KeithHennessey.com

I want to propose a four-part test for measuring any particular bill on health care cost control.

short run

long run

Federal deficit

1

2

Government health care spending

X

3

Private health care spending

X

4

In each case, I will define the test so that “yes” is a good outcome:
Test 1:  The bill does not increase the federal deficit in the short run.
Test 2:  The [...]

The White House has released a letter from the President to the two Senate Chairmen who are working on (different) versions of health care reform:  Senator Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.  The letter is dated yesterday and [...]

In a few hours I will offer my thoughts and reactions to the General Motors bankruptcy filing and the President’s noon announcement.  For now, here is what I have been able to figure out from the White House fact sheet and secondary source reporting through CNBC and the Wall Street Journal.  I assume that both [...]

(Editorial note:  I was doing so well moving to shorter posts.  I fail miserably in achieving that goal here.  I went the comprehensive route instead.  I promise to return to shorter posts in the future.  Buckle up – this is a long ride.  I hope you find it’s worth it.)
(Update:  There’s an important correction in [...]

When I was growing up, I was taught that you change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.
Suppose I take my three-year old car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change.
Jiffy Lube has all the latest information technology, as well as good data on both manufacturers’ recommendations and best practices.
After entering my license plate [...]

The President has arrived in London for the G-20 economic summit.  I have different policy views than the President on some of these issues, but I will not criticize him while he is overseas.  I will attempt to gently highlight a couple of substantive issues that concern me, but at the same time I want [...]

The White House press office announced this evening that the President will speak about the auto industry tomorrow (Monday), at 11 AM, in the Grand Foyer of the White House.
The press is reporting that General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner has agreed to step down at the request of the Administration.
If you have read the first [...]

Which matters more to you?

Anger at failed AIG executives who are receiving bonuses while their employer is being bailed out by the taxpayer.
Fear of what this or a future Congress might do once they cross the line and start breaking contracts retroactively for people who are politically unpopular.

There are few more unsympathetic figures than a [...]

I think President Obama will soon need to ask Congress for more TARP funding, and that such a request will displace his legislative agenda for a while.  Let’s do the math.
When President Obama took office, $387 B of the $700 B of available TARP funds had already been publicly committed.  Here’s the breakdown.

Public commitment

Banks — [...]

2001
What: H.R. 1836, The Economic Growth And Tax Relief Reconciliation Act Of 2001
When: Signed into law June 7, 2001
Effects: Cut marginal income tax rates, created a new 10% bracket, provided marriage penalty relief, put death tax on path to extinction, repealed pease and pep, increased the child tax credit, increased contribution and deferral limits on [...]