“Ideas that matter,
since 1965.”
Just over one year into the Trump Administration and just under nine months until the mid-term elections, The Ripon Forum examines the state of the U.S. economy and some of the challenges facing American families and businesses in 2026.
Are We in the Middle of an AI Boom or Bubble?
A quarter century after the dot-com revolution, the growth of artificial intelligence is prompting similar hopes — and concerns — about the future of this potentially world-changing technology.
The Politics of AI: Is It a Good Bet for the President?
Most of the anger directed at data centers is not being manufactured by some left-wing conspiracy. Instead, it is being driven by a very real fear about the future shared by Democrats and Republicans alike.
A Review of Tariffs & the Economy
A study found that 96 percent of the tariff burden is being absorbed by U.S. businesses and consumers rather than foreign exporters. This means that U.S. taxes increased by around $200 billion in 2025.
The Inflation That Would Not Go Away
Prior to the pandemic, inflation averaged 1.9 percent from 2016 to 2019. Since stabilizing in mid-2023, inflation has averaged about 2.9 percent, a full percentage point above the pre-2019 trend.
The Fastest-Growing States Have a Few Things in Common
Among the 15 states with the fastest economic growth over the past decade, nine forgo at least one major tax — typically the individual income tax.
As Consumer Confidence Sags, Policy Prescriptions Miss the Mark
The Conference Board consumer confidence index has fallen for five consecutive months. While politicians are taking note, their prescribed solutions are unfortunately mostly off base.
Republicans Expanded the Child Tax Credit. Now What?
Since the 1980s, Republicans have successfully claimed ownership of pro-family policy, and the child tax credit has long been central to that identity.
Debate
Should the government intervene in the housing market? Yes…
While cities and states are on the front lines in tackling America’s housing affordability challenge, the federal government also has a critical role.
Debate
Should the government intervene in the housing market? No…
The cost of many LIHTC projects has risen up to $1 million per rental apartment unit, enough to buy two or three single-family homes.
French Hill talks about his role as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
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In this edition
Just over one year into the Trump Administration and just under nine months until the mid-term elections, The Ripon Forum examines the state of the U.S. economy and some of the challenges facing American families and businesses in 2026.
-
Are We in the Middle of an AI Boom or Bubble?
A quarter century after the dot-com revolution, the growth of artificial intelligence is prompting similar hopes — and concerns — about the future of this potentially world-changing technology.
-
The Politics of AI: Is It a Good Bet for the President?
Most of the anger directed at data centers is not being manufactured by some left-wing conspiracy. Instead, it is being driven by a very real fear about the future shared by Democrats and Republicans alike.
-
A Review of Tariffs & the Economy
A study found that 96 percent of the tariff burden is being absorbed by U.S. businesses and consumers rather than foreign exporters. This means that U.S. taxes increased by around $200 billion in 2025.
-
The Inflation That Would Not Go Away
Prior to the pandemic, inflation averaged 1.9 percent from 2016 to 2019. Since stabilizing in mid-2023, inflation has averaged about 2.9 percent, a full percentage point above the pre-2019 trend.
-
The Fastest-Growing States Have a Few Things in Common
Among the 15 states with the fastest economic growth over the past decade, nine forgo at least one major tax — typically the individual income tax.
-
As Consumer Confidence Sags, Policy Prescriptions Miss the Mark
The Conference Board consumer confidence index has fallen for five consecutive months. While politicians are taking note, their prescribed solutions are unfortunately mostly off base.
-
Republicans Expanded the Child Tax Credit. Now What?
Since the 1980s, Republicans have successfully claimed ownership of pro-family policy, and the child tax credit has long been central to that identity.
-
Should the government intervene in the housing market? Yes…
While cities and states are on the front lines in tackling America’s housing affordability challenge, the federal government also has a critical role.
-
Should the government intervene in the housing market? No…
The cost of many LIHTC projects has risen up to $1 million per rental apartment unit, enough to buy two or three single-family homes.
-
Ripon Profile of French Hill
French Hill talks about his role as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
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