by Ryan Bourne
Read the original post at CATO.org here,,,
"This paper sets out nine policy areas across all levels of government that, combined, directly raise spending for typical households in the bottom 20 percent of the income distribution by anywhere from $830 to $3,500 per year. This list is hardly comprehensive; to avoid subjective judgments about the effect on prices relative to other objectives, this analysis focuses exclusively on anti-competitive interventions and regulations that both raise prices and reduce overall economic efficiency.9 A “cost-based” approach to poverty alleviation through reform in these areas could therefore provide a significant financial boost to low-income households.
"For too long, scholars on the left and right have thought about alleviating poverty as something that should occur after market-based activity has taken place. But removing misguided regulatory interventions would reduce poverty while expanding markets, simultaneously reducing the cost of living for low-income families and growing the economy. Even on cautious assumptions, the indicative numbers outlined here suggest that reform in these areas could be a powerful tool against poverty and should take precedence over new programs, regulations, and interventions."
