Discussion (1L): Inequality, Redistribution and Predistribution

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Inequality in this and other countries has typically been addressed through the so-called tax-transfer system. Taxes are collected (mostly or at least disproportionately) from the wealthy and used to fund transfers or services to the poor. The earned income tax credit, the supplemental nutritional assistance program (SNAP or CALFRESH), and Medicaid are examples of this form of redistribution. In 2011, Yale Political Scientist Jacob Hacker coined the term "predistribution" to describe measures that reduce inequality without relying on the tax-transfer system. Predistribution has been championed by former U.K. Labour PM Ed Milliband and by progressives in the U.K. and this country. Examples of proposed predistribution include expanding minimum wage laws and reducing consumer prices through antitrust enforcement. This discussion group will examine the relative merits of redistribution and predistribution. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation.