Dec 19, 2017

12/19/2017: How enough recess at school could make better employees

Marianne Todd/Getty Images

(U.S. Edition) As Congress gears up to pass the GOP tax overhaul this week, we'll analyze some of the potential drawbacks. Key components of the bill could end up leading to decreased home ownership among younger households and reduce the incentive for companies to subsidize their employees' commuting expenses. Plus: We look at how recess — yes, that 10-20 minute or so break kids have at school — might help children develop the skills it takes to succeed on the job market.

Segments From this episode

Commuters would lose an employee perk under the tax plan

by Erika Beras

Dec 19, 2017

Republicans on their way to the first big victory of the Trump administration keep talking about how many winners there are under their negotiated tax bill. But the likely losers? Commuters, who have their parking, transit or bicycling subsidized by their companies. The new tax plan eliminates the incentive for private employers to continue offering […]

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How recess can make students better job candidates

by David Brancaccio

Dec 19, 2017

Giving students short breaks each day can do a lot.

Marianne Todd/Getty Images

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The Spanish Christmas Lottery is a cultural and economic phenomenon

by Lucia Benavides

Dec 19, 2017

The Spanish Christmas Lottery, one of the biggest draws in the world, has a payout of over 2 billion euros and a participation rate of 75 percent.

People line up for hours to purchase their Christmas lottery tickets in Spain. About 75 percent of adults in the country participate in the lottery draw each year.

Zach Campbell/ for Marketplace

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Tax changes could have big effect on housing

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 19, 2017

The tax advantages of home ownership would likely be available to wealthier taxpayers, and high tax regions would take the biggest hit.

A bicyclist rides by a row of homes in San Francisco, California.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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(U.S. Edition) As Congress gears up to pass the GOP tax overhaul this week, we’ll analyze some of the potential drawbacks. Key components of the bill could end up leading to decreased home ownership among younger households and reduce the incentive for companies to subsidize their employees’ commuting expenses. Plus: We look at how recess — yes, that 10-20 minute or so break kids have at school — might help children develop the skills it takes to succeed on the job market.