina…
People respond to incentives–sometimes a little too well
Students of mine frequently ask: “What is the most important idea in economics?” I respond: “Resources are scarce compared to people’s wants, and therefore they have to make choices.” “But what else?” a few persist in asking. I reply: “People…
Did the Canadian dollar fall, or did the U.S. dollar rise?
“Canadians feeling financial pinch, staying away from States” was the headline atop a recent newspaper story. Northern Minnesota retailers were lamenting a drop in business from Canadians because of “the abysmal exchange rate” between Canada and the United States, according…