How to Thank a Veteran
As Veterans Day approaches, I am reminded that the hardships of military service provided me with the most valuable lessons of civics.
Read MoreTag Archives: Michael Hicks
A Half Century with the Wrong Ideas
Economists have developed three competing explanations, or theories, to explain differences in economic growth between regions.
Read MoreOur New Diploma Problems
In crafting Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements, the state Department of Education identified only one of the two deep challenges to education in Indiana.
Read MoreThe Economy Today – What’s Going On?
A close observer of the economy might be tempted to ask, “What is going on?”
Read MoreThe IEDC Mess Is Bigger Than One Audit
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. audit is the latest example of the truly first-rate effort of the Braun administration to clean up a festering mess.
Read MoreA Data Center Study
Data centers have almost no local economic effects, with one possible exception.
Read MoreThe Resurrection of Keynesianism — in a MAGA Hat
Federal Reserve’s 0.25% interest rate cut, announced Sept. 17, will have little economic effect by itself.
Read MoreSummoning Better and Braver Angels
The assassination of Charlie Kirk was an evil, vile and pernicious act that targeted not merely one man, but also our republic — our basic freedoms.
Read MoreI’m Not Trying to Change Your Mind
Readers frequently offer advice on my columns, with a common theme of helping me be more persuasive.
Read MoreThe Real Lesson of the China Shock
A fantastically high share of our debate over economic policy involves a false lesson of the China Shock and its effect on factory jobs and communities.
Read MoreAmerica Is Not in Decline, but Trump and Sanders Could Change That
One great irony of our times is that the claims of economic decline that animate both the MAGA movement and the Democratic Socialists of America are indistinguishable from one another.
Read MoreWhat Made Us Fumble Education Policy?
Indiana made a billion-dollar mistake based on a flawed jobs forecast a decade ago, and we’re still paying for it.
Read MoreGrim Recessionary Facts
In March, I predicted the U.S. economy would enter recession and in April I explained how Indiana would be especially vulnerable to this downturn.
Read MoreSome Easy (and Not So Easy) Spending Cuts for the Next Budget
The coming decade is almost certain to see Americans take more seriously our large national debt. I see this as a silver lining that will push states to think more deliberately about taxes and public services.
Read MoreMore Bad News About Hoosier College Attendance
By Michael Hicks Guest Columnist MUNCIE — The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has released the state’s go-to-college data for 2023, the most recent year available. It is terribly disappointing news for the health of our economy. After two relatively stable years, the share of students who attended … Read More
It’s Stagflation, Not Inflation
The average American family will pay about $2,500 more this year because of tariffs.
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