Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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IDEAS
The Roosevelt Institute Campus Network A division of the Roosevelt Institute 570 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022
Copyright (c) 2012 by the Roosevelt Institute. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. They do not express the views or opinions of the Roosevelt Institute, its officers or its directors.
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IDEAS
FOR
Economic Development
Congratulations to Blake Falk, author of Growing Small Business Through E-Government Nominee for Policy of the Year
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Our country needs a new narrative for how to address the problems we face: skyrocketing inequality, rising health care costs, unsustainable deficit spending, climate change, the list goes on. Defeating these challenges will require broad support from our citizens. And yet across the political spectrum the majority of the voting public has expressed strong dissatisfaction with their relationship with government. They feel that they dont have a voice in how decisions are made. The work of the Campus Network, and our 10 Ideas Series demonstrates that there is an alternative way forward-grassroots policymaking-and that young people across the country are blazing a trail forward. Each idea in these journals represents the work of a student who independently took up the challenge of addressing our countrys problems. They worked at local nonprofits and visited community centers to identify the issues that mattered most to their constituents. They reached out to community leaders, professors, and government officials to identify resources that could address those issues. And along with writing the policy memos included in this journal theyve developed public campaigns to attract funding and popular support for their causes. With this new model of engagement our students are bringing government back to We the People. Were inviting you to join us. Reese Neader Policy Director Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network
Analysis
In order to implement a prison farm system, prisons would need to purchase an initial supply of livestock, seeds, and farming equipment. This initial investment would not only provide long-term viability for a prison farm program but would also give funds to struggling farmers and agricultural suppliers. The program would soon pay for itself, since pris8
ons would no longer have to rely on government-subsidized funds for food. According to a video released by the farming organization The Hand That Feeds U.S., a large commercial grade farm would need to allocate $3 million dollars for start up costs, including land, equipment, and livestock.8 A prison with 300 inmates spends an average of $3 million every two years on food for Talking Points This bill would be beneficial for inprisoners, so a farm would quickly pay mates, taxpayers, and prison workers. for itself. Additionally, since most prisons are already located in remote areas, they would be able to purchase the property necessary for a farm large enough to sustain a prison population. Some private prisons in the United States have implemented such programs. For instance, the Wateree River Correctional Institution in South Carolina operates a 7,000 acre farm. These three correctional facility farms in South Carolina save taxpayers $400,000 a year.9
Next Steps
Introducing a self-sufficient prison farm initiative on a national level will take years of work and advocating, but introducing community-level measures can create an immediate and powerful impact. A partnership between prisons and local 4H clubs could provide a viable means of making a change. Members of agriculturally minded organizations like The Hand That Feeds U.S. can identify volunteers on the local level who are willing to contact prison supervisors and help them get started with the process of creating a farm. Also, writing grants to environmental organizations looking to increase localized food consumption can provide a financial basis for this movement.
Endnotes
1. USA Today. 2011 budget gives federal prisons $528M. Last modified February 4, 2010. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-02-03-prison-budget_N.htm 2. Florida Department of Corrections. Budget, 2009-2010 Agency Annual Statistical Information. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/annual/0910/budget.html 3. The Post and Courier, Charleston SC. Too much spent on prisons, study says. Last modified March 3, 2009. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/mar/03/too_much_ spent_on_prisons_study_says73605/ 4. CNN Money. Inside Americas $37 billion prison economy Last modified December 1, 2006. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2006/12/01/8394995/index.htm. 5. Prison Policy Initiative. Daily cost to feed prisoners and the average American. Last modified 2003. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://www.prisonpolicy.org/graphs/foodcosts.html 6. FindLaw. U.S Supreme Court: Hutto v. Finney. Last modified June 23, 1978. Accessed February 13, 2012. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=437&invol=678 7. Huffington Post. Prison Calls if Food, Inmates Disagree. Last modified March 23, 2008. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/23/prison-calls-it-food-inma_n_92953.html 8. The Hand That Feeds U.S. The Cost of Starting a Farm. Last modified February 2011. Accessed February 13, 2012. http://vimeo.com/11856105 9. CBS 7 News SC. SC Prison Farms Cut Down On Inmate Food Costs Last modified July 26, 2010. Accessed December 4, 2011. http://www2.wspa.com/news/2010/jul/26/4/sc-media-getting-sneak-peeknew-prison-dairy-ar-624489/
Analysis
A four-pronged solution is necessary to enact efficient and responsive stabilization funding: pre-approval, identification, evaluation, and utilization. First, infrastructure projects would be proposed during periods of economic growth. By designing and pre-approving infrastructure projects, we can ensure quick access to them during times when they are most needed to stabilize the economy. Second, an economic trigger based on unemployment or inflation rates will be determined so that the government will automatically begin the implementation of the predetermined infrastructure plans. Third, to ensure that infrastructure projects stay up-to-date with our societal needs, all approved projects will be regularly reviewed. Finally, the Economic Reserve Corps should be formed using funds from an optional unemployment insurance program that will be paid by employers who sponsor employees to participate in this program. The majority of unemployment insurance spending occurs during periods of recession.
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For example, disbursements of unemployment insurance totaled $128.4 billion, or 0.9 percent of GDP, in 2009.3 Thus, up to 50 percent of spending on the Economic Reserve Corps could be offset by tax credits toward unemployment insurance, as all employees in a participating workplace would be less likely to claim benefits since early flexible staffing policies could reduce the need for mass layoffs later. When the infrastructure triggers are reached, an infrastructure project will be set in motion, and members of the Economic Reserve Corps at participating companies that are seeking to reduce their workforce will be transferred to the infrastructure projects. In exchange for a greater guarantee of employment and the opportunity for paid skill training, the employee who is in the Economic Reserve Corps agrees to return to his/her sponsoring employer once the company has the capacity to rehire. The companys participation in the Economic Reserve Corps promotes profitability during a recession, reduced hiring, training, and firing costs, and serves as an additional incentive to recruit talented workers to a company, regardless of the employees participation in the reserve corps. Additional incentives, such as tax credits, could be offered to encourage companies to re-hire reserve corps workers as soon as possible.
Infrastructure projects are not currently structured for the agile response necessary for effective stimulus spending. An employer that joins the Economic Reserve Corps program provides greater job security for all of its employees, regardless of participation because they have a more flexible workforce and will have reduced hiring, firing, and training costs. An Economic Reserve Corps would eliminate the gap in employment for laid off workers before starting work on infrastructure projects. The costs of an Economic Reserve Corps can be offset by reduced unemployment insurance claims during a recession.
Talking Points
Next Steps
In order to prevent another Great Recession, the U.S. Congress should propose the Economic Reserve Corps program and establish a procedural standard for recession triggers on future infrastructure projects. Information should be distributed to employers, who can opt in, and select employees to sponsor in the Economic Reserve Corps.
Endnotes
1. Keynes, John Maynard. The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. Atlantic Publishers & Dist, 2006. <http://www.saigontre.com/FDFiles/the-general-theory-of-employment-interest-andmoney.pdf>. 2. Condon, Stephanie. Obama: No Such Thing as Shovel-Ready Projects. CBSNews.com. 13 October 2010. <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20019468-503544.html>. 3. Vroman, Wayne. The Role of Unemployment Insurance as an Automatic Stabilizer During a Recession. Impaq International, July 2010. <http://wdr.doleta.gov/research/FullText_Documents/ETAOP2010-10. pdf>.
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Cost of federal regulations per employee in 2004: $7,647 for firms with fewer than 50 employees, $5,282 for firms with more than 500 employees.1 NYC Business streamlines the functions of over 20 city agencies in a one stop website.2 Small businesses have consistently led job growth since June 2011.3
Analysis
Consider an entrepreneur in New York City. She will typically be required to interact with upward of twenty separate city agencies,8 such as the Business Integrity Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection,9 which often require the services of a lawyer. Consequently, the cost-per-employee is markedly higher. In 2004, federal regulation cost $7,647 for firms with fewer than 20 employees and $5,282 for firms with more than 500 employees.10 Part of this disparity in costs can be explained by the economies of scale that larger businesses enjoy. Herein lies the problem. New small businesses do not possess the vast resources that larger firms do, especially in terms of legal services. Consequently, the structural, financial, and time-related barriers faced by smaller entrepreneurs discourage new business establishment. One-stop websites such as NYC Business Express have accordingly experienced a warm reception from entrepreneurs.11 However, the cost of implementing such a program remains a point of contention. NYC Business Express required $27.4 million to develop.12 Additionally, different municipalities have different sets of regulations and agencies related to business creation, so a program like NYC Business Express cannot necessarily be replicated at little expense.
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The initial requirements of developing a one-stop site are nevertheless offset by the accounting and time benefits. It has allowed for cuts in administrative hours as more transactions are completed online instead of at brick-and-mortar agencies.13 The convenience of 24/7 access to permits, regulations, and incentive programs, as well as a more entrepreneur-friendly environment for small businesses, reduce the time-related costs to starting a new business.14
Next Steps
Because small businesses are exposed to the bureaucratic costs of Talking Points The administrative burden of new businessestablishing a new business, local es is more heavily felt by small businesses organizations such as chambers of than large businesses. commerce or small business as NYC Business Express is a successful modsociations must compel municipal el for an e-government tool that reduces governments to instigate this mutuaccounting and non-accounting costs of ally beneficial initiative. Given the starting and running a small businesses. current lukewarm employment situation, streamlining the process of small business formation through the creation of one-stop e-government websites will be a successful venture that municipal governments can employ to reduce the costs entrepreneurs face and allow small businesses to continue creating jobs.
Endnotes
1. Crain, W. M. (2005, September). The impact of regulatory costs on small firms. Small Business Research Summary, 294, 5. Retrieved 2011, 23 November, from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=aD CIJWakHT8C&oi=fnd&pg=PR2&dq=the+impact+of+regulatory+costs+on+small+firms&ots=b61Yvijlzx&si g=yN-e_hG5cpTk_djruuFO5-MS98s#v=onepage&q=the%20impact%20of%20regulatory%20costs%20 on%20small%20firms&f=true 2. Wood, C. (2011, January 20). New York City website leads rise of business one-stops. Government Technology. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.govtech.com/e-government/New-YorkCity-Business-One-Stop.html 3. ADP. (2012, January 5). National Employment Report. Retrieved January 25, 2012 from http://www. adpemploymentreport.com/ 4. Sanchez, J. M. & Thornton, D. L. (2011). Why is economic growth so slow? The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 37, 1-2. 1. Retrieved from: http://research.stlouisfed.org/publications/es/11/ES1137.pdf 5. Ibid 3 6. Ibid 2 7. Ibid 2 8. Ibid 2 9. NYC Business Express. (2011). NYC.gov. Retrieved November 23, 2011, from http://www.nyc.gov/portal/ site/businessexpress/ 10. Ibid 1 11. Ibid 2 12. Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. (2010, May 25). Hearing on the Mayors Fiscal Year 2011 Executive Budget. Retrieved 2012, 12 February, from http://council.nyc.gov/ html/budget/PDFs/doitt_exec_rpt_2011.pdf 13. Ibid 2 14. Douglas, M. (2011, January 21). The economics of e-government services are far from simple. Government Technology. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.govtech.com/budget-finance/TheEconomics-of-E-Government-Services-Are-Far-From-Simple.html
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Despite the decline of small businesses, the capacities of big banks have largely expanded. According to 11 Facts You Need to Know About The Nations Biggest Banks, Due to the failure of small competitors and mergers facilitated during the 2008 crisis, the nations biggest banks including Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo are now bigger than they were pre-recession. Pre-crisis, the four biggest banks held 32 percent of total deposits; now they hold nearly 40 percent.2 Yet the federal government bailed out these giant corporations instead of focusing on helping small businesses.3 The solution to the number of declining small businesses is to establish a partnership between big banks and universities. Since universities generate large profits from small businesses around their campuses, big banks and universities can work together to establish a program that can help sustain existing small businesses and create new ones. In return, corporate greed will be limited and more jobs will be created, which will strengthen the economy.
The New Rules Project notes that the countrys 20 biggest banks devote only 18 percent of their commercial loan portfolios to small businesses.1 According to 11 Facts You Need to Know About The Nations Biggest Banks, Due to the failure of small competitors and mergers facilitated during the 2008 crisis, the nations biggest banks including Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo- are now bigger than they were pre-recession.2
Analysis
Big banks and universities should work together in partnership to empower the small businesses around university campuses. There are a number of advantages of creating these programs for small businesses, including accessible loan funds and consultation from professional experts. The program will also result in an increase in consulting services for entrepreneurs. Colleges such as the City College of New York (CCNY) have made contracts with corporations such as the Metropolitan Food Company to establish a food restaurant business
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on campus. NY based Metropolitan Food Service, Inc. has been providing creative Talking Points Food Service Management solutions for There are a number of advantages colleges and universities in the greater New of creating these programs for small York City area.4 This ensures conveniently businesses, including accessible accessible food for students on campus. loan funds, lessons on how to run However, since the Metropolitan Food the business more efficiently by proCompany represents a monopoly, it is genfessional experts who have already erating large amounts of profits and it is also served in large corporations, and limiting competition. If CCNY partnered consultation for small businesses. The program will also result in an with a big bank such as JP Morgan Chase, increase in consulting firms for enthey could both use their wealth to estabtrepreneurs. lish more small businesses around CCNYs campus. JP Morgan Chase has partnered with Syracuse University to increase education in the area of financial services information technology.5 Big banks have the capability of going further by establishing small businesses along with the university. Such partnerships can generate more profit and increase jobs at the same time.
Next Steps
Universities and big banks can work together to establish programs that can help create small businesses and jobs. The federal government can facilitate this process by creating a forum for university and small business partnerships.
Endnotes
1. Garofalo, Pat. 11 Facts You Need to Know About The Nations Biggest Banks. <http://thinkprogress.org/ economy/2011/10/07/338887/1-facts-biggest-banks/ Oct. 7 2011>. 2. Ibid 1. 3. Reich, Robert. Aftershock: The Next Economy and Americas Future. Vintage; First Paperback Edition edition. page 103. 4. Metropolitan Food Service Inc. 2007. <http://www.metropolitanfoodservice.com/index.html>. 5. School of Information, Studies Syracuse University. 2011. Syracuse University-JPMorgan Chase Collaboration. <http://ischool.syr.edu/prospective/graduate/jpmc/index.aspx>. 6. Roosevelt, Franklin. Address Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Franklin D. Roosevelt: Address Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. <http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index. php?pid=75174#ixzz1fFCya8w>.
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Analysis
The optimal policy solution for this crisis is another round of quantitative easing that
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targets debtors mortgages based on a progressive scale of debt held relative to income. The Fed would buy up private debt -- but while banks and other loaning institutions hold the debt itself, QE3 would distribute money to those who owe. If trends hold, the additional cash will aid savers, incentivizing them to spend more, raising aggregate demand. The only alternative is that debtors defy current trends and spend anyway, which seems unlikely.
Debt cancellation saved the big banks, and can likewise aid private debtors. Personal debt is skyrocketing and limiting consumption. Quantitative easing directly targets household debt and instigates an inflationary currency that aids debtors.
Talking Points
Next Steps
The Federal Reserve should work directly with both U.S. consumers and financial institutions to institute a quantitative easing program that targets consumer debt based on a progressive scale of debt held relative to income. The Federal Reserve should supplement this action by continuing to lower interest rates and manage targeted inflation that reduces the debt burden on U.S. consumers.
Endnotes
1. Hilsenrath, Jon, and Ruth Simon. Spenders Become Savers, Hurting Recovery . October 22, 2011. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204294504576614942937855646.html (accessed ). 2. http://www.newyorkfed.org/research/national_economy/householdcredit/DistrictReport_Q12011.pdf. 3. Harpers Index. Harpers Magazine. May 2011: 15. Print. 4. Harper. Harper. October 2011: 15. Print. 5. Hilsenrath, Jon, and Ruth Simon. Spenders Become Savers, Hurting Recovery . October 22, 2011. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204294504576614942937855646.html (accessed ). 6. Hilsenrath, Jon, and Ruth Simon. Spenders Become Savers, Hurting Recovery . October 22, 2011. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204294504576614942937855646.html (accessed ). 7. Hilsenrath, Jon, and Ruth Simon. Spenders Become Savers, Hurting Recovery . October 22, 2011. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204294504576614942937855646.html (accessed ).
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Analysis
This plan calls for the U.S. government to provide tax breaks to U.S. businesses currently operating in China. With the ongoing increase in Chinese wages and shipping costs, certain U.S. businesses whose major component of sales are to American customers are already relocating back to the U.S.4 The U.S. government should incentivize businesses to continue to move back with these tax breaks. Companies should be required to move back a minimum of 10 percent of their Chinese workforce to the U.S. as jobs for Americans in order to be eligible for this tax break. Once this stipulation is met, they will receive $5,000 per worker in tax credits. With the relocation of manufacturing to the U.S., overall GDP will rise. While the U.S. government will have to increase its deficit spending to draw these companies back in, the income lost will be regained after the implementation of this plan, primarily because of multiplier effects. There is empirical evidence that tax rate reductions increase real GDP5 and the tax multiplier of a job tax credit is estimated to be 1.3.6 The increased number of employed workers in the U.S. would also lead to the collection of more taxes from workers.7 The current unemployment rate has
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meant that the U.S. government pays transfer benefits in the form of unemployment benefits to a large number of people,8 so the benefits of reducing those transfer payments through these tax credits also justifies the initial cost. Luxury brands, which will be defined by their status as goods that have a much higher consumption rate with a significant increase in income, will be given larger tax credits of $6,000 due to the benefit of exporting these Talking Points goods. This benefit comes from the progres Incentives for companies in China will help move the workforce sive spending growth of the Chinese middle back to the U.S. class based on the coupled trends of the Luxury brands will be given larger Chinese government anticipating minimum incentives. wage increases of 13 to 15 percent over the Policy accommodates for rising next five years and the younger Chinese genwages and shipping costs in Chieration spending much more of its money on na, which have started a trickle of discretionary items than previous generajobs back to U.S. tions, which have led to increased purchases Considering the trajectory for of luxury items.9 Moving these goods back to Chinas growth, the trade imbalance is becoming a big problem the U.S. will not only increase GDP, but also and must be dealt with to protect net exports due to the stronger market for U.S. foreign influence and ecothese goods. Although the U.S. may not have nomic security. the necessary supplier base or infrastructure for all industries to move back immediately, a gradual movement would create a foundation so that eventually the U.S. will have the ability to produce materials cheaply.4
Next Steps
Congress must pass legislation for the tax breaks that it will issue to U.S. businesses in China. It must include strict measures to ensure that a minimum percentage of the workforce must migrate to the U.S. before a business becomes eligible for the tax break. The government should advertise companies that have already began moving workers back, such as Caterpillar, Sauder, and NCR.4 When other companies in similar industries see the profits that these companies continue to sustain and the reasoning for their move back to the U.S., they will have a concrete model for migration.
Endnotes
ary 17, 2012.) 2. Department of the Treasury/Federal Reserve Board, Major Foreign Holders of Treasury Securities. http://www.treasury.gov/resourcecenter/data-chart-center/tic/Documents/mfh.txt (accessed December 1, 2011) 3. Multinational Manufacturers: Moving Back to America. The Economist, May 12, 2011. http://www.economist.com/node/18682182 (accessed January 5, 2012). 4. Foroohar, Rana. The Senates China Misstep. TIME, October 24, 2011, 17. 5. Barro, Robert, and Charles Redlick. Stimulus Spending Doesnt Work. The Wall Street Journal, October 1, 2009. http://online.wsj.com/ article/SB10001424052748704471504574440723298786310.html (accessed January 10, 2012). 6. Zandi, Mark. Using Unemployment Insurance to Help Americans Get Back to Work: Creating Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges. West Chester: Moodys Analytics, 2010. 7. Talking to Arthur Laffer about Taxes, Taxes, Taxes and Barack Obama. TIME, December 7, 2007. http://business.time.com/2007/12/07/ talking_to_arthur_laffer_about/ (accessed January 10, 2012). 8. Autor, David H., David Dorn, and Gordon H. Hanson. The China Syndrome: Local Labor Market Effects of Import Competition in the United States. Rep. August 2011. 9. Saporito, Bill. A Great Leap Forward: Can Chinas Famously Thrifty Workers Become the Worlds Biggest Spenders? TIME, October 31, 2011, 34-39. 10. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. http://www.bls.gov/cps/prev_yrs.htm. (accessed February 17, 2012).
1. U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade- U.S. Trade with China. http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5700.html. (accessed Febru-
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Key Facts
Analysis
The FAB initiative would ensure that a savings account with $100 is created for each birth certificate that is filed. The idea is that the incentive of $100 would provide enough of an edge to encourage parents to create an official identity for their children, which is a first critical step to development. The purpose of the FAB initiative is to encourage individuals without access to financial services to open savings accounts at birth that are linked to each individual via a unique ID number. These accounts would have initial deposits made via cash transfer. Once the account is created and the identity of the recipient is confirmed, third party service providers can utilize the funds for service dissemination, including tuition, healthcare, food costs, and shelter costs. There
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are two elements to the cost of this program: the initial deposit cost and transaction costs. The initial deposit cost will roughly average $10 billion a year. Most developed countries can jointly decide on an annual percentage of GDP that each country can afford to dedicate to the FAB initiative. Secondly, the transaction costs average 3 percent to 5 percent of the initial deposit amount, and these costs should be assumed by the banks because of the short-term sense of social responsibility and as a long-term mechanism for recruiting new customers.
Next Steps
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs should develop a framework through which the Financial Access at Birth initiative can be agreed upon and enforced. After multiple rounds of multi-country collaboration, the UN should draft a binding international agreement that is adopted by member countries to ensure that each country is committed to the FAB initiative. FAB calls for each country to contribute to the program based on annual gross domestic product, thus rich countries would give more than poor countries. Ultimately, this basis for contribution will become the primary mechanism of foreign assistance, as it results in a form of aid transfer from rich to poor countries.
Leaders of developed nations need to gradually discontinue funding aid programs that do not address the fundamental causes of underdevelopment, as aid programs tend to simply mitigate proximate causes. The FAB initiative is capable of transforming undercapitalized assets into usable, liquid capital. Enabling the poor to integrate into the formal economy from birth will help spur economic growth not only among new generations, but also among parents that have children within this system, as financial inclusion will be an accessible privilege.
Talking Points
Endnotes
1. About FAB, Financial Access at Birth, accessed September 27, 2011, http://www.financialaccessatbirth.org/index.php. 2. Center for Financial Inclusion: Resources, ACCION International, accessed October 10, 2011, http://resources.centerforfinancialinclusion.org/. 3. DeSoto, Hernando. The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else. New York: Basic Books, 2000. 4. Hough, Jack, Why This Man Wants Babies To Get $100, Smart Money, April 9, 2010, accessed October 10, 2011, http://www.smartmoney.com/invest/markets/why-this-man- wants-babies-to-get100/?page=all. 5. Resources, Center for Financial Inclusion, accessed October 10, 2011, http://resources.centerforfinancialinclusion.org/.
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Analysis
A new framework is critical in order to prevent another sub-prime mortgage crisis. Lessons from alternative financial systems can enable us to build a new model that re-embeds risk, realigns the mortgage market with the social contract, and creates a deeper system of accountability. Born out of Islamic finance, innovative instruments exist to provide citizens with access to credit, including mortgages.6 Through a model based on a combination of profit- and risk-sharing, we can better protect our citizens and their homes from devastating financial shocks. To overcome several market failures inherent within the current lending system, we must shift away from the paradigm of caveat emptor or buyer beware.7 This has not only shielded lenders from legal liability, but has also made assessing accountability and refinancing extremely difficult. Caveat emptor and the distributor model provided perverse incentives that drove the sub-prime market to loan on farcical standards.8 We can correct some crucial market failures by moving toward a mortgage business based on balanced liabilities.9 To accomplish this transition, we should adopt a profit- and risk-sharing model. The difference between a traditional mortgage10 and one based on profit- and risk-sharing is the degree to which the lending entity, bank, or other financial institution has a stake in the continual performance of the asset over the life of the contract.
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Next Steps
Talking Points Congress should facilitate the endorse Traditional mortgages are financial inment of profit- and risk-sharing mortstruments founded on debt. Our altergages by banks and brokers. This should native model calls for a mortgage partbegin with a gradual alteration on the nership based on equity capital and a guidelines for approved mortgage sellfloating rate rental. This discourages ers as defined by the Federal Housing disintermediation in financial products, Finance Agency, as well as legislation facilitating greater transparency and aimed at the secondary mortgage marinformation for borrowers, lenders, and ket. Also key is the alteration of the tax investors. This is based on an approach known as Musharaka al-Mutanaqisa.11 code to allow existing deductions for a There is consensus that until the probnew model founded on shared equity lem of negative equity is solved, U.S. instead of debt. Congress may also want economic development and growth will to take a stance on a taxpayer-favorable be significantly depressed.12 variation of the Danielson rule used by tax courts.13 The eventual objective would be converging the principles of the new model with the necessary requirements for mortgage loans and tax code purposes until a majority of newly issued mortgages conform to the requirements. The mortgage model should then be examined after a minimum of five years.
Endnotes
1. Fabozzi, Frank J., and Franco Modigliani. 1992. Mortgage and mortgage-backed securities markets. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Press. pp. 1920 2. Olick, Diana. US Real Estate: Half of US Mortgages Are Effectively Underwater - CNBC. CNBC. http://www.cnbc.com/id/45209336/Half_of_US_Mortgages_Are_Effectively_Underwater (accessed November 23, 2011). 3. Alex, Blumberg, & Adam, Davidson, The Giant Pool of Money, This American Life, May 9th, Web, http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/355/the-giant-pool-of-money. 4. Olick, Diana. US Real Estate: Half of US Mortgages Are Effectively Underwater. CNBC. http://www. cnbc.com/id/45209336/Half_of_US_Mortgages_Are_Effectively_Underwater (accessed November 23, 2011). 5. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Foreclosure Statistics. FDIC. www.fdic.gov/about/comein/ files/foreclosure_statistics.pdf (accessed November 24, 2011). 6. Maurer, Bill. 2006. Pious property: Islamic mortgages in the United States. New York: Russell Sage Foundation. pp. 15-16 7. Latin, lit. meaning buyer beware. 8. Alex, Blumberg, & Adam, Davidson, The Giant Pool of Money, This American Life, May 9th, Web, http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/355/the-giant-pool-of-money. 9. Latin, lit meaning in good faith. 10. French, lit. meaning dead pledge. 11. Varian, Keith , and Jennifer Rockwell. Islamic Financing and Forclosure.Real Estate Issues 34, no. 1 (2009): 2. http://www.murthalaw.com/files/NewsEvent319.pdf (accessed November 22, 2011). 12. Olick, Diana. Why Care About Negative Equity. CNBC, December 13, 2010. http://www.cnbc.com/ id/40644565/?Why_Care_About_Negative_Equity (accessed November 23, 2011). 13. Jensen, Nickolas. Avoiding Another Subprime Mortgage Bust Through Greater Risk and Profit Sharing and Social Equity in Home Financing. Arizona Journal of International & Comparative Law Vol 25, No. 3. p. 850.
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At 14.4 percent, the youth unemployment rate is significantly higher than the national rate of 8.5 percent. With this in mind, we tailored our research to target young entrepreneurs in our local community of New Haven, CT. The racial make up and low education level of residents make New Haven an especially challenging environment for entrepreneurship. As of the 2010 census, New Havens population was 27.4 percent Hispanic and 35.4 percent blacktwo minority groups that statistically face tougher odds opening new businesses than their nonminority counterparts. The odds of a minority opening a business may be as much as 55 percent lower than those for a nonminority. Additionally, there is a critical link between education and entrepreneurial success: one marginal year of schooling may increase entrepreneurial income by as much as 5.5 percent. Among New Haven residents, however, about 31 percent possess a bachelors degree and roughly 80 percent have graduated from high school. A partnership among community organizations and community development banks can make entrepreneurship more feasible, especially for young adults.
Unemployment in the U.S. was 9 percent in October, 2011.ix Small businesses represent 99.7 percent of U.S. employers.x In 2009, 552,600 new businesses opened, while 660,900 businesses closed. xi
Key Facts
Analysis
Compared to starting an independent business, franchise entrepreneurship offers new business owners substantial advantages: an established business structure, pricing scheme, and recognized brand name. Raising start-up capital is the largest and perhaps most obvious initial challenge that entrepreneurs face. The average cost of starting a new business from scratch is estimated at a little more than $30,000, which is comparable to start-up costs for many franchises. For example, the initial franchise fee for one food truck franchise is $25,000. Although there are additional cash investments totaling $75,000 and monthly franchising fees of $500-$1500, the franchise eases the financial burden on its entrepreneurs by helping them apply for SBA guaranteed loans. In general, franchises can also be used to subsidize building costs, train staff, and establish
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products and pricing, all of which reduces the capital required over the first several months of launching a business. Potential lenders view franchised businesses as lower risk because of their guided structure and the fact that the business model has been tested elsewhere. This enables franchisors to receive larger loans on more favorable terms. Moreover, there are special forms of financial support available for franchises at the local and national levels.
Many entrepreneurs are disconnected from local support and mentorship programs. Franchises provide a structure and organization to new businesses. Connecting entrepreneurs to helpful resources will help raise the number of new businesses. Successful, new business spur local economic growth and employment.
Talking Points
After securing startup capital, entrepreneurs struggle to thrive under competitive market conditions. New entrepreneurs frequently fear they lack the experience and knowledge necessary to successfully bring the right product to the right market. It is essential, therefore, that formal mentor relationships and support networks be coupled with this franchise model to help entrepreneurs work through the many challenges that arise when starting a business. Local experts from organizations such as SCORE, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Association can serve as exceptional pools from which mentor programs can be created. Local mentors can advise on neighborhood demographics, local real estate, potential competitors, and useful contacts. New Havens START Community Development Bank recently began implementing such a program to assist entrepreneurs in opening new franchises in some of the citys least developed neighborhoods. As the city has high unemployment and a lack of commercial diversity, this program to assist entrepreneurs can have a large impact on the New Haven community.
Next Steps
In many cities similar to New Haven, organizations that, like START, not only provide loans, but also focus on development, can help increase the success of new businesses by implementing this information sharing model. To do this, it is important to analyze the local market, compile the best support sources in the community, and provide this information in free guidebooks to entrepreneurs looking for loans at local banks. Such seemingly simple efforts to improve entrepreneurs access to local resources can truly have an impact in helping communities overcome stagnant employment rates and in driving economic development.
Endnotes
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Latest Numbers. www.bls.gov. (accessed 21 January 2012). U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. New Haven, CT. Data derived from 2000 Census of Population and Housing. http:// quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/09/0952000.html (accessed 16 February 2012). Miaritza Salazar, The Effect of Wealth and Race on Start-up Rates, Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Small Business Research Summary 307 (July 2007), 23. Pat Dickson, Mark Weaver, and George Solomon, Entrepreneurship and Education: What is Known and Not Known about the Links Between Education and Entrepreneurial Activity, in The Small Business Economy: A Report to the President (pp.11356) (Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, 2006), 113. U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. New Haven, CT. Data derived from 2010 Census of Population and Housing. Caron Beesley, How to Estimate Starting a Business from Scratch, Small Business Cents (blog), Small Business Administration, 21 November 2011, http://community.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/small-business-cents/how-estimate-cost-starting-business-scratch, (accessed 25 January 2012). Mambis. Gourmet Streets. Food Truck Franchise Group. http://ftfus.com/img/franchiseprofilesheets/GS_Franchise%20Profile%20 Sheet_%20Mambis.pdf. 24 January 2012. Leasing a Food Truck: Financing. Food Truck Franchise Group. http://ftfus.com/franchising-financing.htm. (accessed 26 January 2012). ix Bureau of Labor Statistics. Latest Numbers. www.bls.gov. (accessed 27 November 2011). x Major Clark and Radwan Saade, Federal Procurement from Small Firms, in The Small Business Economy: A Report to the President (pp.4765) (Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, 2008), 47. xi U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Frequently Asked Questions, accessed January 2011, http://www.sba.gov/sites/ 25 default/files/sbfaq.pdf (accessed 12 February 2012). xii Amy E. Knaup, Survival and Longevity in the Business Employment Dynamics Database, Monthly Labor Review (May 2005), 52.
Student debt is a growing burden on American youth. A recent report found that 8.8 percent of students defaulted on their federal loan repayments in 2011,1 which is just below the 9.14 percent default rate for credit cards.2 The report also revealed that accumulated debt on student loans totals to about $875 billion, a number that surpasses the total amount of credit card debt in America.3 The state of Michigan is not exempt from this trend. The average amount of debt for Michigan graduates as they enter repayment is $25,675.4 The median debt level for the nearly 8,500 colleges and universities listed in the United States was $11,141.5 The high level of student debt for Michigan students, coupled with one of the worst economic situations in the country, has caused many highly educated people to leave the state. Almost half of Michigans students leave the state after graduation, contributing to Michigans migration rate the eighth worst in the country.6 This loss in college graduates will hinder Michigans economic prospects in the future as businesses search for talented human capital elsewhere. If the state wants to return to a high level of economic prosperity, Michigan must attack both the rising level of student debt and also work to keep students in the state after graduation.
Michigan has over 300,000 students in public universities, but only 50 percent of those students remain in the state after graduation.7 Michigan has the eighth worst migration rate in the country among people with a college degree.8 Sixty percent of students in Michigan graduate with debt, and the average amount of debt is $25,675. 9
Key Facts
Analysis
Michigan should implement a law stipulating that any student graduating with a degree in business, math, or science from a Michigan university who remains in the state after graduation will have his or her monthly student loan payments absorbed by the state. This policy is similar to the Opportunity Maine program, which allows graduates to qualify for a tax credit for student debt if they remain in Maine after graduation.10 Maines program is expected to turn a profit of $30 million per year for the state after 10 years with the increased tax revenues from higher population and business growth.11 If a similar program is implemented in Michigan, the state would see a similar or greater return on investment. For example, the average starting salary of an engineer is about $60,000.12 If you calculate a 4.35 percent income tax in the state of Michigan over 10 years, the revenue from income taxes alone would pay back the cost of the forgiven debt.13
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Next Steps
Talking Points Michigan has been plagued The state of Michigan suffers from both a high with severe student debt and rate of student debt and a brain drain crisis. brain drain problems. The state A debt forgiveness program based on the stipugovernment must play a signifilation that students remain in the state after cant role in solving these probgraduation is a cost-effective solution to these lems. A debt forgiveness policy problems. for students who stay in the This program will ease the financial burden of state after graduation solves college on graduates, attract jobs as a result of both issues and will make the high concentration of people with advanced skills, and add revenues to the state governments money for the government budget. in the long run. The benefits to Michigan are irrefutable; therefore the Michigan State Legislature should implement this policy to give Michigans students and the economy a brighter future.
Endnotes
1. Default Rates Rise for Student Federal Loans. U.S. Department of Education. September 12, 2011. Accessed January 23, 2012. http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/default-rates-rise-federal-studentloans. 2. Norris, Floyd. Default Rates Easing, Except on Credit Cards New York Times. May 21, 2010. Accessed January 23, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/22/business/economy/22charts.html. 3. Dennis Cauchon. Student Loans Oustanding will Exceed $1 Trillion this Year. USA Today. October 25, 2011. Accessed January 23, 2012. http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/college/story/2011-10-19/ student-loan-debt/50818676/1. 4. Reed, Matthew, Lauren Asher, Pauline Abernathy, Diane Cheng, and Debbie F. Cochrane. Student Debt and the Class of 2010. Institute for College Access and Success. November 2011. Accessed November 8, 2011. http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/pub/classof2010.pdf. 5. Jesse, David. How much does the average University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University graduate owe in loans? AnnArbor.com. September 16, 2010. Accessed November 8, 2011. http://www. annarbor.com/news/university-of-michigan-graduates-owe-an-average-of-more-than-20000-in-loansgovernment-says. 6. Silverman, Lauren. The Brain Drain. Generation Y Michigan. November 5, 2009. Accessed November 13, 2011. http://generationymichigan.org/2009/11/05/the-brain-drain/. 7. Ibid. 4. 8. Ibid. 6. 9. Ibid. 3. 10. Opportunity Maine Program. Opportunity Maine. Accessed November 19, 2011. http://www.opportunitymaine.org/opportunity-maine-program/. 11. Graham, Emily. Opportunity Maine aims to keep college grads in-state. The Bowdoin Orient. Accessed November 19, 2011. http://orient.bowdoin.edu/orient/article.php?date=2007-11-02ion=1&id=8. 12. Engineer Salary: Stats and Data. Accessed November 22, 2011. http://www.engineersalary.org/. 13. Income Tax Rate Change Information. Michigan Department of Treasury. Accessed November 22, 2011. http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,1607,7-238-43513_44135-177505--,00.html.
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