EconDebates - Fiscal Policy

EconDebates Online

EconDebates Online keeps you informed on today's most crucial economics policy debates. Each EconDebate, created by John Kane (SUNY-Oswego), provides a primer on the issues and links to background information and current, in-depth commentaries from experts around the world. Review the brief introductions and, for EconDebates of interest, select the full debate.

Fiscal Policy

Title

Introduction

How should the U.S. budget surplus be used?

Full Debate

After three decades of federal budget deficits, a budget surplus was realized in 1998. Economic forecasts suggest that such a federal budget surplus is likely to continue for the next several years (in the absence of a major recession or substantial revisions in fiscal policy). In the past, much of the discussion of the federal budget has dealt with the possibly adverse consequences of a federal deficit. Over the past couple of years, the discussion has gradually shifted to examine what, if anything, should be done with the federal budget surplus.

How should we reform the current tax system?

Full Debate

While virtually everyone agrees the the current tax system is excessively complex, there is no tax simplification plan that is universally accepted. The major problem is that most proposed changes in the tax structure will benefit some taxpayers and harm others.

Return to EconDebates Topic Index

Return to Economics Resource Center

Fiscal Policy
Title	Introduction
How should the U.S. budget surplus be used? Full Debate	After three decades of federal budget deficits, a budget surplus was realized in 1998. Economic forecasts suggest that such a federal budget surplus is likely to continue for the next several years (in the absence of a major recession or substantial revisions in fiscal policy). In the past, much of the discussion of the federal budget has dealt with the possibly adverse consequences of a federal deficit. Over the past couple of years, the discussion has gradually shifted to examine what, if anything, should be done with the federal budget surplus.
How should we reform the current tax system? Full Debate	While virtually everyone agrees the the current tax system is excessively complex, there is no tax simplification plan that is universally accepted. The major problem is that most proposed changes in the tax structure will benefit some taxpayers and harm others.