LOS c: Discuss the generational effects of fiscal policy, including generational accounting and generational imbalance.
Thomas Moller is an economist for Econometrics Associates. Moller’s supervisor asks him to propose how to reduce the fiscal imbalance. Moller contends that the fiscal imbalance can be reduced by raising income taxes. Moller’s colleague, Melissa Stephens, contends that the fiscal imbalance can be reduced by cutting government promised benefits.
Regarding their statements, Moller and Stephens are:
The fiscal imbalance, defined as the difference in present values between the government’s promised benefits and revenues, can be reduced by increasing taxes, cutting promised benefits, or cutting other government spending. Both Moller and Stephens are correct.
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