Public Employment as Fiscal Policy

Michael Wiseman

Michael Wiseman Research Professor of Public Policy, Public Administration, and Economics - The George Washington University

Discussants: R. A. Gordon and

RAG

R. A. Gordon

James Tobin

JT

James Tobin

IN A COUNTERCYCLICAL public-employmenpt rogram, the government
attempts to expand employment during a recession and its aftermath by
creating additional jobs in the public sector. Congress and the public like
such policies, but most economists view them with suspicion. Since considerable experience with public-employment programs has developed over
the past five years, the time seems right to evaluate their operation and
potential.