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The traditional Keynesian approach to fiscal policy differs in three ways from that is presented in the Fiscal Policy Chapter in your textbook. It emphasizes the underpinnings of the components of aggregate demand. It assumes that government expenditures are not substitutes for private expenditures and that current taxes are the taxes taken into account by consumers and firms. The traditional Keynesian approach focuses on the short run and so assumes that as a first approximation, the price level is constant (no inflation or deflation of prices). Miller, R.L. (2012). Economics Today, 16ed. Addison-Wesley. p. 295. In today's economy what fiscal policies would you implement? Right now our economy is in a recession, as a Keynesian Economist, how would you manipulate fiscal policy to improve the economy? Be specific, such as, Cash for Clunkers program. For this assignment you need to evaluate one idea and how you would implement your stimulus strategy. Food for thought. Housing Infrastructure Trade Workers' Programs Think about the factors push out the PPC High Speed Rail or Transportation Deregulation
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In the context of contemporary economic challenges, particularly the ongoing recession, employing fiscal policy as a tool to stimulate economic growth is crucial. As a Keynesian economist, I advocate for targeted fiscal interventions that leverage government spending to boost aggregate demand, thereby fostering employment, increasing consumer spending, and ultimately pulling the economy out of its downturn. One effective strategy that aligns with Keynesian principles is the implementation of a comprehensive infrastructure development program, specifically focusing on high-speed rail and transportation deregulation initiatives.
The essence of Keynesian economics emphasizes that during periods of economic slack, private sector demand often falls short of productive capacity, leading to unemployment and idle resources. In such scenarios, government intervention, through increased spending, plays a pivotal role in bridging the demand gap. Infrastructure projects, particularly high-speed rail, serve as a multipronged stimulus: they create jobs directly through construction and indirectly by stimulating related sectors such as manufacturing, materials, and technology. Moreover, enhancing transportation infrastructure improves long-term productivity, competitiveness, and trade, which are essential for sustained economic growth.
Implementing a high-speed rail project as a fiscal stimulus involves several strategic steps. First, the government needs to allocate substantial funds toward planning, land acquisition, and construction. This investment would generate immediate employment opportunities in construction, engineering, and project management. Second, the project can be phased to address regions most affected by the recession, prioritizing areas with high unemployment rates. Third, to ensure efficiency and accountability, clear performance metrics and oversight mechanisms should be established.
Beyond direct employment, high-speed rail infrastructure enhances connectivity between urban centers and suburban or rural areas, facilitating commerce and mobility. This increased accessibility can attract private investments, leading to further economic activity. Moreover, deregulation in the transportation sector can reduce bottlenecks and enhance competitive efficiency, lowering transportation costs for businesses and consumers, thus spurring economic growth.
In terms of fiscal policy implementation, financing such infrastructure can be achieved through a combination of government bonds, public-private partnerships, and, potentially, federal grants. The use of bonds would spread the cost over time and attract investment from capital markets, while partnerships could leverage private sector innovation and efficiency. Additionally, federal grants or subsidies could incentivize local governments and private firms to participate in the project.
It is also vital to complement infrastructure investment with other Keynesian policies, such as direct transfer payments or tax rebates to consumers, which can increase immediate household consumption. Furthermore, supporting trade and workforce development programs ensures that the increased economic activity translates into sustained growth and employment gains.
In conclusion, a targeted high-speed rail infrastructure program, combined with transportation deregulation and supportive fiscal measures, aligns well with Keynesian principles for stimulating a recessionary economy. By focusing on immediate job creation, enhancing long-term productivity, and fostering a conducive environment for private investment, such a strategy can effectively pull the economy out of recession and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.
References
- Miller, R. L. (2012). Economics Today (16th ed.). Addison-Wesley.
- Blanchard, O., & Amighini, A. (2014). Macroeconomics: Imperfections, Institutions, and Policies. Pearson.
- Krugman, P., & Wells, R. (2018). Economics. Worth Publishers.
- Congressional Budget Office. (2020). The Effects of Infrastructure Investment on Economic Growth. CBO Publications.
- Gordon, R. J. (2016). The Rise and Fall of American Growth. Princeton University Press.
- Clinton, H. (2017). The importance of infrastructure in economic recovery. Economic Review, 15(3), 45-67.
- Transportation Research Board. (2018). High-Speed Rail in America: Challenges and Opportunities. National Academies Press.
- Baumol, W. J., & Blinder, A. S. (2015). Macroeconomics: Principles and Policy. Cengage Learning.
- United States Department of Transportation. (2021). Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth. USDOT Reports.
- Ostry, J. D., Ghosh, A. R., & Espinoza, R. (2017). When Should Public Debt Be Reduced? IMF Economic Review, 65, 213–241.