In recent debates on healthcare policy, one issue remains consistently overshadowed by political rhetoric: the legitimacy and value of tax exemptions granted to nonprofit hospitals. While these institutions profess a mission rooted in community service and charity, a closer examination reveals a troubling disparity. Lawmakers from the center-right spectrum rightly question whether these hospitals live
Politics
Dallas’s recent approval of a $5.2 billion budget marks a bold attempt to placate public safety advocates and respond to voter mandates. On the surface, the increase in police and fire funding appears commendable—an evident effort to bolster security amid rising concerns. Yet, a deeper dive reveals that this spending spree, while politically popular, rests
In recent years, the continual reliance on short-term solutions like the continuing resolution (CR) has become symptomatic of Washington’s broader fiscal dysfunction. The latest CR, which aims to prevent a government shutdown, offers some relief—particularly for the District of Columbia—but it is ultimately a Band-Aid on a festering wound. While it temporarily allocates funds at
In the current political climate, the stability of infrastructure financing, particularly through municipal bonds, hangs in a delicate balance. While the recent mitigation of threats to the muni bond tax exemption provided a temporary reprieve, it’s merely a pause in an ongoing tug-of-war. Interest groups, including bond lawyers and lobbyists, see this as a fleeting
California lawmakers, driven by visions of a greener future and economic resilience, have ratified a series of sweeping bills—yet beneath this facade lies a complex web of political maneuvering, economic interests, and questionable priorities. While the narrative champions lowered energy costs, expanded infrastructure, and climate responsibility, the reality reveals a calculated effort to balance environmental
In recent days, a high-profile controversy has cast a stark spotlight on the fragile independence of the Federal Reserve, revealing a disturbing trend of political intervention into what should be a neutral, expert-driven institution. President Donald Trump’s explicit threats to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook over alleged personal financial discrepancies exemplify a dangerous shift toward
San Antonio’s decision to proceed with the proposed downtown arena, despite significant concerns, reveals underlying issues with city leadership’s approach to economic development. The city council’s vote to move forward, bypassing an independent impact study, highlights a troubling willingness to act without thoroughly vetting the long-term consequences. In a political landscape often characterized by fiscal
In an era where infrastructure languishes under aging bridges, congested roads, and crumbling transit systems, the Biden administration’s recent push to leverage private capital offers both hope and skepticism. The new advisory board, appointed to explore innovative funding avenues, emphasizes boosting public-private partnerships (P3s) and channeling U.S. pension funds into infrastructure projects. While this strategy
In recent months, President Donald Trump has made it patently clear that his view of the Federal Reserve diverges sharply from its traditional role as an independent arbiter of monetary policy. Unlike past administrations that respected the autonomy of the central bank, Trump has consistently sought to influence the Fed’s interest rate decisions, framing the
Recent Senate approval of bipartisan appropriations bills for 2026 offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tumultuous fiscal landscape. However, this apparent advance in government funding is more a fleeting moment of cooperation than a sign of lasting stability. The legislative process remains fraught with partisan tensions and unresolved disputes, primarily over the allocation