Dean Baker’s Beat the Press
Beat the Press is Dean Baker’s commentary on economic reporting. He is a Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR).
Beat the Press is Dean Baker’s commentary on economic reporting. He is a Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR).
Instead of focusing on zoning and deregulation, a true abundance agenda would weaken patent and copyright monopolies that raise costs, concentrate wealth, and limit access to medicine, technology, and housing.
New inflation data point to mounting economic pressures linked to Trump administration policies, while the European experience raises fresh questions about the need for Section 230 immunity for major social media platforms.
The projected Social Security shortfall reflects decades of upward income redistribution and is significantly smaller than the military spending increase proposed by the Trump administration.
While concerns about AI-driven inequality are valid, an AI sovereign wealth fund could concentrate power and wealth further, whereas stronger taxes, antitrust enforcement, and labor protections offer more direct solutions.
New labor market data show that mass deportation has not produced the promised employment gains for native-born workers, reflecting the complementary role many immigrants play in the economy.
Five key takeaways from the May jobs report include stronger-than-expected job growth, slowing real wages, worker caution about changing jobs, and little evidence that AI is reducing employment.
Dean speaks on Cancelling Billionaires Before They Cancel Us, arguing that while wealth taxes can help curb inequality, reforms that prevent excessive fortunes from accumulating may be even more effective.
As media control becomes increasingly concentrated, new public funding mechanisms could help preserve independent journalism and democratic accountability.
The latest JOLTS report’s jump in job openings is likely an anomaly, as declining hiring and worker turnover point to a softer labor market.
April construction data show factory building continuing to decline, marking a sharp reversal from the historic manufacturing investment boom fueled by Biden-era legislation.