This is the first entry in what will be an occasional series describing my (hopefully successful) attempt to navigate making a claim through Washington, DC's paid family and medical leave program for the first time. Before I start describing the process, I think it's important to provide some essential context. America's bizarre approach to family and medical … [Read more...] about My paid family leave journey: Introduction
Labor scarcity and the Scandinavian model
Become a Patron! Like anyone with a pulse, I've been following with interest the nationwide panic over so-called "labor shortages," supposedly popping up everywhere from grocery stores to restaurants to the long-haul trucking industry. Needless to say, what I've seen so far hasn't particularly impressed me. It's become a cliche on the left to sniff in response, "try paying … [Read more...] about Labor scarcity and the Scandinavian model
Inflation is a transfer from creditors to debtors (that means you)
Become a Patron! I have lately seen some very muddled thinking about supply chains and inflation, and I would like to remind confused readers of some very basic economics that will hopefully not only put your minds at ease, but possibly even lift up your spirits. Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon Consider the citizens of a benevolent dictatorship … [Read more...] about Inflation is a transfer from creditors to debtors (that means you)
How I did on the pandemic relief laws
Become a Patron! This is a post I've wanted to write for a long time, but haven't been able to since the story wasn't quite complete. Now that my final unemployment insurance payments have landed in my account, I can do a full accounting of the entire course of my pandemic relief assistance. Background I think this is an interesting exercise for a couple reasons. First, … [Read more...] about How I did on the pandemic relief laws
First time homebuyer savings accounts, part 3 (Alabama, Mississippi, Montana)
Become a Patron! This is my third and final post about first-time homebuyer savings accounts, a tax dodge that seems to have swept the nation a few years ago, with several states setting up similar-but-not-identical versions of the gambit, with vastly varying value based on income restrictions, time and contribution limits, investment options, and of course the state income … [Read more...] about First time homebuyer savings accounts, part 3 (Alabama, Mississippi, Montana)