Articles / January 15,2022
Assorted Letters and Documents
Click here to see assorted letters and documents related to an economic reform program.
Articles, Study / January 15,2022
Kansas and Tax Compliance
“Superman, Wyatt Earp, and Dorothy: The Story of Kansas" is Arthur Laffer’s assessment of the Kansas economy during and the governorship of Sam Brownback. “The Economic Burden of Tax Code Complexity” is a 2010 study by Arthur Laffer, Wayne Winegarten, and businessman John Childs about the full costs of filing tax returns.
Articles / December 12,2021
When You’re Right, Well, You’re Right: Laffer Curve
In this lesson, Dr. Laffer details the origins, practical uses, and theory behind the Laffer Curve. The Laffer Curve looks at the relationship between tax rates and tax revenues. The basic theory behind this relationship is that changes in tax rates have two effects on revenues: the arithmetic effect and the economic effect. The arithmetic…
Articles / November 12,2021
Perfect as the Enemy of the Good
Markets certainly aren’t immune to failure–however, many economic models exploring “market failure” and classic textbook examples criticizing free-markets utilize unrealistic models that underrate the innovations of real-world capitalism, and which simultaneously overrate the ability of political saviors. In this lesson, Dr. Laffer dissects the flaws of popular criticisms of laissez-faire capitalism. Link to article: Perfect…
Articles / October 08,2021
Money Makes the World Go ‘Round – And the Fed Makes Money
To most people, the Fed remains a mysterious entity. In this lesson, Dr. Laffer pierces the fog by applying basic economic principles to this intimidating topic. He explains how they make money and how, contrary to popular belief, they do not set interest rates. Link to article: Money Makes the World Go 'Round
Articles / September 08,2021
Government & Prosperity
Regardless of a country’s natural resources, culture, or education, the institutions it has in place are far more significant in explaining its economic development. Countries with secure private property rights, the rule of law, and free markets tend to have higher per capita incomes and faster economic growth. In this lesson, Dr. Laffer describes the…
Articles / August 10,2021
Entrepreneurs vs. Regulators
Everybody knows that the government spends a whole lot more money doing the same job than the private sector would—and usually doesn’t do as good a job. This pattern isn’t just a coincidence. There are straightforward reasons for the tendency of government interventions in the market to mess things up. In this lesson, Dr. Laffer…
Articles / July 21,2021
The Emergence of Arthur Laffer: The Foundations of Supply-Side Economics in Chicago and Washington, 1966-1976
Brian Domitrovic's recent book, The Emergence of Arthur Laffer: The Foundations of Supply-Side Economics in Chicago and Washington, 1966-1976, explores Dr. Laffer's career before working alongside the Reagan administration. In this period, the primary focus of Dr. Laffer's studies was monetary policy, rather than tax policy, which became the spotlight of his career during and…