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Economic Policy

(text of video)

Economy Policy

Hi, I’m Walter Hofheinz. I’m running for U.S. Representative for the 32nd District of Texas.

Trickle-down economics does not work. It didn't work in the 20th century, and it is not working now. Giving more to the wealthiest among us simply increases financial assets, without an increase in jobs and real assets.

Direct fiscal stimulus is an essential component of maintaining stability in a modern economy. While the Federal Reserve can do a limited amount by indirect action through the financial system, direct government action through stimulative spending is necessary.

Most of the time this type of spending is funded with borrowing by virtue of the circumstances in which it occurs. Since it is funded with borrowing, the activities undertaken should provide benefits as long as or longer than the expected period of repayment. In addition, the expenditures should go to those who need them most, and will actually spend them in order to stimulate the economy as well as building benefits for the future. Appropriate expenditures include infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transportation, communications, and education. These are the types of activities that provide benefits over the long term.

Many of these types of improvements from Depression work projects we still use every day in our parks, bridges, and roads. Such assets are consumed over long periods, so it is not inappropriate to pay for them over long periods.

If elected I would work to increase expenditures for education, transportation infrastructure, and basic research, as a primary component of stimulative government spending.

We’re on the wrong path. It is time to stop and set out for the right path, a path of principled use of government for the public good rather than the good of the few.

I’m Walter Hofheinz. I’m running for the 32nd Congressional District of Texas.

I ask that you join me in working to create more opportunity, a better, more secure quality of life, and a fairer and more just society for us and those who come after us. Please visit my website and sign up for emails, follow on Facebook, and ask others to work with us.

Comments

rfgary's picture

Well stated