Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Michael Farren
Song in Focus
Subhead Jesus, Strong and Kind Body By: Colin Buchanan, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson (2019) Jesus said That if I fear, I should come to him No one else can be my shield.
Song in Focus
Body By: Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Michael Farren (2018) To this I hold my sin has been defeated Jesus now and ever is my plea Oh the chains are released I can sing I am free Yet not I but through Christ in me We have been made right with God, we have been adopted into God’s family, we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, we live day to day for His glory, serving Him… and all of it is because of Christ. It’s not through our own strength.
King + Country Drops Sophmore Track 'Checking in (Feat. Lee Brice)' From Upcoming Soundtrack
Multi-Platinum and four-time Grammy Award winning duo for KING + COUNTRY drops their sophomore track "Checking In (Feat. Lee Brice)" from their forthcoming "UNSUNG HERO" movie inspired-by soundtrack. Available today alongside an official music video, "Checking In" is a fitting tribute to vivid memories, bittersweet regret, and the love between a parent and a child, as portrayed in the upcoming theatrical biopic that will be released in theaters nationwide on April 26 via LIONSGATE.
It’s time to unleash the ‘Abundance Agenda’
According to the 1960s cartoon sitcom “The Jetsons,” George Jetson was born last year. Set less than 40 years from today, the show imagined a world filled with flying cars, houses set amidst the clouds and three-day workweeks. Given the rate at which U.S. economic growth is slowing, that future looks increasingly far away — but the speed at which the future arrives is up to us.
It’s time to unleash the ‘Abundance Agenda’
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill According to the 1960s cartoon sitcom “The Jetsons,” George Jetson was born last year. Set less than 40 years from today, the show imagined a world filled with flying cars, houses set amidst the clouds and three-day workweeks. Given the rate at which U.S. economic growth is slowing, that future looks increasingly far away — but the speed at which the future arrives is up to us.
What if workers could choose the union they want?
WND is now on Trump’s Truth Social! Follow us @WNDNews [Editor’s note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Wire.] By Michael D. Farren & Christopher M. Kaiser Real Clear Wire With persistent inflation and growing concerns over a recession, pundits, policymakers, and the president have expressed concern about an alleged lack of competition lurking in the dark corners of the U.S. economy.
The Monopoly Hiding in Plain Sight
With persistent inflation and growing concerns over a recession, pundits, policymakers, and the president have expressed concern about an alleged lack of competition lurking in the dark corners of the U.S. economy. As President Biden himself said, “capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism, it’s exploitation.” From Big Tech to baby food, both sides of the aisle are on the lookout for monopoly power. But sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight.
The Monopoly Hiding in Plain Sight
With persistent inflation and growing concerns over a recession, pundits, policymakers, and the president have expressed concern about an alleged lack of competition lurking in the dark corners of the U.S. economy. As President Biden himself said, “capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism, it’s exploitation.” From Big Tech to baby food, both sides of the aisle are on the lookout for monopoly power. But sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight.
Competition key to determining effects of increased unionization
Ever since “Striketober” last year, unions have been making headlines. There’s been a continual drumbeat of attempts to form unions at Starbucks cafes, Amazon logistics centers and Apple stores. The media attention crescendoed last week after railway companies and railway unions came to an 11th-hour provisional agreement that may have headed off a strike that would have caused severe and widespread harm to the economy. What’s behind this latest unionization push?
Counterpoint: A free marketeer’s love of Labor Day
SIGN UP TO CONTINUE Print Subscriber? Sign Up for Full Access! Please sign up for as low as 36 cents per day to continue viewing our website. Unlimited access to all stories from nashuatelegraph.com on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Access nashuatelegraph.com, view our digital edition or use our Full Access apps. Get more information at nashuatelegraph.com/fullaccess Log In Newsletter Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.
A free marketeer’s love of Labor Day
One hundred forty years ago, the first Labor Day parade almost ended before it began. On Sept. 5, 1882, thousands of union workers, police officers and gawking onlookers gathered at City Hall in lower Manhattan. Everything was in place, the route was set and the marchers were ready to go, except for one problem: There was no band to lead the parade. In hindsight, that seems a fitting problem. Public attention for rank-and-file workers and their issues had long been given short shrift.
Industrial Policy Stifles Progress
Industrial Policy Stifles Progress Policies like subsidies and tariffs protect companies from competitive pressure and allow them to take their eye off the ball. Read Full Article »
Industrial Policy Stifles Progress
Congress When Congress picks winners we all lose. | (BONNIE CASH/UPI/Newscom) The once-beleaguered CHIPS Act has finally passed and will soon receive President Joe Biden's enthusiastic signature. The big ticket item in that legislation is $52 billion worth of subsidies for computer chip manufacturers, but once the bill's passage looked inevitable, it was stuffed full of additional spending. The CHIPS and Science Act's cost has now ballooned to $280 billion.
Microchip Subsidies Confirm P.T. Barnum At Most Cynical
Microchip Subsidies Confirm P.T. Barnum At Most Cynical Even if there’s a reasonable argument for moderate, national defense-focused programs, that doesn’t warrant subsidizing an entire industry. Read Full Article »
Microchip subsidy sleight-of-hand Original
Microchip lobbyists have been doing their best P.T. Barnum impressions for months, pushing for billions of dollars in subsidies without which the future of American microchip manufacturing is, apparently, doomed. But as Barnum reputedly said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” While domestic chip manufacturing may merit a little congressional attention, what we’re seeing is a rhetorical sleight-of-hand that has exacerbated a larger problem in our state capitals.
On the idea's 30th anniversary, could our governors stop corporate giveaways? by Michael D. Farren and James Hohman
Thirty years ago this summer, two former governors - Michigan's John Engler and Illinois' Jim Edgar - arrived at the National Governors Association meeting with a radical idea: that states band together and stop handing taxpayer-funded subsidies to private businesses. The idea fizzled, and we've since seen ever-increasing corporate handouts. As governors convene this year, support for a change is growing again. And this time, they may have the right tool to put taxpayers over tax handouts.
Could our governors stop corporate giveaways?
By Michael D. Farren and James Hohman Thirty years ago this summer, two former governors - Michigan's John Engler and Illinois' Jim Edgar - arrived at the National Governors Association meeting with a radical idea: that states band together and stop handing taxpayer-funded subsidies to private businesses. The idea fizzled, and we since have seen ever-increasing corporate handouts. As governors convene this year, support for change again is growing.
COMMENTARY: A compact among states could end unproductive corporate giveaways
Thirty years ago this summer, two former governors--Michigan's John Engler and Illinois' Jim Edgar--arrived at the National Governors Association meeting with a radical idea: that states band together and stop handing taxpayer-funded subsidies to private businesses. The idea fizzled, and we've since seen ever-increasing corporate handouts. As governors convene this year, support for a change is growing again. And this time, they may have the right tool to put taxpayers over tax handouts.
Commentary: On the idea’s 30th anniversary, could our governors stop corporate giveaways?
Thirty years ago this summer, two former governors—Michigan’s John Engler and Illinois’ Jim Edgar—arrived at the National Governors Association meeting with a radical idea: that states band together and stop handing taxpayer-funded subsidies to private businesses. The idea fizzled, and we’ve since seen ever-increasing corporate handouts. As governors convene this year, support for a change is growing again. And this time, they may have the right tool to put taxpayers over tax handouts.
Don't Destroy Union Regulations Because You Don't Get Them
Don't Destroy Union Regulations Because You Don't Get Them This week marks 75 years since Congress overrode President Truman’s veto and passed the Taft-Hartley Act, ushering in the modern era of union regulation. Since then, union leaders have fought to Read Full Article »
Don't Destroy Union Regs Because You Don't Understand Them
June 23rd marks 75 years since Congress overrode President Truman’s veto and passed the Taft-Hartley Act, ushering in the modern era of union regulation. Since then, union leaders have fought to escape its confinements, their latest attempt being the “Protecting the Right to Organize” (PRO) Act. But over the last four generations, we’ve lost sight of the fact that Taft-Hartley was more about labor monopolies than anti-union sentiment.
Don't Destroy Union Regulations Because You Don't Understand Them
By Michael Farren June 22, 2022 This week marks 75 years since Congress overrode President Truman’s veto and passed the Taft-Hartley Act, ushering in the modern era of union regulation. Since then, union leaders have fought to escape its confinements, their latest attempt being the “Protecting the Right to Organize” (PRO) Act. But over the last four generations, we’ve lost sight of the fact that Taft-Hartley was more about labor monopolies than anti-union sentiment.
A Pro-Union Vision for the 21st Century and Beyond
The United States should become the most union-friendly nation in the world. You may be surprised by that statement, especially coming from a researcher who tends to be a champion of free markets. If so, take a moment to pick yourself up off the metaphorical floor and get your bearings. Contrary to popular belief, unions and free markets are not necessarily opposed. Free markets, properly understood, are a subset of the larger social goal that motivates classical liberals: free societies.
Today's Strong Job Growth Isn’t Enough
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File )
Strong Job Growth Isn’t Enough
Jobs Despite a promising April jobs report, the U.S. is still 3 million workers short. | (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group/Newscom) The April jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showcases an array of data that, prior to the pandemic, would have had economists dancing in the street.
Sick of sneaky state subsidies? Ban secret deals
News just broke that Georgia legislators upped the ante in the corporate giveaway game by agreeing to provide $1.5 billion in taxpayer-funded subsidies — the largest such handout in state history. Officials, concerned with public pushback, flew under the radar by signing non-disclosure agreements during negotiations with electric carmaker Rivian. It’s more than just southern hospitality — American taxpayers from coast to coast are on the hook for Georgia’s generosity.
The Kansas-Missouri Border War isn't over
Missouri and Kansas are no strangers to border conflict. No, we’re not talking about the chaos that inspired 'The Outlaw Josey Wales.' The fear today is over cross-border job poachers. However, that doesn’t justify giving Fidelity Security Life Insurance $12.7 million just to stay in Kansas City.
The border war between Kansas and Missouri isn't over yet
[Editor’s note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy.] By David Stokes & Michael Farren Real Clear Policy Missouri and Kansas are no strangers to border conflict. No, we’re not talking about the chaos that inspired “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” The fear today is over cross-border job poachers. However, that doesn’t justify giving Fidelity Security Life Insurance $12.7 million just to stay inside Kansas City.
The Kansas-Missouri Border War Isn't Over
David Stokes & Michael Farren RealClearPolicy April 27, 2022 Missouri and Kansas are no strangers to border conflict. No, we’re not talking about the chaos that inspired “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” The fear today is over cross-border job poachers. However, that doesn’t justify giving Fidelity Security Life Insurance $12.7 million just to stay inside Kansas City.
The Kansas-Missouri Border War Isn't Over
By David Stokes & Michael Farren April 27, 2022 (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Missouri and Kansas are no strangers to border conflict. No, we’re not talking about the chaos that inspired “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” The fear today is over cross-border job poachers. However, that doesn’t justify giving Fidelity Security Life Insurance $12.7 million just to stay inside Kansas City.
The Kansas-Missouri Border War Isn't Over
Missouri and Kansas are no strangers to border conflict. No, we’re not talking about the chaos that inspired “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” The fear today is over cross-border job poachers. However, that doesn’t justify giving Fidelity Security Life Insurance $12.7 million just to stay inside Kansas City.
Michigan overpaid for battery plants, utility customers may be stuck with the bill
Michael D. Farren and Jason Hayes, guest writers Many believe that Michigan’s subsidies for the new General Motors electric vehicle and Ultium battery plants in Lansing are old news. But the deal was only just finalized, and there’s reason to believe that state legislators have wildly overpaid for the project.
Chair Stamas, Majority Vice Chair Bumstead, Minority Vice Chair Hertel, and members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations: My name is Michael Farren, and my research at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University focuses on evaluating government efforts to foster economic development. I am grateful for the invitation to comment on Michigan’s attempts to stimulate economic growth, especially the use of corporate subsidies such as those enabled by Legislative Transfer Request (LTR) 2022-1.
Kansas is going down wrong path in sweetening a subsidy when company has likely made its decision Original
Michael D. Farren Gov. Laura Kelly just signed legislation that would hand out over $1.3 billion to ostensibly attract a mystery company to Kansas. House legislators initially called SB 347 a “train wreck” and practically raked its author over coals in its first hearing, but the House eventually joined the Senate in holding its nose to pass the bill.
Subsidy Bowl LVI: LA Shows Cincinnati How It's Done
All eyes are on Los Angeles for Super Bowl LVI, where the hometown Rams face the Cincinnati Bengals in the most expensive sports venue ever built. But in the Subsidy Bowl, the Rams have already won in a blowout every bit as decisive as 49ers-Broncos or Bears-Patriots. Most Super Bowls are played in taxpayer-funded stadiums, but this one is different: Rams owner Stan Kroenke has proven that professional sports don’t need subsidies with his privately funded $5.5 billion complex.
Subsidy Bowl LVI: LA Shows Cincinnati How It's Done
All eyes are on Los Angeles for Super Bowl LVI, where the hometown Rams face the Cincinnati Bengals in the most expensive sports venue ever built. But in the Subsidy Bowl, the Rams have already won in a blowout every bit as decisive as 49ers-Broncos or Bears-Patriots. Most Super Bowls are played in taxpayer-funded stadiums, but this one is different: Rams owner Stan Kroenke has proven that professional sports don’t need subsidies with his privately funded $5.5 billion complex.
West Virginia Helps Lead the Nation toward an Interstate Compact to End Corporate Subsidies
West Virginia Helps Lead the Nation toward an Interstate Compact to End Corporate Subsidies West Virginia Legislature, Commission on Interstate Cooperation January 11, 2022 Chair Woodrum, Chair Stouch, and members of the Commission on Interstate Cooperation: My name is Michael Farren, and my research at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University focuses on evaluating government efforts to foster economic development.
American taxpayers pick up New Jersey commuters' fare
With President BidenJoe BidenMan sentenced to nearly four years for running scam Trump, Biden PACs Dole in final column: 'Too many of us have sacrificed too much' Meadows says Trump's blood oxygen level was dangerously low when he had COVID-19 MORE’s signature on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, taxpayers around the country will underwrite New Jersey commuters’ trips to work.
Has the Pandemic Shifted the Labor Market to a New Normal?
Has the Pandemic Shifted the Labor Market to a New Normal? The October jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics finally provided some good news from the labor market, after two months of disappointing job growth. But while breathing a small sigh of relief, there’s still reason to worry about the overall labor market recovery. First, the good news: Most headlines will focus on the 531,000 increase in payroll jobs and the 0.2 percentage-point drop in the primary unemployment rate.
OPINION | Taxpayer subsidies for pro sports fail economic tests
Albuquerque voters will soon decide whether to use taxpayer funds to build a stadium for the New Mexico United minor league soccer team. Before making up their minds, they should know that, from an economic perspective, publicly funded stadiums – especially those that could cost as much as $99 million, not including land acquisition – don’t pay off. First, researchers consistently find that the costs of stadium subsidies outweigh the benefits. It’s an issue on which most economists agree.
85 Years of Economic Warfare Between States is Enough
Eight-five years ago this fall, former Mississippi Governor Hugh White launched a bold experiment: The “Balance Agriculture with Industry” (BAWI) program. White hoped to jumpstart a stagnant, rural economy by subsidizing manufacturing firms to move to Mississippi. Instead, he fired the first shot in an economic development war between the states — a perpetual and unwinnable arms race that today consumes about $95 billion a year.
Bad Jobs Numbers Raise More Questions About Unemployment Insurance
The September jobs report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that August's disappointing job growth was not a fluke. In an era of rushed reporting, motivated by 24-hour news cycles and politically weaponized talking points, we should always treat any single data point with a large grain of salt. Two in a row, however, suggests that a trend might be forming, warranting more careful attention.
Expanded Unemployment Benefits May Have Discouraged a Faster Recovery
In March 2020, in an effort to help workers who had lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government offered to expand the generosity and coverage of states’ unemployment insurance (UI) programs. Since then, vaccines and other mitigating factors have reduced the pandemic’s economic disruptions.
Opinion: billions are being wasted in economic development subsidy wars
by: Michael Farren and Philip St. Jean (Editor's note: this originally appeared on Governing.com) Seeking to create jobs and help their local economies climb out of the pandemic recession, state and local officials are raising the ante on subsidies to big corporations. But if history is any guide, ever-increasing tax breaks and other economic development incentives will likely lead to slower — not faster — growth.
Did the end of unemployment insurance come too late for some workers?
The federal expansion to unemployment insurance (UI) just ended, giving hope that a swifter economic recovery will follow. While UI was a lifeline for many workers during the worst phases of the pandemic, the introduction of effective vaccines against COVID-19 last spring shifted the economy from “neutral” to “recover” mode — at least it should have. Employers have had persistent problems finding workers to fill jobs, even in the face of rising wages, better benefits and hiring bonuses.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Michael
Contact Michael, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack