Kick-off

Kick off

(Rules as Code + OpenFisca) training series

Written by Matti Schneider

Curriculum

1. RaC Background
2. Getting started​
3. Modelling legislation​
4. Using the web API​

5. Using the Python API​
6. Data interconnection​
7. Updating the model​​
8. Designing policy​​

Vocabulary

A discussion about the difficulties facing any discussion about rules-as-code/legislation-as-code/Better Rules/OpenFisca and words like "code" that law and programming have different uses for.

Rules as Code

• An approach, not a technology
• "Law is code", now what?
• Government as a platform
• Algorithmic transparency

• Cracking the code (2020)
• Legislation as code (2021)

Better Rules

• Theoretical future state (for now)
• Closing feedback loops in policy design and delivery
• Lack of tooling in gap between policy and digital

• Better Rules for Government Discovery Report (2018)
• Better Rules Workshop Manual (2019)

OpenFisca

• Rules as Code engine
• Most used, battle-tested
• Advanced features: reforms, history…
• Not a webapp

Architecture

Note that the focus for country templates is the last two columns of the graphic

Communication Channels

• Github.com: Everything related to code and modelling (traces)
• Slack: everything related to usage and support (reactivity)
• Email: everything related to the administrative side (CCs)

Homework

• Read references (see previous slides)
• Install Python 3.11.xx
• Install Git
• Join the OpenFisca Slack, introduce yourself, join appropriate channels
• Provide training team with your GitHub usernames or the git host you want to use
• Get familiar with GitHub Flow

Hotkeys

• f: full screen

• s: speaker notes

• b: pause

• ← / → / space: navigate through slides

• cltr / alt + click to zoom