The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Is transformational change the only thing that matters?

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Social Change Public Policy Criminal Justice
  1. Transformational change is difficult in various aspects of life, and most attempts do not lead to significant outcomes, but persistence is key to progress.
  2. Research and evaluation play a crucial role in understanding the effectiveness of interventions and innovations, although measuring programmatic effectiveness can be challenging.
  3. Randomized experiments, while powerful, are not the only form of high-quality evidence; various types of evidence contribute to building knowledge and understanding incremental changes over time.

Fructose, Public Policy, and The Low-Fat Re-Education Camp (Short Post)

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 11
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy Nutrition Obesity Cholesterol
  1. There is a need to modify public policy to reduce fructose consumption, such as ending corn subsidies to discourage junk food consumption.
  2. Although important to address public health concerns like obesity and chronic diseases, caution is necessary to avoid government overreach in determining individuals' diets.
  3. Avoid setting the precedent that the government should dictate dietary choices as it may lead to potential restrictions on other food components in the future.

Exciting Vietnam-related Opportunities at Google Singapore

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 20
💼 Business Opportunities Employment Management Finance Public Policy
  1. Google Singapore has various job opportunities available for English and Vietnamese speakers.
  2. Interested individuals can apply for roles such as Account Strategist, Agency Development Manager, Finance Manager, and more.
  3. These positions are based in Singapore and require fluency in both English and Vietnamese.

The Price of Delay

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Regulation Economics Urban Development Public Policy
  1. Housing regulations slow down construction and make planning harder for developers. This uncertainty discourages them from investing in new buildings.
  2. A new study shows if we reduce approval wait times, it could lead to significantly more housing being built. However, there are questions about how realistic these estimates are.
  3. Clearer regulations could make a big difference in housing supply. Countries with more straightforward building laws tend to have better housing outcomes.

Infrastructure Costs in America

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 18 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Economics Public Policy Transportation
  1. Infrastructure costs in America are really high compared to other countries. This means we can't build as much as we need to because it's too expensive.
  2. Contracting practices lead to expensive overruns and dishonest bids. Many contractors misrepresent costs, leading to hidden fees and renegotiations that drive prices up.
  3. Local influences and regulations increase project costs even more. Communities often demand more expensive construction methods and designs, creating unnecessary expenses that tax dollars end up covering.
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Prison

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Mental health Prison System Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Prisons in the US are now the biggest places for mental healthcare, highlighting a sad reality about how we treat mental health issues.
  2. In some remote villages in Alaska, when locals are suddenly taken to prison, it can really upset the whole community, especially if the person has never left their home before.
  3. Prison life can be tough, and some inmates actually prefer being inside because it feels safer to them, even if it means committing crimes just to go back.

Is AI going to kill us all? An FAQ

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI safety Research Ethics Human Values Public Policy Existential Risk
  1. AI has the potential to be very dangerous, and even a small chance of catastrophe is worth taking seriously. Experts have different opinions on how likely this threat is.
  2. Pausing AI research isn't a good idea because it could let bad actors gain an advantage. Instead, it's better for responsible researchers to lead the development.
  3. We should focus on investing in AI safety and creating ethical guidelines to minimize risks. Teaching AI models to follow humanistic values is essential for their positive impact.

Elections Matter

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Party Dynamics Congress
  1. Elections change who is in power, which means new people in Congress will have different ideas and priorities for what laws to push. This can lead to big shifts in policy.
  2. When an election ends, politicians often feel freer to make bold decisions since they don't have to worry about upcoming votes. This can lead to unexpected changes during the months after the election.
  3. The results of an election send strong signals to everyone involved in politics about what issues might work well or not. This affects not just elected officials, but also interest groups and lobbyists who will adjust their strategies based on the election outcome.

How much would it cost to expand the size of the House?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Political Debate Congress Public Policy
  1. Expanding the House of Representatives will have significant costs, both one-time and ongoing. Each new member could cost around $2 million a year, adding up quickly.
  2. The initial costs for space and resources for new members could reach around a billion dollars. This includes the need for new buildings and additional security.
  3. While the costs may seem high, they should not stop discussions about expanding the House if there are strong reasons to do so. Political concerns might influence decisions even if the costs are justifiable.

Sweet Home Chicago

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political strategy Political parties Public Policy
  1. Swing Republicans are worried because Trump is focusing on divisive topics instead of tax policy, which they prefer to talk about as it helps them secure votes in their districts.
  2. Candidates in elections aim to win, not just increase their vote share. They are careful not to jeopardize their stable support for the sake of a small improvement in overall votes.
  3. The 2018 Congress is likely to focus on messaging rather than major legislation. Both parties are not eager to collaborate on big topics, leading to many symbolic bills without much chance of passing.

FIVE POINTS: Groundhog Day in the Senate

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Health care Political strategy Public Policy
  1. The September 30th deadline is significant for the Graham-Cassidy bill, but it doesn't fully block repeal efforts. The Senate can still try to pass other legislation, but it may complicate future initiatives like tax reform.
  2. Getting the Graham-Cassidy bill approved in the House might be challenging. Many House Republicans are in difficult positions regarding their votes, especially those from states that would lose under this proposal.
  3. Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. and deserves equal support in disasters. It's important for Americans to understand that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and should receive the same aid as those in other states during emergencies.

FIVE POINTS: December is the New September

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Party Politics Public Policy
  1. The recent deal on hurricane relief and the debt limit has many political angles, with discussions on its impact on upcoming tax reform and GOP dynamics.
  2. Two moderate Republicans announced their retirement, but it's important not to overreact as this doesn't necessarily signal a major trend for the party as a whole.
  3. Approval for discharge petitions is rare due to risks for members of the majority, meaning lawmakers often find other ways to express their support without directly challenging leadership.

Sad Tuesday

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Congress Government Public Policy
  1. When a Representative dies, the Clerk of the House takes over their duties and the office continues functioning until a new Representative is elected.
  2. The deceased Representative's family receives financial benefits, including salary payments and a death gratuity.
  3. The House adjusts its total number of Members, and a special election is called to fill the vacant seat left by the Representative's passing.

Reading Week

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Negative political ads are often talked about, but their actual impact might not be as big as people think. It's important to look at examples critically.
  2. There are interesting discussions about spending in presidential elections. Comparing this spending to things like GDP can give a better perspective on the costs involved.
  3. Knowing the history of things, like the invention of pinball or the writing of Ulysses S. Grant, can add depth to our understanding of culture and politics.

Why I'm a libertarian, part two: the cost of good intentions

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism State power Civil Liberties Public Policy Government intervention
  1. The government can sometimes do more harm than good when trying to prevent problems. This means we have to be careful about how much power we give the state.
  2. Just because an idea sounds good doesn't mean it will work as planned. Often, government actions can have unexpected negative effects that people don't see coming.
  3. It's important to remember that some issues are better left alone. Sometimes doing nothing might be the best option to avoid causing more problems.

A common fallacy, circulating this week. Plus some polisci.

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Policy Voting behavior
  1. Polls don’t tell the whole story about voter decisions. Just because most people support a policy doesn't mean it will help a candidate win votes.
  2. The strength of people's feelings about an issue matters. Some may care a lot about a policy while others may not think it influences their vote much.
  3. Good public policy should matter to political parties, not just winning elections. Sometimes, making tough decisions for long-term benefits is more important than immediate electoral gains.

Notes on legislative power accumulation: adding and extracting value

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislative Process Political strategy Power Dynamics Public Policy
  1. Members of Congress mainly aim to get re-elected, which helps them pursue power and create good policies. If they focus on making good policies without worrying about re-election, they might lose their ability to influence things.
  2. To gain power in a legislature, new members can add value by being reliable voters and developing skills like fundraising or policy expertise. They need to trade their contributions for support from more powerful members.
  3. Extracting value means figuring out what your vote or influence is worth and negotiating for what you can get in return. Being clear about your goals while appearing undecided can help in securing favorable deals.

Reading Week

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Civil Liberties Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. It's important to stand up for the rule of law and individual rights, especially when it comes to government powers like indefinite detention.
  2. Understanding how leaders handle issues of compliance and accountability, like in jury duty or congressional oversight, is key to grasping bigger political problems.
  3. Keeping an eye on how candidates are perceived and discussed in media can help us understand upcoming elections and political behaviors.

Ten years burning down the road

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Legislation Executive Power Public Policy
  1. The Patriot Act has become normal to many people, making it easy for society to overlook its implications for personal freedom and privacy. Most citizens don’t see how it impacts their lives until a specific incident brings it to light.
  2. The sunset clauses in the Patriot Act allow Congress to limit executive power, which is a crucial step to avoid handing over unchecked authority. Regularly reviewing and renewing powers could keep the balance between safety and liberty in check.
  3. There's a concern that administrations, like Obama’s, have made enhanced security measures a standard practice, similar to how Eisenhower accepted the New Deal. This acceptance can make it harder to roll back such policies in the future.

Five Things I Expect to See in Tonight's GOP Debate

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debates Candidates Political strategy Elections Public Policy
  1. Perry is expected to have a better plan for discussing Social Security than in the past. He has been preparing to counter attacks from other candidates.
  2. Bachmann is likely to launch a strong attack against Perry to boost her own standing in the debate. She risks being pushed out of the race if she does not perform well.
  3. Romney will probably take a more indirect approach to criticize Perry, aiming to unify GOP support against him while maintaining his own position in the race.

On longshots

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Political Ideology Public Policy
  1. Not all candidates run for president to win. They might have other reasons like raising awareness for issues or building their political network.
  2. Some candidates aim to change their party's views or set themselves up for future elections, even if they know they are longshots.
  3. Similarly, politicians introduce lots of bills that won't pass for various reasons, like showing their ideals or gaining media attention, which is usually a cheap and easy process.

On Courage

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jul 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Public Policy Legislation
  1. People often think politicians lack courage when they don't support unpopular policies. But the reality is that voters usually don't want those policies, so politicians respond to their preferences.
  2. Many people who criticize politicians for not being brave wouldn't personally make the same sacrifices. It's tough to expect someone to risk their job for a policy they might not fully believe in.
  3. 'Political courage' is often used as a way to blame politicians when policies don't align with certain people's views. It might be more about understanding the political environment and voter opinions.

On the history of political phrases

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaign strategies Legislative Process Political Rhetoric Public Policy
  1. The phrase 'waste, fraud, and abuse' became popular in American politics around the late 1970s. It seems strange that it didn't exist earlier, given how much it's talked about now.
  2. Many political phrases we hear today have roots that go back much further in history. Phrases like 'split-ticket' and 'corrupt bargain' have been around since the 19th century.
  3. Even though 'waste, fraud, and abuse' is commonly criticized, it has only recently gained attention in the political spotlight, showing how language in politics evolves over time.

On watching battles unfold

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Policy Political Events Media Coverage
  1. Media coverage of important events can often feel dull and uninteresting. It's important to look for captivating images that give a new perspective.
  2. Photos taken in key moments can be strategically released. This raises questions about what the official narrative wants us to see.
  3. The setting of important meetings, like the Situation Room, can be surprising. It's easy to imagine it looking high-tech, but reality might be much simpler.

Broken Windows

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Political theory Disaster Response Wealth Distribution
  1. Destruction does not create wealth; it only redistributes what already exists. So, if something is destroyed, we don't end up with more overall value.
  2. While rebuilding after a disaster might temporarily boost certain economic indicators, it doesn't mean the total wealth has increased. It's just replacing what's lost, not adding more.
  3. Using GDP to measure economic growth after a disaster can be misleading because it doesn't account for the negative impacts of the destruction. It can give a false impression of prosperity.

On the idea that both parties might prefer not to control the House

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Party Dynamics Public Policy
  1. Some believe Democrats might benefit from losing the House, as it could set them up for a stronger comeback in the next election. This is because a small GOP majority may struggle to pass significant legislation.
  2. The argument for both parties not wanting control suggests they might think the next two years will be tough no matter who holds power. If that’s the case, they might prefer to wait for a better opportunity.
  3. Having control of the House gives significant advantages, like more influence in decision-making and accessing resources. Even less powerful party members can gain from being in the majority, which makes the idea of not wanting control less appealing for them.

On the idea of a "taxpayer's receipt"

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Taxation Public Policy Political Debate
  1. The idea of a 'taxpayer's receipt' sounds useful because it could show exactly where your taxes are going. But it’s really hard to make it accurate and complete.
  2. Mixing different types of taxes on the receipt may confuse people about how their money is actually spent. Not everyone's tax burden looks the same, and this might lead to misunderstandings.
  3. There are many political challenges with this idea. For example, many people don’t pay federal income taxes, so their receipt could look empty, which might cause more division than clarity.

The unemployment rate: A look at the sampling question.

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Statistics Labor Market Government Public Policy
  1. The unemployment rate is calculated using a survey of about 60,000 households, while payroll numbers come from a survey of 140,000 businesses. These different sources can lead to different results.
  2. Sampling bias can affect results if the survey doesn't represent the whole population well. It's important to trust that statisticians are working to avoid these biases.
  3. Data can have noise or errors, especially when the job market is changing a lot. Seasonal adjustments and revisions to previous data can impact how we understand the unemployment rate.

Going a bit Elton John, me

Digital Policy • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Legislation Government reform
  1. The writer is finishing their role as a Research Fellow and preparing for a launch event of their final report. It's a big moment for them.
  2. They emphasize the importance of basics when it comes to creating effective public services. Simple, clear systems and communication are key.
  3. There’s a need for better training and engagement between policy and technical teams to ensure policies are effectively implemented using technology.

AI for All: Why Governments Need to Build Their Own AI Models

Crypto Good • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Public Policy Social Impact Digital economy
  1. Governments should create their own AI models to better serve their people. This way, the AI can understand local cultures and languages.
  2. Having AI accessible to everyone can help people with practical advice, like farmers getting help with crops or families learning about healthcare.
  3. AI can transform knowledge into real opportunities for everyone, especially those who have been left out of the digital economy.