News
CNN Money | Housing construction shows strength
In an encouraging sign for the housing market, new home construction increased more than expected in March, according to a government report Tuesday.
Washington Times | Shoppers squeezed by spat over debit card use
At issue are ‘swipe fees’ to be charged at the register.
Econ Comments
WSJ | When Big Government Goes to College
The more the feds try to lower the cost, the worse the problem becomes.
Reports
Cato Institute | Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Future of Federal Housing Finance Policy: A Study of Regulatory Privilege
How the two companies should exit their conservatorship has implications that reach throughout the global financial markets and are of key importance to the future of American housing finance policy.
Heritage Foundation | Federal Highway Program Shortchanges More Than Half the States
Under the laws governing the federal highway program, the federal fuel taxes paid into the trust fund by motorists (18.3 cents per gallon) and truckers are returned to the states by a series of mathematical formulas that attempt to match the scope and usage of each state’s surface transportation system with payments received from the trust fund.[1] These formulas, however, embody a number of serious flaws that cause many states (called donors) to consistently receive shares that are less than they pay in, while others (called donees) consistently receive more.
