For Good Measure

This report is dedicated to the Memory of Alan Krueger. Alan played a central role in the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and in the High-Level Expert Group, especially through his work on subjective well-being and the ways it links to other life domains. Brilliant academic, dedicated public servant, valued colleague, and dear friend, he helped transform the understanding of labour markets, showing (with David Card) that an increase in minimum wage does not have the adverse employment effects previously claimed. He brought his deep economic insights, combined with his strong focus on data, into the realm of policy when he served as Chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, where he advocated for policies that promote equality and opportunity. Alan understood the power of economics to transform our society – to reduce human suffering and to improve societal well-being. He dedicated his life to these lofty goals. We will sorely miss him. He was not only a brilliant mind, he was above all a “good person” who sincerely cared for people.