Building the new American economy : smart, fair, and sustainable / Jeffrey D. Sachs ; foreword Bernie Sanders.

Foreword / by Bernie Sander, ix -- Preface, xiii -- Acknowledgments, xix -- 1. Why we need to build a new American economy, 1 -- 2. Investment, saving, and U.S. long-term growth, 11 -- 3. Decoding the federal budget, 19 -- 4. Sustainable infrastructure after the automobile age, 27 -- 6. Facing up to income inequality, 37 -- 6. Smart machines and the future of jobs, 45 -- 7. The truth about trade, 53 -- 8. Disparities and high costs fuel the health care crisis, 61 -- 9. A smart energy policy for the United States, 69 -- 10. From guns to butter, 79 -- 11. Investing for innovation, 89 -- 12. Toward a new kind of politics, 97 -- 13. Restoring trust in American governance, 105 -- 14. Prosperity in sustainability, 113 -- Suggested further readings, 123 -- Notes, 125.

In this passionate and powerful book—part manifesto, part plan of action—the renowned economist Jeffrey D. Sachs offers a practical strategy to move America, seemingly more divided than ever, toward a new consensus: sustainable development. Sustainable development is a holistic approach that emphasizes economic, social, and environmental objectives in shaping policy. In focusing too much on economic growth, the United States has neglected rising economic inequality and dire environmental threats. Now, even growth is imperiled. Sachs explores issues that have captivated the nation and political debate, including infrastructure, trade deals, energy policy, the proper size and role of government, the national debt, and income inequality. Not only does he provide illuminating and accessible explanations of the forces at work in each case, but he also presents specific policy solutions. His argument rises above the pessimism born of political paralysis, economic stagnation, and partisanship to devise a brighter way forward, achievable both individually and collectively. In Building the New American Economy, Sachs shows how the United States can find a path to renewed economic progress that is fair and environmentally sustainable.