Doug Hoffer is one man who does not suffer from “the progressive economic inferiority complex”. His knowledge of economic policy is extensive and he is not afraid to openly challenge the economic theories of the right which often get peddled as “fact.” His recent debunking of the Chamber of Commerce’s “Recommendations for Government Sustainability and Effectiveness” was a true gem.  His ability to take his policy report and share it with a larger audience through his blog posting is a model that I’d like to see more professional policy people emulate.

He also is quite effective at critiquing government programs that purport to stimulate economic growth but in actuality function as giveaway programs to well-connected business interests. Note how he frames the discussion of VEPC’s tax break program in terms of fiscal discipline and getting a good return on our investment as taxpayers.

Many of us on the left often find ourselves mystified by right-wing claims of an anti-business bias in government policy.  But at times the best we can do as a rebuttal is something like “What do you mean? Business interests drive government policy.” Doug’s work gives substance to that instinct and demonstrates the necessity of engaging economic policy debates with the complexity they deserve.  

Aside from GMD, you can also find his work at The Prog blog, High Road Vermont, The Public Assets Institute, and The Peace and Justice Center.