America's Fiscal Future: Reading Group
Fall term, Block I
T 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Professor Mihir Desai (Harvard Business School)
1 classroom credit LAW-30505A
This reading group will explore the fiscal position of the U.S. and the potential for fundamental tax reform in the next decade. We will begin with an assessment of the current budget and present forecasts for the evolution of public debt. The fiscal structure of the U.S. will be contrasted with other major developed economies. Major reform alternatives will be analyzed with particular attention on the creation of a value-added tax (VAT) and the experience of other economies in implementing a VAT. Students should emerge with an understanding of the current fiscal structure of the U.S. and the major fiscal policy choices facing the U.S.