Why do we distribute income to the poor through government programs? Spokespersons for the median voter/interdependent preferences and interest group approaches to public policy determination present simple competing models. Their listener observes that the two models, based on quite different...

The redistributive effects of public transfers have usually been measured by comparing incomes before and after transfer benefits are counted, but ignoring labor supply reductions induced by such benefits. This study uses a simulation approach to estimate for nonaged families the decline in work...

Between 2001 and 2004, the state of North Carolina gave an annual salary bonus of $1,800 to certified math, science, and special education teachers in a set of low-performing and/or high-poverty secondary schools. Eligible teachers were to continue receiving the bonus as long as they continued...