Economics of State and Local Governments (337-0-20)

Instructors

Jannet Chang

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G15: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

State and local governments play an essential role in individual's day-to-day life, such as education, transportation, health and welfare. This course uses microeconomic theory to acquaint students with various aspects of the subnational government sector, including expenditure, financing, and policy issues. We start by reviewing under what situation is the government provision desirable. We then study how levels of state goods and services are determined using voting and Tiebout models. After discussing user charges and intergovernmental grants, we will explore the main source of state and local governmental revenue: taxes. The course will end with policy analysis and application in education, health and welfare.

Registration Requirements

ECON 281-0, ECON 310-1, ECON 310-2

Learning Objectives

To give the students economic reasoning and tools to better understand and evaluate governmental policies

Teaching Method

Lecture: Two 80-minute lectures/week; Discussion section

Evaluation Method

Presentations; Exams; Problem sets; Writing assignments

Class Materials (Required)

State and Local Public Finance by Fisher, 5th edition (ISBN-13: 978-0367467234)

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-requisite: Students must have taken ECON 310-1 or MMSS 211-1 and ECON 281 or ECON 381-1 or MATH 386-1 or IEMS 304 or STAT 350 to successfully enroll in this course.

Associated Classes

DIS - Technological Institute L361: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM