Eric Schansberg (Candidate)
812-218-0443
5312 Hidden Lakes Boulevard
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
5312 Hidden Lakes Boulevard
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Biography
SCHANSBERG, Eric, Born in Louisville, KY, March 19, 1965; BA and BS, Economics, Mathematics, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 1986; PhD, Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 1991; Professor of Economics, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN, 1992-present; Author, Poor Policy: How Government Harms the Poor, 1996; Author, Turn Neither to the Right nor to the Left: A Thinking Christian’s Guide to Politics and Public Policy, 2003; Unsuccessful Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Indiana, District 9, 2006 and 2008.
Election Update
Eric Schansberg lost the 2008 election, and will not serve in the 111th Congress.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY QUESTIONNAIRE
SEA and eighteen other science organizations came together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates and winners seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Eric Schansberg said:Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
There is a potential federal role to support/subsidize research. That said, the best thing for innovation and entrepreneurship is an economic/political environment that encourages productive behavior-- i.e., low taxes and few regulations.
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
Pollution vouchers (a close cousin of cap-and-trade) are the best way, on paper, to deal with a difficult subject. A voucher system may be mis-managed by the government, but the flexibility inherent in that sort of system is preferable to the rigid dictates of regulations.
A tax on pollution (carbon or otherwise) is appropriate-- to match the social cost of the pollution with its tax consequences. Again, such a tax could be done poorly, but on paper, can be an effective way to deal with pollution.
A tax on pollution (carbon or otherwise) is appropriate-- to match the social cost of the pollution with its tax consequences. Again, such a tax could be done poorly, but on paper, can be an effective way to deal with pollution.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
First, a little-known fact: The number one reason for higher gas prices is the devalued dollar. From Congress (and the President), we should have less pressure on the Fed to pursue a liberal monetary policy-- and more important, far less spending and debt.
I do not support any subsidies to any companies-- whether for energy or otherwise. They are not legitimate constitutionally, they are not equitable, and it'd be surprising if they were efficient (why would expect the govt to be more effective than the market at "picking winners"?)
The market provides plenty of incentive-- think of all the money on the table right now-- to come up with the next great innovations in energy development and use.
I do not support any subsidies to any companies-- whether for energy or otherwise. They are not legitimate constitutionally, they are not equitable, and it'd be surprising if they were efficient (why would expect the govt to be more effective than the market at "picking winners"?)
The market provides plenty of incentive-- think of all the money on the table right now-- to come up with the next great innovations in energy development and use.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
None. Constitutionally and in terms of efficiency, where can one find a federal role for such spending?
The exception would be the possibility of financing some experimental voucher programs in a few cities-- to encourage competition in an arena dominated by a stilted set of government-run entities with tremendous monopoly power.
The exception would be the possibility of financing some experimental voucher programs in a few cities-- to encourage competition in an arena dominated by a stilted set of government-run entities with tremendous monopoly power.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
First, do no harm. At present, many huge water users are subsidized by taxpayers.
If there are problems beyond that, the standard market pricing mechanism will be sufficient in most cases to deal with the problems. The exception would be occasions where property rights are common and would be adjudicated by the courts.
If there are problems beyond that, the standard market pricing mechanism will be sufficient in most cases to deal with the problems. The exception would be occasions where property rights are common and would be adjudicated by the courts.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
How is this different from question #1? See: earlier answers.
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
Science, research, and technology have obviously contributed mightily to the quality of health and life of Americans and those around the world.
ERIC SCHANSBERG'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Contents |
[edit] Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Education
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Energy
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Environment
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Health
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
