Income Distribution, Communities and the Quality of Public Education: A Policy Analysis

38 Pages Posted: 28 Jul 2000 Last revised: 13 Nov 2022

See all articles by Raquel Fernández

Raquel Fernández

New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Department of Economics; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Richard Rogerson

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; Arizona State University (ASU) - Economics Department; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: September 1992

Abstract

This paper analyzes within the context of a multicommunity model the effects of several policies that affect the financing of public education. The key features of the model are: (I) individuals differ with respect to income, (ii) individuals choose in which community to reside, (iii) communities are characterized by a proportional tax on income and a quality of public education, and (iv) a community's tax rate is chosen by majority vote. We examine three types of policies: subsidies for residency of specific income groups in particular communities, ceilings or floors on community level educational spending, and income redistribution. In each case we examine the consequences of these policies for both welfare and the quality of education across communities. We identify several policies which make all individuals better off and increase the quality of education in all communities.

Suggested Citation

Fernández, Raquel and Rogerson, Richard, Income Distribution, Communities and the Quality of Public Education: A Policy Analysis (September 1992). NBER Working Paper No. w4158, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=232063

Raquel Fernández (Contact Author)

New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Department of Economics ( email )

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Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Richard Rogerson

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs ( email )

Princeton University
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United States

Arizona State University (ASU) - Economics Department ( email )

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United States
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602-965-0748 (Fax)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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United States

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