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The 4% Solution: Unleashing the Economic Growth America Needs

July 17, 2012
By the George W. Bush Institute Foreward by President George W. Bush Introduction by James K. Glassman, Founding Executive Director of the Bush Institute Edited by Brendan Miniter
An exploration of the ambitious goal of sustainable GDP growth of 4%

The United States is reaching a pivotal point in its economic history. Millions of Americans owe more on their homes than they are worth, long-term unemployment is alarmingly high, and the Congressional Budget Office is projecting a sustainable growth rate of only 2.3%—a full percentage point below the average for the past sixty years. Unless a turnaround comes quickly, the United States could be mired in debt for years to come and millions of Americans will be pushed to the sidelines of the economy. 
 
The 4% Solution offers clear and unflinching ideas on how to revive America’s economy. It sets a positive economic goal and asks some of the top economic minds on how to achieve it. With a focus on removing government constraints, The 4% Solution defines the policies that will allow Americans to save, invest, and create the jobs that the United States needs.
 
The 4% Solution draws on the best minds in the business, including Nobel laureates and other leading thinkers:

  • Robert Lucas on the history and future of economic growth.
  • Edward Prescott on how government spending programs can hurt the economy.
  • Myron Scholes on why innovation is crucial.
  • Gary Becker on why our economy will continue to need immigrants.
  • Vernon Smith and Steven Gjerstad on how the housing market impacts the broader economy.
  • Amity Shlaes on growth lessons from President Calvin Coolidge.
  • Steven Hayward and Kenneth Green on how the U.S.’s own energy reserves can ignite an economic boom.
  • Kevin Hassett on spending, taxes and a roadmap to 4% growth.

Up Next:

Austerity Works: It's Time to Give It a Try Robert Asahina on July 16, 2012

Where to Find The 4% Solution

The 4% Solution is available for purchase online and at bookstores, in both hardcover and digital format.

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