Attempts to see whether anything can be learned from a comparative analysis of the techniques used in eleven industrialized countries to allow for family responsibilities in income taxes. Highlights patterns among these countries in the tax treatment of the family and illustrates the mix and...

Examines the theoretical rationale for wealth transfer taxes, discusses data on the distribution and accumulation of wealth, and reviews the experience of the United States and other countries under their existing systems. Because a substantial portion of the existing stock of wealth is...

Concentrates on the tendency under any health insurance system to overconsume health care services -- the problem of "moral hazard" that arises whenever people deciding on the use of some economic good do not bear the full economic cost of their decisions, and the administrative problems that...

Social Security is currently much in the news because it faces a projected funding gap, because of overall budget deficits, and because of doubts in some quarters about its design. Minor adjustments are sufficient to close the funding gap. Benefit cuts, even if considered desirable, would not...

Discusses the proposed cuts of social security and what the outcome of those cuts may be. Also discusses cutting the payroll tax and privatization.