There is ample room for debate about the appropriate size and role for the government in the longer term, but--in the absence of adequate demand from the private sector--a substantial fiscal consolidation in the shorter term could add to the headwinds facing economic growth and hiring.
Editor's note · Context
Bernanke discusses the role of government in economic recovery amidst private sector demand issues.
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Lower paid workers, as well as women and minorities, are over-represented in the most affected sectors, and, thus, have borne a disproportionate share of the job and income losses.
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Although monetary policy is working to promote a more robust recovery, it cannot carry the entire burden of ensuring a speedier return to economic health. The economy's performance both over the near term and the longer run will depend…
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