How and when did it become the norm for businesses to pay their employees every two weeks, rather than, for example, on a daily or even seasonal basis? Is this simply a way for bosses to receive a 0% interest loan from labor, leaving workers at the mercy of payday lenders in times of financial stress? Or are there other practical reasons for a bi-weekly payroll?  On this week's edition of The Breakdown, DC Editor Christopher Hayes and labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein explore the history and logic behind how payroll periods have been determined.

Elaine Maag’s Forbes article about how Obama’s 2011 payroll tax cut might be understood as an individual worker credit. An explanation of the distinction between a “pay period” and an “earnings period.” Consumer Reports article highlighting how the usurious rates of interest charged by many payday lenders can impact workers. Subscribe to The Breakdown on iTunes to listen to fresh takes on the confusing concepts that make politics, economics and government tick. A new episode every week!