Michigan State University
Professor of Economics at Michigan State University
PROFILE
Charles Ballard
Guest
FROM Charles Ballard
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
How hard have trade agreements hit Motor City? Donald Trump unveiled details of his economic policy plan Monday in a speech in Detroit . Some of the details of Trump’s plan are typical Republican fare – an across-the-board tax cut, reforming the tax code, and repealing and replacing Obamacare. But there were also some departures from the Republican play book. Trump proposed making child care costs tax deductible and attacked trade deals like NAFTA and the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership. Michigan has become an important focus for both campaigns, which are wooing so-called blue collar voters hit hard by manufacturing job losses. Hillary Clinton is expected to lay out her economic plan in Detroit later this week. But just how hard have trade agreements hit Motor City?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
State of the Economy New numbers from the Census today show little upward movement from last year. Median income last year didn’t budge from the previous year, and it’s the same story with poverty. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is meeting today and tomorrow to decide whether or not to raise interest rates.
To the Point
Workers, Wages and Walker Republican Governor Scott Walker is ready to sign a law that allows workers to benefit from union negotiations without paying union dues. And his opposition to organized labor — both public and private -- has lifted him into the top tier of GOP candidates for president. Three years ago, Walker told reporters he would do "everything in his power" to prevent a so-called "Right to Work Law" from passing in his state. But last week in Washington he told a standing-room-only crowd the Conservative Political Action Conference, "Wisconsin will become the 25th state in America that allows workers the freedom to choose whether they want to work for a company and to be in a union or not."
Recommended
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why is Trump so behind on filling staff jobs, establishing concrete policies? Yesterday Donald Trump signed a “decision memo” to revamp the air traffic control system. But there was little legislative detail in the plan. There’s not much to other splashy announcements from the White House, including tax cuts and the arms deal with Saudi Arabia. And hundreds of positions are unfilled in federal agencies.
Design and Architecture
Farewell LA freeways, Peter Shire is back Angelenos don't want more freeways but we seem not to want mass transit either. Metro has killed the 710 freeway extension, and bus and train ridership is down across the region. What's the future of getting around in LA? And, Peter Shire is having a comeback. What attracts a new generation to his playful ceramics and furniture?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
How do Trump supporters feel about the Paris Accord? Globally and around the U.S., there are strong opinions whether or not the Paris Climate Accord is a good idea. The American exit is either a horrifying abdication of American leadership or a forceful and long overdue statement about U.S. sovereignty.