Warren Hall Access During the Renovation

The second and third floors of Warren Hall are currently not accessible for people with mobility disabilities. Classes, seminars, or meetings can be accommodated in an alternative location, but please let the event organizer(s) or relevant personnel know of your needs and to discuss appropriate options. For additional information, please contact the Dyson School at 607-255-4576.

Dyson Faculty Viewpoint

Prof. Steven Kyle

History Supports Obama Call for Government Investment

"President Obama’s vision of a rebirth in manufacturing and renewed support for education, job training, and research requires us to make a distinction: Government spending directed toward investment is different from government spending directed toward consumption. Investment increases productivity and future output while more government consumption doesn't.

History supports this as a viable (indeed the only) route to lower deficits in the future. When the USA emerged from World War II with the highest debt/GDP ratio in history, we didn’t respond by cutting spending. Instead, we invested in people through the GI Bill and in infrastructure through building the interstate highway system, among other projects. Instead of paying the debt down we stimulated enough growth to make the same debt relatively smaller compared to our output.

The President’s proposed emphasis on investment will require money. We should all hope those in Congress who oppose any government spending whatsoever can see the wisdom of investing in our future productivity."

Prof. Kyle is available for press interviews; please contact Joe Schwartz in the Cornell Press Relations Office.