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Alan Krueger, noted economist who served Obama, has died

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Alan Krueger, noted economist who served Obama, has died
News

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Alan Krueger, noted economist who served Obama, has died

2019-03-19 01:56 Last Updated At:02:00

Alan Krueger, a groundbreaking Princeton University economist who served as a top adviser in two Democratic administrations, has died, according to a statement from the university.

Princeton did not disclose the cause of death.

Krueger, 58, was an expert on the labor market and, in particular, the impact of a minimum wage. His research concluded that a higher minimum wage did not generally slow hiring as many conservative critics have argued.

FILE- In this Aug. 29, 2011, file photo President Barack Obama shakes hands with Alan Krueger, left, as he announces him as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Princeton University Professor Krueger, a groundbreaking economist who served as a top adviser, has died according to a statement by the university. (AP PhotoCarolyn Kaster, File)

FILE- In this Aug. 29, 2011, file photo President Barack Obama shakes hands with Alan Krueger, left, as he announces him as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Princeton University Professor Krueger, a groundbreaking economist who served as a top adviser, has died according to a statement by the university. (AP PhotoCarolyn Kaster, File)

After serving as a Labor Department economist under President Bill Clinton, Krueger worked for President Barack Obama as a top Treasury official and then as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers from 2011 to 2013.

Krueger had been teaching at Princeton since 1987. His research extended to such issues as economic inequality and the consequences of opioid addiction for the job market.

He also applied his economic work to some unconventional areas. Krueger found, for example, a surging wealth gap within pop music, illustrating in a 2005 paper how an increasing share of concert revenue was flowing to a narrow top sliver of recording artists.

FILE- In this Nov. 29, 2011, file photo Alan Krueger, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, gestures during the daily news briefing at the White House in Washington. Princeton University Professor Krueger, a groundbreaking economist who served as a top adviser, has died according to a statement by the university. (AP PhotoCarolyn Kaster, File)

FILE- In this Nov. 29, 2011, file photo Alan Krueger, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, gestures during the daily news briefing at the White House in Washington. Princeton University Professor Krueger, a groundbreaking economist who served as a top adviser, has died according to a statement by the university. (AP PhotoCarolyn Kaster, File)

While serving under Obama, he developed and popularized the concept of the "Great Gatsby Curve." It showed that high economic inequality corresponds with low economic mobility on a generation-to-generation basis. In short, it meant that when economic disparities between the rich and everyone else are wide, people's ability to improve their financial health depends even more heavily on their parents' economic status.

The curve was named after F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic literary character Jay Gatsby, who rose from being a poor Midwestern boy to a wealthy bootlegger.

But Krueger was perhaps best-known for his research on the minimum wage with David Card. Their 1993 paper found that a rise in New Jersey's minimum wage had had no effect on employment in the state's fast food sector compared with the same sector just across the state line in Pennsylvania.

Admired in both economic and political circles, Krueger was known as an avid tennis player and for frequently taking time to discuss the nuances of public policy with reporters.

Gene Sperling, who worked with Krueger in the Obama administration as the director of the National Economic Council, tweeted that he was, "Just shocked, just stunned, so, so saddened."

"Alan has been my friend and colleague for over 20 years — and one of the very most consequential economists of our generation," Sperling said. "His pathbreaking work on minimum wage was only one of many ways he used his genius for the good of all."

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PHOTO COLLECTION: Uruguay Mujica funeral

2025-05-16 02:34 Last Updated At:02:51

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

A banner of the late Uruguayan President Jose Mujica hangs outside the Legislative Palace where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A banner of the late Uruguayan President Jose Mujica hangs outside the Legislative Palace where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Lucia Topolansky, widow of late former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, left, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, center, and Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi talk to nuns during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Lucia Topolansky, widow of late former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, left, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, center, and Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi talk to nuns during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva stands beside the casket of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during the late leader's funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva stands beside the casket of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during the late leader's funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A supporter with a Brazilian flag lines up to pay their last respects to the late Uruguayan President José Mujica during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A supporter with a Brazilian flag lines up to pay their last respects to the late Uruguayan President José Mujica during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva kisses Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva kisses Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A girl gives a flower to Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A girl gives a flower to Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Supporters line up at the Legislative Palace to pay their last respects to former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters line up at the Legislative Palace to pay their last respects to former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A woman holds a portrait of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica outside the Legislative Palace, where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

A woman holds a portrait of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica outside the Legislative Palace, where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Mourners pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Mourners pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is covered in his national and political party flags during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is covered in his national and political party flags during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is on display at the Legislative Palace during his funeral cermemony in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is on display at the Legislative Palace during his funeral cermemony in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

A woman watches the funeral procession of former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly, next to graffiti that reads in Spanish: "Farewell dear old man," in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

A woman watches the funeral procession of former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly, next to graffiti that reads in Spanish: "Farewell dear old man," in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the sidelines of his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the sidelines of his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters escort the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters escort the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Supporters walk behind the casket of late former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk behind the casket of late former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried into the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried into the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, second from right, front, leads the funeral procession for late former President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, second from right, front, leads the funeral procession for late former President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters of the political party "Movimiento de Participación Popular," or Popular Participation Movement, parade past the presidential palace during the funeral of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Supporters of the political party "Movimiento de Participación Popular," or Popular Participation Movement, parade past the presidential palace during the funeral of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, stands beside his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, stands beside his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica arrives to the Legislative Palace during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica arrives to the Legislative Palace during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried through Montevideo, Uruguay, from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried through Montevideo, Uruguay, from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk alongside the casket of former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk alongside the casket of former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk behind the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk behind the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk behind the casket of former President Jose Mujica during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

Supporters walk behind the casket of former President Jose Mujica during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)

The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

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