Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
12 episodes
1 week ago
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
All content for The Two-Handed Economist is the property of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
3: What Congress Should Consider As It Weighs TCJA Extensions
The Two-Handed Economist
15 minutes
6 months ago
3: What Congress Should Consider As It Weighs TCJA Extensions
John Diamond outlines what Congress should consider as it prepares to extend key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that expire at the end of 2025. He covers: how tweaks to the tax system can encourage U.S. companies to return production from overseas; why it’s important to incentivize investment in research and development (R&D); and how policymakers can tackle the budget deficit by taxing economic rents. This episode was recorded on April 22, 2025. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
The Two-Handed Economist
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
