Cato Podcast

Chris Edwards, a scholar from the Cato Institute specializing in fiscal policy, dives into the Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors for 2024. He evaluates how governors' tax and spending choices impact their grades, revealing a divide between fiscally conservative and liberal approaches. Edwards highlights notable tax reforms by women governors like Kim Reynolds and Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The analysis further uncovers trends in budget strategies, the shift to flat tax systems, and the role of school choice in state fiscal health.

Patrick Jaicomo, a Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice, dives into the complex world of retaliatory arrests. He discusses the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that reshapes how courts assess whether an arrest was made out of retaliation. Jaicomo highlights the burden of proof for plaintiffs, emphasizing the implications for free speech and public engagement. He also explores how the Gonzales v. Trevino case influences current standards, underlining the delicate balance between law enforcement practices and citizens' rights.

Angela Watson, the Creator of Homeschool Hub, and Colleen Hroncich, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom, explore the homeschooling boom sparked by the pandemic. They discuss how parental discontent with traditional schools has reshaped educational choices. The conversation highlights increased transparency in homeschooling, the integration of families into local educational systems, and the rise of hybrid and dual enrollment options, showcasing a dynamic shift in America's educational landscape.

Adam Michel, director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute, dives into the future of American taxation and its potential shift towards a European model. He argues that without significant reforms, Americans might face tax burdens averaging $12,000 higher than today. Michel critiques the misconception that taxing the wealthy can fix deficits, stressing that high government spending drives tax increases for everyone. He also contrasts policy proposals from Trump and Harris, shedding light on their implications for national debt and economic sustainability.

In this discussion, Daniel Dew, the Legal Policy Director at the Pacific Legal Foundation, sheds light on how federal and state agencies possess the power to adjudicate without traditional court oversight. He highlights the challenges individuals face when dragged into these agency-run proceedings, often lacking fair evidence standards. Dew advocates for reform aimed at enhancing the independence of administrative law judges to protect citizens' rights. He also addresses the implications of Indiana's recent reforms and the broader constitutional concerns surrounding the separation of powers.

Norbert Michel, director at Cato's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, and Jennifer Schulp, director of financial regulation studies at the Cato Institute, dive into the vital role of financial markets in America's economic growth. They debunk myths surrounding financial markets, emphasizing their key role in capital allocation and risk management. The discussion also touches on the regulatory challenges small businesses face, arguing increased regulation may undermine, rather than enhance, market stability and individual choices.

Peter Boettke, a distinguished professor of economics and philosophy, joins Bruce Caldwell, a research professor at Duke, to celebrate F.A. Hayek's remarkable impact fifty years after his Nobel win. They delve into Hayek's critiques of conventional economic models, emphasizing the importance of individual knowledge and decision-making. The discussion covers Hayek's warnings against scientism in economics and his unconventional path that shaped his theories. Key insights from his seminal works, like 'The Use of Knowledge in Society,' highlight his lasting legacy in the field.

Brent Skorup, a legal fellow at the Cato Institute, and Nico Perrino, executive vice president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, tackle the troubling views on free speech from various political candidates. They dissect Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz’s misunderstanding of the First Amendment and Donald Trump's threats against Google. The conversation also highlights the dangers of censorship, the misuse of the 'shouting fire' analogy, and the need to protect First Amendment rights in an evolving digital landscape.

Michael Cannon, an expert on health care policy, discusses the growing issue of government overreach in the healthcare sector. He critiques the lack of substantial reform plans from both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, pointing out their failure to address the inefficacy of current government interventions. The conversation dives into the opaque nature of healthcare pricing and the importance of consumer empowerment to foster transparency and lower costs. Cannon emphasizes that without meaningful change, fiscal burdens will only increase.

Robert Alt, the President of Ohio's Buckeye Institute, discusses the IRS's controversial practice of collecting information on nonprofit major donors. He highlights the implications for constitutional rights and donor privacy, connecting it to landmark cases such as NAACP v. Alabama. Alt delves into the potential misuse of sensitive information and the risks posed by IRS data leaks. He emphasizes the chilling effect on free speech and associational rights, advocating for stronger protections for donor anonymity amidst ongoing legal challenges.