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.
Levers for Increasing College Student Access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Evidence from Colorado
English Summary
The report finds that only 37% of Colorado college students eligible for SNAP participate in the program, despite nearly one-quarter of college students nationwide struggling with food insecurity. Using linked administrative data, researchers modeled four policy levers: federal eligibility expansions (adding 2,700-5,300 students), state authorities to deem employment/training programs SNAP-eligible (3,300 students), statewide outreach campaigns (710 students), and college case management (475 students). Eligibility expansions yield substantially larger participation increases than outreach alone, suggesting states should prioritize broadening rules while combining efforts with awareness campaigns. However, even comprehensive approaches would leave many eligible students non-participating due to administrative burden, stigma, and limited benefits, requiring complementary strategies like food pantries and emergency aid. The research provides federal, state, and institutional decisionmakers with evidence for addressing college student food insecurity through multiple coordinated approaches.
中文摘要
本報告發現，儘管全國近四分之一的大學生面臨食物不安全困境，科羅拉多州符合SNAP資格的大學生中僅37%參與該計劃。研究人員利用關聯行政資料，模擬了四項政策工具：聯邦資格擴展（增加2,700至5,300名學生）、州政府權限以認定就業/培訓計劃符合SNAP資格（3,300名學生）、全州宣傳活動（710名學生）和大學案例管理（475名學生）。資格擴展相較於單純宣傳產生的參與增幅更為顯著，建議各州應優先擴大申請資格，同時結合認知提升活動。然而，即使採取全面方法，許多符合資格的學生仍因行政負擔、社會污名和有限的福利而不參與，因此需要包括食物救援站和應急援助等互補策略。本研究為聯邦、州和機構決策者提供證據基礎，以通過多項協調措施解決大學生食物不安全問題。
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