Dee Shore

Aug 22, 2013

Economic measures

Data drives today’s society. In terms of economic data, when you look beyond the national numbers and focus on a state like North Carolina and even communities within our state, what are the best types of measures? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 21, 2013

Creating a rural renaissance

With small towns and rural areas lagging behind their urban counterparts in terms of economic growth, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden outlines strategies that could be used to improve rural and small town prospects in North Carolina. 

Aug 20, 2013

Game changers for the economy

The McKenzie Global Institute has released a report on big changes that could have enormous positive impacts for our economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 19, 2013

Do foreign graduates return or stay?

As are many, if not most U.S. colleges and universities, N.C. State is seeing a major influx of students from other countries. Do those students return home after finishing their… 

Aug 16, 2013

Wages and the recovery

As the job market slowly begins to improve, people are directing more attention how much jobs are paying. But has pay been recovering along with jobs? N.C. State University economist… 

Aug 15, 2013

Capping the gas tax

The N.C. General Assembly has put a cap of 37.5 cents on the state gas tax for about two years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers the pluses and minuses of such a restriction. 

Aug 14, 2013

Can inflation be too low?

Whenever Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks, people listen. Recently, he said he and the Federal Reserve would work both to keep inflation from being too high but also to keep it from being too low. How can inflation ever be too low? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 13, 2013

Are we winning the war on poverty?

One of government’s major functions in recent decades has been to alleviate poverty. Programs such as Medicaid, Social Security, food stamps and many others have a mission to help households with limited resources. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden looks at whether they have actually had any effect on poverty? 

Aug 12, 2013

The shrinking middle class

The middle class has always dominated the United States. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers what the statistics show on the relative size of the middle class over time. 

Aug 9, 2013

North Carolina tax changes

What will the new tax bill mean for North Carolina? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains the major elements of the bill and what effect they’ll have on people and businesses.