Gerald C. Friedman, economics, the author of a 2013 report for the Physicians for a National Health Program that calls for an expansion of Medicare to cover all Americans that would generate huge savings in health care costs, is cited by a columnist arguing against the current Republican health care bill before the U.S. House. (Idaho Statesman, 3/21/17)
Day: March 24, 2017
Robert N. Pollin, Distinguished Professor in Economics and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute, is interviewed about how proposed cuts to the federal budget suggested by the administration of President Donald J. Trump will have a negative impact on efforts to deal with climate change. Pollin also says the proposed budget cuts will harm most of the non-defense parts of the federal government. (The Real News Network, 3/22/17)
The UMass Amherst department of economics formally opened Crotty Hall at a ceremony on March 22. The 16,800-square-foot academic building houses 35 offices and four conference rooms. Designed by architect Sigrid Miller Pollin of the architecture department and built with a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor, the building is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes and is the first net-zero building on campus. (Energy Manager Today, 3/24/17; News Office release)
Gerald C. Friedman, economics, says while it is unclear whether the Republican health care reform bill will pass the U.S. House, it is clear that it is intended to shift costs for the Medicaid program that benefits the poor. (WWLP-TV 22, 3/23/17)
James K. Boyce, economics and the Political Economy Research Institute, is co-author of an op-ed that argues that the Republican health care bill before Congress will not only shift income to wealthy people, it will also shorten the lives of people who lose their health insurance. (Dollars & Sense, March 2017)