I've done work for both Democrats and Republicans.

Our biggest challenge is to eliminate the popular perception that economists don't have anything useful to say.

Yes. I don't think it would be appropriate at this point to raise taxes on anyone, certainly not in 2011.

The extension and expansion of the payroll tax holidays for workers would be number one on my list and key to avoiding recession.

The most important point is, in a time of crisis, there is no way out but for the government to be bold and aggressive.

Indeed, the FHA was born out of the Great Depression, which was also caused in significant part by a foreclosure crisis. Mortgages in the early 1930s were mostly three- to five-year 'bullet' loans, which did not amortize and were due in full at maturity.

A home is still the biggest asset that most Americans own.