economistmom.com

I know and admire Diane Lim Rogers.  She's a friend, colleague, and frequent co- conspirator when it comes to budget.  But Brad DeLong has her number with this post: No Diane, having any budget commission is not necessarily better than not having one.

I truly wish this wasn't the case.  But when, as Brad points out, a commission is really just an excuse to do less now and a subterfuge for what's really happening, I don't see the value.  Given all the failed budget commissions and summits of the past and the fact that the moon and stars don't seem to be in proper alignment for one to succeed now, I'd much rather have members of Congress take their lumps at the next election for not using the power they already have to deal with the deficit than to promise for no apparent reason that somehow a commission is going to be different this time.

Over at economistmom.com, Diane Rogers, does her usual good job reviewing the current bidding on PAYGO.  One of her conclusions is a reverse NIKE, that is, when it comes to tax cuts and spending increases, the best way to pay for them is to just not do it.

This is a good summary of the hearing held last Thursday by the House Budget Committee on PAYGO and, like almost everything Diane does, is well worth the few minutes it will take to read.  If you want to read the testimony itself, take a look here.

At least, that what Diane Rogers over at EconomistMom.com said.

It's always nice to think that someone, anyone, is reading and listening.  As Andrew and Pete will tell you...you never really know.

Over at economistsmom.com, Diane Rogers does a nice job compiling some of Bruce Bartlett's recent columns.  Worth a few minutes of your time.

Note to myself (and everyone else): Don't let a few days go by without looking at economistmom.com.  If you do, you might miss this gem about the curret budget debate.