Wendy Edelberg

Wendy Edelberg, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution specializing in economic policy, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of labor market data. They examine the impact of political pressure on the Bureau of Labor Statistics and share concerns about the trustworthiness of economic data, drawing parallels with China's practices. The conversation navigates the crucial role of immigration trends and Fed independence in shaping economic growth, all while tackling the challenges posed by fluctuating market conditions and rising interest rates.

Wendy Edelberg, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and an authority on economic policy, joins the discussion on the reliability of labor statistics amidst political pressures. They delve into how the perception of workforce dynamics is shifting due to revised job numbers and immigration policies. The conversation takes a comparative look at U.S. and Chinese data integrity, highlighting the need for skepticism towards official statistics. They also explore the intricacies of municipal bonds and the implications of rising interest rates on local governments.

Wendy Edelberg, senior fellow and director of The Hamilton Project at Brookings, discusses the positive impact of immigration on the dynamism and fiscal sustainability of the U.S. economy. She also explains her research on the impact immigrants have on local, state, and federal finances. As a whole, immigrants are a net benefit to the U.S. economy, but based largely on immigrants’ education levels, the fiscal cost is disproportionately paid by certain state and local areas. Together with co-author Tara Watson, Edelberg proposes a way to redirect some of the federal gains to these communities, piggy-backing on existing programs. Show notes and transcript Dollar & Sense is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Learn more at brookings.edu/podcasts, and send feedback to podcasts@brookings.edu.

Wendy Edelberg and Jacob Leibenluft discuss a recent scandal involving the Bureau of the Fiscal Service in the Treasury Department. They delve into the alarming implications of political actors accessing sensitive financial systems, particularly under the influence of Elon Musk's DOGE initiative. The conversation highlights concerns about the integrity of federal payment processes and the potential risks to financial markets stemming from such meddling. They also underscore the importance of trust and accountability in government operations to protect vulnerable populations.

Ben Harris, a former Treasury Chief Economist, and Wendy Edelberg, director at the Hamilton Project, tackle the pressing issue of U.S. federal debt and its potential economic fallout. They discuss the unsustainable growth of debt relative to income and its implications for Social Security, particularly for future retirees facing possible cuts. The conversation highlights the need for bipartisan solutions to ensure fiscal solvency and maintain equitable support for the economy. Tune in for insights on the balance between government spending and the financial security of individuals!