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You Decide: Will Medicaid Reform Work?

Economic Perspective

Dec 4, 2015

You Decide: Should We Modify or End the Fed?

Few institutions generate more mystery and controversy than the Federal Reserve, or the “Fed” for short. Mike Walden explains what the Fed is, what it does -- and what are the options. 

Nov 30, 2015

Economic trends helping North Carolina

There are always large forces -- some call them winds of change -- impacting the economy, and most can't be affected by public policy. NC State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at big trends that he thinks may affect North Carolina in the decades ahead. 

Nov 23, 2015

Chances of getting a job

The job market has improved since the dismal days of the recession. But statistics show there are still many people wanting a job who don't have one. Is there any factor or measure that seems to be related to the likelihood of an unemployed person landing a job? NC State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 20, 2015

You Decide: How Can North Carolina Use Economic Trends?

Mike Walden shows why the economic future of North Carolina could be determined by how the state and its residents accommodate three forces of change and understand their impacts. 

Nov 16, 2015

Gas prices and home prices

One of the things that makes economics interesting is that surprising connections can be found. A recent study, for example, identified a link between gas prices and home prices. NC State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Nov 9, 2015

The gig economy

One of the latest terms being used to describe economics and business is the "gig" economy. Is that anything like booking bands for performances? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Nov 6, 2015

You Decide: Can Efficiency Save Our Natural Resources?

Mike Walden considers how we could go about meeting the water and fuel needs of our future larger population – and the value of resource efficiency improvements in stretching what we have to accommodate more people. 

Nov 2, 2015

Reforming Medicaid

Medicaid is the joint federal-state program to help pay the medical expenses of limited-income households. It takes about 17 percent of North Carolina's general fund budget and has been one of the fastest-growing programs in recent decades. Many groups have talked about restructuring Medicaid. NC State University economist Mike Walden explains the options. 

Oct 26, 2015

Hiring or contracting

There's a debate today about how people work. There seems to be an increase in contracting out, where a company doesn't hire a person as an employee but hires the person to do a specific task. The worry is that workers hired as contractors lose the benefits that come with being an employee. Is there a solution? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Oct 23, 2015

You Decide: Will Medicaid Reform Work?

Mike Walden considers the efficacy of three alternative payment plans to tame Medicaid spending without compromising services to recipients.