How AEI Wants To Win The 2016 Ideas Primary

Robert Costa, The Washington Post, June 10, 2015

"A number of former AEI scholars, such as economist Abby McCloskey, have been scooped up by candidates, with more formal hires in the works. McCloskey recently left AEI to join former Texas governor Rick Perry’s policy shop."

PAPER: How to Improve Economic Opportunity for Women

Aparna Mathur and Abby McCloskey, AEI, June 27, 2014

"In this paper, we begin by addressing problems currently facing female workers before discussing current solutions and their flaws. Lastly, we put forth policy proposals to begin the conversation on how to support women and help them create better lives for themselves and their families."

PAPER: Fostering Upward Economic Mobility in the US

Aparna Mathur and Abby McCloskey, AEI, March 2014

"In this paper, we review the literature on the state of intergenerational mobility in America. Most studies find that a parent’s level of income is a significant determinant in a child’s income level. The causes for persistence identified by the literature include (1) segregation, (2) income inequality labor market challenges, (3) welfare programs, (4) education, and (5) family structure. We provide policy proposals in each of these areas."

PAPER: Holding Financial Regulators Accountable: A Case For Economic Analysis

Abby McCloskey and Hester Peirce, AEI, May 20, 2014

"Statutory economic analysis of new rulemakings would improve transparency and increase the effectiveness of rule writing at the financial regulatory agencies. The agencies should also conduct retrospective analysis to determine effectiveness after rules are enacted."

TESTIMONY: Financial Regulation and the Well-Being of Low-Income Americans

Abby McCloskey, House Financial Services Committee, February 11, 2014

"Chairman Hensarling, Ranking Member Waters, and members of the Committee, thank you for inviting me to testify today on the Federal Reserve’s regulatory mandate. In the testimony that follows, I will discuss the Federal Reserve’s responsibilities under the Dodd-Frank Act; how new rules are impacting consumers, particularly low-income consumers; and then turn to possible policy solutions."

What Republicans Can Do About Stagnating Wages

Abby McCloskey, Forbes, November 16, 2014

"Republicans would do well to focus their attention on stagnating incomes – an issue felt by nearly 90% of the U.S. population.  From 2010 to 2013, mean household income fell or was flat for all except the top income decile, according to recent research from the Federal Reserve. Low-wage workers were the hardest hit. Mean income for households in the bottom quintile declined by 8% during this time period.

Don't Get Used To Shrinking Deficits

Abby McCloskey, Forbes, December 15, 2014

"Deficits will begin to grow again in 2016 as the government increasingly spends more than it takes in. By 2024, the federal deficit is expected to double to $960 billion, and go upwards from there. Without reform, the CBO projects that the federal budget will deteriorate to levels never before seen in this country with “significant negative consequences” for the American people.

Four Charts to Keep in Mind Before the State of the Union

Abby McCloskey, Forbes, January 19, 2015

"On Tuesday, President Obama will give his State of the Union address. He is widely expected to introduce new policies, such as free community college and higher taxes, and to celebrate recent improvements in the economy.

In advance of his remarks, here are four charts to take note of."

How Conservatives Can Support Single Mothers

Abby McCloskey, Forbes, February 11, 2015

"The rise of single motherhood is one of the most important socioeconomic phenomena of our time. The percentage of homes headed by a single mother has more than doubled since the 1980s, with single mothers now accounting for 25% of U.S. households.

This trend has too often fallen outside of conservatives’ policy focus, which tends to center on marriage and traditional family values. But it should not be overlooked."

More Than One in 10 Amerian Workers Unemployed or Underemployed

Abby McCloskey, Forbes, February 18, 2015

"There has been much discussion about the unemployment rate and its accuracy. The unemployment rate has fallen to 5.7% from double-digit highs during the Great Recession. But Gallup’s CEO called the unemployment rate a big lie, estimating that as many as 30 million Americans are out of work or underemployed.

Who’s right?"

Why The Living Will Process Sets Banks Up for Failure

Abby McCloskey and Paul Kupiec, America Banker, August 11, 2014

"Last Tuesday, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. rejected the living wills of 11 of the biggest bank holding companies in the U.S. This gives regulators inordinate control to restructure the companies as they see fit.

Unbridled Regulation Sets Stage For Another 2008

Hester Peirce & Abby McCloskey, Real Clear Markets, May 21, 2014

"Want more accountability of Wall Street? Start with their regulators. Financial regulators are rewriting the rules of finance with little to no consideration about how their actions will impact the economy. The result is unnecessary and potentially serious costs on consumers, investors, and economic growth.

A Mobility Agenda for the Right

Aparna Mathur & Abby McCloskey, National Review Online, March 20, 2014

"It’s no secret that opportunity in the U.S. is staggeringly low. Studies suggest that mobility is lower in America than in other developed countries, and according to the Pew Charitable Trusts 70 percent of children born into poverty here will not make it to the middle class. Contrary to popular belief, mobility hasn’t actually gotten worse over the last several decades, according to a recent paper by Harvard economist Raj Chetty and his colleagues — but that’s hardly any consolation.