Despite pressures for reducing the overall spending of the federal government, some policymakers and analysts have considered increasing the funding for particular areas that might be especially important to the long-term growth of the economy. Increases have been proposed in spending for highways and other types of physical infrastructure, for…

Maintains that, although U.S. currency today is pure fiat money and not backed by gold or any other precious metal, students frequently ask, "But what about the gold at Fort Knox?" Describes what is really located at Fort Knox, why it is there, its implications for public policy. (CFR)

Asserts that policymakers and the general public should be well informed about economic and social issues. Contends that a statistical system in a democracy has a heavy responsibility to ensure that the data represent fact, not opinion. Discusses changes made in the Consumer Price Index to prevent it from becoming politicized. (CFR)

This report examines the economic impact of cultural institutions on their communities in Columbus (Ohio), Minneapolis/ St. Paul (Minnesota), St. Louis (Missouri), Salt Lake City (Utah), San Antonio (Texas), and Springfield (Illinois). For each city, tables are included which list data in the following categories: (1) audience per capita spending;…