The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Sad Tuesday

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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 Public Policy
  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 Public Policy
  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 Public Policy
  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 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.
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Reading Week

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

Close enough for government work

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Bills and resolutions are different in Congress. Bills can change laws, while resolutions do not.
  2. The titles of proposed measures indicate their type, like 'H.R.' for House bills or 'H.Res.' for House resolutions.
  3. Some resolutions deal with how Congress runs, but they can't create new laws or make major changes.

Ten years burning down the road

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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 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 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 Public Policy
  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 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 Public Policy
  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 Public Policy
  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 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 Public Policy
  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 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
  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 Public Policy
  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.

European defence supercycle means scrapping deficit fears

Klement on Investing • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💰 Finance Public Policy
  1. European defense stocks have been rising since the war in Ukraine began. This growth is getting stronger with new rearmament plans in Europe.
  2. The positive effects of this defense spending could depend a lot on how the funding is organized and secured.
  3. Despite fears about government deficits, there may be a push to prioritize defense budgets moving forward, especially with upcoming NATO discussions.

Executive Belocracy: Current Options

the best of a great lot • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There are three main types of organizations: government agencies, for-profits, and nonprofits. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses in managing societal needs.
  2. Government agencies often lack competition, which can lead to inefficiency. In contrast, for-profits thrive on competition but may prioritize profit over their mission.
  3. Nonprofits can struggle with effectiveness because they often focus more on attracting donations than on delivering results. Creating successful nonprofits is also challenging due to funding constraints.

Fighting for Ghost Traffic

Kathy PM • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Traffic in San Francisco is actually down since the pandemic, not worse. Many streets have seen a big drop in vehicle numbers compared to 2019.
  2. The feeling that traffic is worse is tied to emotions around loss and change. People miss the way things used to be and feel frustrated by new street designs.
  3. Instead of trying to return to pre-pandemic traffic patterns, the city should focus on making space for people and adapting to current needs for movement and community.

Gave Proof Through the Night

Pizza Party • 0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The story describes a ship named Dalí that experiences a blackout and crashes. This symbolizes larger issues in society.
  2. It mentions political figures like Biden and Trump, portraying a sense of frustration with the current leadership.
  3. The imagery of a broken bridge illustrates the idea of lost dreams and choices in America, leaving people feeling stuck.

Will your next home be a climate lemon?

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Policy
  1. Buyers should be aware that houses in risky climate areas can lose value. Knowing the risks before buying a home is important to avoid losing money later.
  2. Suppressing information about climate risks can hurt future homebuyers. It's like hiding problems with a car that you’re selling; it's unfair and might even be seen as fraud.
  3. People need to be proactive in understanding climate risks when buying homes. Local conditions and governance can impact safety and property value, so do your research.

What Happens When You Pay Ex–Gang Members to Stop Crime? Ask Chicago.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Illinois runs a state-funded program that pays former gang members in Chicago to mediate street conflicts and try to prevent shootings. They’re meant to act as local “peacekeepers” who use their connections to stop violence.
  2. Some participants have been arrested for serious crimes—even after public appearances—and critics say the effort has become a revolving door for crime. This undermines the program’s credibility in the community.
  3. The large public investment in the initiative has raised questions about oversight, accountability, and whether the approach is actually effective at reducing violence.

Review of 'On Bigotry'

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 22 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Public Policy
  1. Bigotry is a way of thinking that makes claims without evidence and can infect anyone regardless of class or education, so it adapts, hides or shouts and must be actively confronted rather than tolerated or negotiated with.
  2. All forms of bigotry are interconnected—racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia reinforce each other—so resisting one form means rejecting them all and refusing to accept ‘acceptable’ bigots.
  3. Clear, practical lessons and definitions make it easier to recognise how bigotry shapes policy and everyday life, but there are unanswered questions about how people actually reform and how to respond when bigotry is openly displayed.