Economist Mark Perry has studied the effect of government regulation on industries for many years. His research shows that wherever goods and services are freest, prices go down while quality and innovation constantly improve. Examples are televisions, electronics, and cell phones.
But products and services which are subject to the most regulation (such as education, health care and housing) become more expensive over time, in relation to other goods. See here.
This lesson seems to be lost on most government trusters, who often argue that government supports and regulations of health care, education and housing are needed to help the poor and needy.
