UMass Boston

Public Finance & Budgeting

Course #: PPOL-G 622, Class #: 4470, Section #: 01

Description

This required core class covers both public finance and budgeting. The course discusses theories of optimal tax design under rational optimization and efficient public spending with rational consumers. The course also critically examines alternative reasons, other than market-oriented efficiency, for the existence of specific taxes and particular spending programs, such as politics and equity. This course further considers ways by which governments may be able to manage taxes, spending and deficits in line with citizens' preference. This include long-term budget planning, decentralization, privatization and performance based budgeting.

Prerequisites

Graduate degree student in Public Policy or graduate student with permission of instructor