During World War II, when inflation was very high, the United States government took many different actions to fight it including implementing an income tax, rationing, and price ceilings. Today we have the Federal Reserve which means we will hopefully not have to resort to these drastic measures to fix inflation ever again.
Original Air Date: February 8, 2022
Length: 23 Minutes 24 Seconds
Link: https://www.npr.org/2021/03/12/976465414/the-even-more-minimum-wage
This podcast discusses the history and the impact of low wages received by restaurant workers. The federal “tipped” minimum wage has remained stagnant for almost 30 years, while the standard minimum wage has been increased 5 times throughout that time. Policy makers in Washington DC are now proposing the Raise the Wage Act, which, if enacted, would raise the federal minimum wage incrementally to $15 an hour for all workers in all industries, including tipped workers.
Original Air Date: March 17, 2021
Length: 21 minutes and 22 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/07/27/487654380/episode-714-can-a-game-show-lose
Summary: Planet Money discusses whether a game show can lose and what it takes for a contestant to win. They look into the one-season wonder of the unsustainable model of the game ‘The Power of 10’.
Original Air Date: July 27, 2016
Length: 21 minutes 11 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/06/21/194326482/episode-467-tires-taxes-and-the-grizz
Summary: The prices of tires have been rising over the past five years primarily due to a rise in the price of inputs such as rubber. A tariff imposed by the U.S. government on Chinese tire imports has also contributed to the increase of tire prices. Planet Money outlines the negative impacts on U.S. tire companies resulting from the tariff.
Original Air Date: June 21, 2013
Length: 14 min
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/04/26/179295426/episode-454-the-lollipop-war
Summary: Planet money explores the struggle between two iconic American industries—the lollipop makers and the sugar growers— over “fair” regulations set forth by Congress in the farm bill.
Length: 19:19 min
Original air date: April 26, 2013
Discussion Prompt: What are the economic impacts of the subsidy on sugar for: farmers, candy producers, U.S. citizens, U.S. consumers? Why do you think sugar subsidies persist, and why do you think this fight about sugar has been ongoing in the U.S. government for so many years?
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