The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
Breaking Barriers Rapid Rehousing Program for Justice-Involved Individuals in Los Angeles County: Local Evaluation Report
English Summary
The evaluation of the Breaking Barriers program found that its robust, individualized supportive services and strong inter-agency collaboration significantly improve housing stability for justice-involved individuals, with retention rates exceeding 80% after one year. While the program successfully met most operational goals, the report emphasizes that progress is severely limited by persistent external systemic barriers, including high housing costs, lack of affordable units, and job discrimination. Policy recommendations stress that while continued flexible case management is vital, long-term success requires systemic interventions, such as expanding permanent supportive housing and addressing structural economic barriers to ensure sustained reentry outcomes.
中文摘要
對「打破障礙計畫」（Breaking Barriers program）的評估顯示，該計畫提供的穩健、個人化支持服務，以及強大的跨機構合作，顯著改善了司法系統相關人士的居住穩定性，一年後的留存率超過八成。儘管該計畫成功達成了大多數營運目標，但報告強調，其進展受到持續存在的外部系統性障礙的嚴重限制，包括高昂的住房成本、缺乏可負擔單元，以及就業歧視。政策建議指出，雖然持續的彈性個案管理至關重要，但長期成功需要系統性的介入，例如擴大永久性支持性住房，並解決結構性的經濟障礙，以確保持續的重返社會成果。
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