The Big Fix: Social Issues

We talk about proposals to improve public programs and to advance social opportunity. Ideas include trading in government checks for more valuable gift cards, placing pension funds in an infrastructure bank and tying student loan repayment to school performance. Also, host Al Lewis presents an idea on gay marriage, and we discuss the tax ramifications of marriage with guest Jason J. Fichtner, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Also, we hear feedback on the ideas from Greg Anrig, vice president of programs at The Century Foundation.

Guests:

Greg Anrig is vice president, programs, at The Century Foundation. Since 1994, he has been responsible for overseeing The Century Foundation's projects on public policy as well as its fellows. Previously, he was a staff writer and Washington correspondent for Money magazine. Mr. Anrig is the author of "The Conservatives Have No Clothes: Why Right-Wing Ideas Keep Failing." He is coeditor of "Immigration's New Frontiers: Experiences from the Emerging Gateway States."

Jason J. Fichtner is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Previously, he served in several positions at the Social Security Administration, including as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security (Acting), Chief Economist, and Associate Commissioner for Retirement Policy. Dr. Fichtner has also served as Senior Economist with the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress.