National University System Institute for Policy Research

Past Years

EconoMeter: Was 2010 the bottom?: December 26, 2010 - The economy in San Diego and nation struggled to recovery in 2010, disappointing many policymakers who had hoped for a more robust jobs picture, consumer demand and stabilized real estate market. We asked the eight U-T EconoMeter panelists to look back at 2010 in four segments – economy, economic policy, employment and real estate. Here are their thoughts: Continue reading »

EconoMeter: Is uptick in retail spending a fluke?: December 19, 2010 - Our question this week: Early indications suggest that the holiday shopping season will be better this year than last. Do you think the apparent increase in shopping this holiday season portends a general improvement in retail sales in 2011? Continue reading »

EconoMeter: Should Congress extend unemployment benefits?: December 12, 2010 - This week's question: President Obama has reached an agreement with Republican Congressional leaders on extending the Bush tax cuts and other breaks that were due to expire Dec. 31. One of those would extend unemployment insurance for workers who have been laid off for more than 26 weeks and less than 99 weeks. One new tax break would reduce workers' (but not employers') Social Security taxes from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent for one year. It remains to be seen if Congress covers these added costs - $55 billion for unemployment extension, $120 billion for the Social Security reduction-- with reduced spending. So, our question: Should Congress extend unemployment insurance coverage and reduce Social Security taxes for one year? Continue reading »

How to Jump Start Escondido's Economy: Escondido Mayor Sam Abed recently stated his desire to fix the city's business climate. To foster greater job growth and private investment today, City Hall will have to focus greater attention on the needs of small business owners. Continue reading »

A Tax Amnesty Could Help City Hall: Proposition D may have been defeated on Election Day, but San Diego City Hall still has viable options to raise new tax revenues. With an estimated $72 million budget shortfall, now is the time for elected officials to take a different approach that could add thousands more taxpayers onto the city ledger. Continue reading »