Ford School Dean Michael Barr sees a need for an even more comprehensive public investment a decade later with the pandemic-induced recession. While pollsters ask voters how they see the presidential candidates in terms of handling COVID-19 or the economy separately, Barr argues the economy will not rebound “unless we wrap our arms around our public health crisis.” As the election draws near and the high court tilts in a more conservative direction, he discusses those topics and other pressing matters of public policy.