The recent advancement of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Republican budget reconciliation bill demonstrates a profoundly concerning trend in fiscal policy: the reckless trimming of essential funding under the guise of achieving budgetary savings. By eliminating a proposed $20 annual vehicle registration fee and modifying the structure of fees for electric and hybrid vehicles,
Politics
In a world where housing costs continue to skyrocket, the plight of affordability hangs over many American families like a dark cloud. It isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reality affecting lives. The unfortunate truth is that as housing inflation escalates—4% nationally and a staggering 4.5% in the Pacific Northwest alone—too many individuals find themselves
In a move that has reignited the debate over immigration enforcement, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting cities and states he alleges are obstructing federal immigration laws. This marks a significant escalation in his administration’s fight against what he terms “sanctuary jurisdictions,” which have become a flashpoint in the larger discourse on national
In an era of economic distress, Washington state legislators find themselves entangled in a web of fiscal challenges and contentious debates. The latest budget approved—a staggering $77.9 billion over two years—serves as a striking illustration of how governance can sometimes deviate from prudent financial stewardship. This budget is not just a compilation of figures; it
In a striking move reflective of a growing tension between state and federal authority, Oregon has joined an alliance of eleven states in a lawsuit targeting President Trump’s controversial tariffs. Spearheaded by Attorney General Dan Rayfield, this legal action has been filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, fundamentally challenging the constitutionality of the
As the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) convenes for its quarterly meeting, discussions surrounding regulatory reforms serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in today’s municipal securities market. The MSRB, tasked with maintaining integrity and transparency in this crucial sector, faces mounting pressure from stakeholders demanding both clarity and modernization. It is essential to
The recent book by Wall Street whistleblower Michael Lissack, “The Inefficiency Of Municipal Tax Exemption,” has become a lightning rod for criticism. His provocative proposal to dismantle the current tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and replace it with a system of direct subsidies raises eyebrows and sparks an essential debate in fiscal policy. As someone
In the intricate world of state governance, a significant discord has emerged in Oklahoma between the Republican state treasurer, Todd Russ, and Attorney General Gentner Drummond. This feud, which initially ignited over the defense of controversial laws related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, now seems to be escalating toward a full-blown political battle.
As we watch the landscape of American infrastructure funding evolve, it becomes glaringly apparent that two-thirds of U.S. states are scrambling for solutions to a devastating problem: inadequate funding for transportation. According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), an astounding 130 transportation funding bills have emerged in the first quarter of the
The Trump administration’s recent initiative to commandeer the monumental $7 billion renovation of New York’s Pennsylvania Station certainly raises eyebrows and questions about the governance of infrastructure projects. By removing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from the forefront and reinstating Amtrak as the project leader, this maneuver signals more than just a shift in power