California Finds Public-Works Spending No Unemployment Cure-All
— People are starting to realize that consumer-oriented jobs just aren’t coming back. Unfortunately, despite the fact that there’s a clear glut of construction jobs, the government spending to prop up that sector is viewed as a positive. Remember kids, there’s always a job in construction.
Why are construction jobs worth spending taxpayer money to save, but other jobs are not?
Well, because improving infrastructure makes the economy more efficient in the long run, right? Unlike the Bush rebate checks, public works projects are a good civic investment, because their effect lasts beyond the initial outlay of funds. A lot of New Deal-era projects have had very visible economic benefits, from the highway system to the extension of power lines. Theoretically, by improving infrastructure, we make it easier for commerce to happen in the future, which will help people be employed for years to come. Plus, you know, public policy isn’t about fairness.
