This paper summarizes the Form 5500 data on private pension fund investment. Using Form 5500 data from 1981 to 1987, the asset allocation of single employer and mu1tiemp1oyer defined benefit and defined contribution plans is reported, as well as the asset mix of the following subgroups: defined...

This paper reports the findings from a new survey of firms that provide 401(k) plans for their employees. Our results suggest that few 401(k) plans replaced pre-existing defined benefit pension plans, although a substantial fraction replaced previous defined contribution thrift and profit...

In the last decade, most states have targeted certain depressed areas for revitalization by providing a combination of labor and capital tax incentives to firms operating in an "enterprise zone" (EZ). A partial equilibrium model is used to analyze the theoretical effects of various EZ incentives...

In the last decade, most states have targeted certain depressed areas for revitalization by providing a combination of labor and capital tax incentives to firms operating in the "enterprise zone" (EZ). Despite the large number of state initiatives, and the frequent re-introduction of federal EZ...

401(k) plans differ from traditional employer-sponsored pension plans in that employees are permitted to make pre-tax contributions and the employer may match pan of the contribution. Since participation in these plans is voluntary, the sensitivity of participation and contributions to plan...

We explore the interaction of state pension systems with state finances. We find that changes in pension assets are an important source of funding for state governments, but that states face incentive problems that impede funding efforts with the result that many plans are underfunded. We...

In 1997, the State of Michigan closed its DB pension plan to new state employees. New employees are automatically enrolled in a 401(k) plan with a mandatory state contribution. Existing employees chose between staying in the DB plan, or transferring the present value of their vested pension...

We examine whether personal and business taxes are an important determinant of economic development in a metropolitan area. We estimate determinants of the location of private employment and population across the D.C. metropolitan area over the period 1969-94. After controlling for jurisdiction...

The ability of the federal government and states to influence educational outcomes depends on how local governments and school districts respond to intergovernmental grants; this article provides a brief primer for policymakers about the economics of education grants.