Lead Analyst, Criminal Justice Policy

Arya Kumar

Arya is a junior in high school in Northern Virginia who currently works at Youth Institute for Policy as the Economic Policy Department Head.

Her interest in domestic and international economic development stemmed from her love of reading and she is currently working to publish a research paper on Singapore's political stability. In school, she is most involved in debate, the school newspaper, and tennis. She hopes to pursue a degree in social sciences and eventually go to law school.

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All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

Inflation Reduction Act

Economic Policy

October 24, 2022

This brief is focused on the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, as in its elements and the various effects they may have on the economy. The relevance, history, and policy options regarding this act will be explored.

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Mass Tech Layoffs and Recession

Economic Policy

September 25, 2022

This brief will cover the implications of the mass tech layoffs that have occurred recently and how it has and continues to impact the American economy. The relevance, history, policy positions, and policy recommendations regarding this issue will be detailed throughout the brief.

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Impact of a Strong US Dollar

Economic Policy

November 20, 2022

This brief will cover the current strength of the U.S. dollar and what it means for the economy. Relevance, history, related policy options, and a conclusion about said policy options will be demonstrated.

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President Biden’s Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Plan

Economic Policy

November 30, 2022

This brief will cover Biden’s new student loan forgiveness proposal in relation to its economic implications. The relevance, history, related policy options, and a conclusion about said policy options will be demonstrated.

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Debt Ceiling Dilemma: Evaluating its Necessity, Economic Impact, and Solutions

Economic Policy

June 24, 2023

The debt ceiling is a recurring debate every year and has been for decades. This brief will explore this debate in terms of the history behind it, the policy surrounding it, and the conclusions we can draw. The goal is to understand the nature of the debt ceiling as well as the various consequences that can result from the various solutions.

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Mortgage Rates and Housing Bubbles

Economic Policy

May 1, 2022

This policy brief will discuss interest rate alterations and how they have impacted the housing markets, specifically since the onset of the pandemic and in light of recent increases in interest rates. The issue at hand will be described, the various policy positions/prescriptions will be outlined, and a final understanding will be developed.

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Harvesting the Future: Analyzing the Role of the Farm Bill in Shaping the Agricultural Industry

Economic Policy

July 28, 2023

Farming as an industry is largely impacted and dictated in some way by policy, specifically the farm bill. This brief will analyze the role the farm bill plays in the industry and how its revisions can impact the future of farming.

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Revival of the US Entertainment Industry

Economic Policy

September 20, 2023

This brief delves into the impact of entertainment on the modern economy. It analyzes the influence of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and “Barbenheimer” on economic productivity and its vital role in the US financial system. It also predicts the future of the entertainment industry and consumer spending trends.

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The Run on Silicon Valley Bank

Economic Policy

April 11, 2023

This brief will review the run on the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the looming implications. This bank was a cornerstone of one of the largest areas of economic prosperity in the U.S., it is not new as we have seen banks run throughout history. However, it has forced us to analyze the event in terms of policy that led to it occurring or could have prevented it from happening in order to improve the future economy.

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The Role of Campaign Finance in Elections

Economic Policy

February 12, 2023

When running for public office, individuals will attempt to maximize the contributions they receive as a means to help further their campaign. This brief will cover the history of campaign financing, the policy that surrounds it, and other policy options. This allows us to understand the current and desired impact of campaign financing on elections.

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United Auto Worker Strikes

Economic Policy

December 23, 2023

Strikes have historically been an effective way for employees to express their grievances about poor working conditions, and low wages. Strikes have occurred in various industries, ranging from entertainment to education. The automobile sector, in particular, has often been a setting for worker strikes. With Shawn Fain, the current United Auto Workers president, at the helm of the resistance against automaker companies, targeted strikes have been launched against factories owned by Ford, Stellanis, and General Motors. This brief aims to evaluate the complexities of the current UAW strike and dive into its history and analyze the policies surrounding the far-reaching economic implications that this strike will have on the workforce in the future.

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Breaking Down Biden’s Foreign Aid Proposal

Economic Policy

January 24, 2024

Foreign aid packages are designed as a tool by donor countries to promote economic, political, and social development in recipient countries by providing funds to combat issues such as poverty, natural disasters, and public health crises. This supports shared interests between the donor country and its recipients. In the midst of current conflicts occurring in Israel and Ukraine, President Joe Biden has proposed a $106 billion aid package that would provide support for the two countries. This brief will examine the intricacies surrounding the suggested package and its implications.

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Housing Market Recovery

Economic Policy

March 24, 2024

Following a continued slowdown in the housing market characterized by low inventory and dwindling activity, there is renewed optimism for 2024. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicts that the housing market will experience a revival in 2024, with housing construction and demand presenting signs of improvement. This brief will explore the broader implications of the US housing market recovery predictions for 2024.

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Economic Implications of Evergrande Collapse

Economic Policy

The Evergrande company, a massive Chinese property developer once listed as the world's most valuable real estate company, defaulted and has now been ordered to liquidate, posing both short- and long-term impacts on the Chinese economy. The real estate sector, which has been one of the most important drivers of Chinese growth for years, has started to collapse, with the Evergrande serving as only the first domino. Both the economy and the citizens of China will now suffer due to the damaged real estate industry.

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US Labor Market Shortage

Economic Policy

July 12, 2024

Since the employment crisis at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with over 30 million Americans unemployed, the US job market has steadily recovered. However, labor force participation rates have dropped significantly since pre-pandemic rates. This brief will explore the implications of the US’ current labor shortage and the impacts on various American industries.

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