Economic Competitiveness: Is America Prepared to Realize Its Economic Potential?

Today the U.S. economy outperforms that of most other wealthy nations, thanks in no small part to its efficient capital markets and its first-rate system of higher education. But a web of weaknesses, particularly in primary and secondary education and healthcare, could put that leadership position in jeopardy as more nations emerge to challenge the United States over the next century. In Economic Competitiveness, Robert Gordon identifies the shortcomings that prevent the United States from reaching a higher standard of living. The policy prescriptions he provides in this report are designed to remedy these deficiencies so that the nation will be prepared to maintain its leadership role in a competitive global economy. Among his recommendations: �bullet points� finance primary and secondary public education through federal and state taxes rather than local property taxes institute a single-payer, government-financed health care system for essential medical care impose higher tax rates on the highest income levels to reduce economic inequality For anyone concerned about the future of American competitiveness, this report is a valuable primer on where the U.S. economy is and where it could be going.