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Separability and public finance

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  • Gauthier, Stéphane
  • Laroque, Guy

Abstract

In a second best environment, the optimal policy choice sometimes follows first best rules. This paper presents a formal general argument which allows to unify much of the literature. It lays down the information structure and separability assumptions under which the results hold in a variety of setups, with extensions to preference heterogeneity and individual production sets.

Suggested Citation

  • Gauthier, Stéphane & Laroque, Guy, 2009. "Separability and public finance," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(11-12), pages 1168-1174, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:93:y:2009:i:11-12:p:1168-1174
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government

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