Laura Ullrich Decodes Stimulus Bill, Recession for Local Media

Tax/public policy economist Laura Ullrich, assistant professor of economics, isn’t really a dismal economist; she’s just the messenger.

Over the past year, Ullrich has served as a frequently quoted source for Charlotte-area radio, TV stations and newspapers. She also acts as a consultant, delivering presentations for private companies to help bank and money managers “understand the economic side” of financial management, and she gives public talks on the recently passed stimulus bill.

Ullrich, who joined the College of Business Administration faculty in 2007, said she tries to explain the recession, the stimulus bill and the role of public policy in “logical terms that the average person can understand.”

“I don’t want to be the dismal economist. I try to give good information, but it’s not always the most positive information. People are curious about the bill but don’t know how it will affect them,” she said. “With the current financial situation, unless you have some background in economics, it’s impossible to turn on the TV and understand what’s really happening.”

The Athens, Ga., native also fields media inquiries about the stimulus bill, breaking down complicated issues – spending versus taxes, for example, or how tax credits, rebates and deductions work – into less technical overviews.

“It’s easier to call someone who looks at and studies this kind of information every day, someone who has a background in economics, as a reference,” said Ullrich, who specializes in local and state-level tax issues and K-12 education finance issues. “I try to explain what’s happening with the local, state and national economy in simpler terms.”

As an undergraduate student, though, Ullrich didn’t expect she’d end up becoming an economist. She earned her B.B.A. in economics at the University of Georgia and worked as a private business consultant. Then she discovered an interest in public policy and politics – an interest that prompted her to continue her education. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in economics at the University of Tennessee, narrowing her focus to local and regional tax issues and school spending.

Though these days Ullrich’s schedule is filled with more and more media calls, she said she’s happy to help because it means people are taking an interest in economics.

“It’s a great time to be an economist because people really care and are curious about the current financial situation,” said Ullrich.

Listen to Ullrich’s latest media interview with WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C.