Simpler Lib/E: The Future of Government

Simpler government arrived four years ago. It helped put money in your pocket. It saved hours of your time. It improved your children' s diet, lengthened your life span, and benefited businesses large and small. It did so by issuing fewer regulations, by insisting on smarter regulations, and by eliminating or improving old regulations. Cass R. Sunstein, as administrator of the most powerful White House office you' ve never heard of, oversaw it and explains how it works, why government will never be the same again (thank goodness), and what must happen in the future. Cutting-edge research in behavioral economics has influenced business and politics. Long at the forefront of that research, Sunstein, for three years President Obama' s " regulatory czar" heading the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, oversaw a far-reaching restructuring of America' s regulatory state. In this highly anticipated book, Sunstein pulls back the curtain to show what was done, why Americans are better off as a result, and what the future has in store. The evidence is all around you, and more is coming soon. Simplified mortgages and student loan applications. Scorecards for colleges and universities. Improved labeling of food and energy-efficient appliances and cars. Calories printed on chain restaurant menus. Healthier food in public schools. Backed by historic executive orders ensuring transparency and accountability, simpler government can be found in new initiatives that save money and time, improve health, and lengthen lives. Simpler: The Future of Government will transform what you think government can and should accomplish.

About the Author :
Cass R. Sunstein has written many articles and books, including Simpler: The Future of Government and Wiser: Getting beyond Groupthink to Make Groups Smarter. He is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School, where he is the founder and director of the program on behavioral Eeonomics and public policy. He is by far the most cited law professor in the United States. From 2009 to 2012 he served in the Obama administration as administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. He has testified before congressional committees, appeared on national television and radio shows, been involved in constitution-making and law-reform activities in a number of nations. Joel Leffert is a professional actor, stage performer, and director. He toured Europe playing Salieri in Amadeus and premiered at the National Theater in London in the newly discovered Tennessee Williams play Not About Nightingales. His television appearances include Law & Order and Third Watch, and he had roles in the Woody Allen films Deconstructing Harry and Celebrity. Leffert is the artistic director of the Salamander Repertory Theater in New York City.

Review :

"[Simpler is]...a lucid, engaging treatment of behavioral economics that sees a role for the state in nudging humans towards rationality and responsibility. The result is a forthright, compelling vision of technocratic government that's both efficient and humane."

"A remarkably fun, engaging read."

"Everyone complains that government regulations are often dumb, but how could you make them smarter? Here's a guidebook by someone who did it. It should be read by everyone who sets policies for government, nonprofits, education, or business."

"This inspiring book has a tale and a lesson. In the tale, a thinker with a passion for reason moves from the ivory tower to the White House and becomes a doer. The lesson is that regulation is not a dirty word and that thoughtful government works."

"This may be the most important book to come out of President Obama's first term...Simpler is a fascinating guide to how behavioral economics is improving government, and none too soon."

"We typically don't associate the idea of simple systems with government and large corporations. But in this fine book, Sunstein provides a glimpse into how we can tame the complexity beast and why it is important, even necessary if we want to improve our collective welfare."