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
Politics
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
The recent announcement of a 90-day pause on tariff increases is a deceptive guise. This temporary cessation does nothing to mask the stark reality that tariffs, particularly those of a staggering 145%, are poised to reshape the American economic landscape irreversibly. Steel, aluminum, and automotive parts are under siege by these punitive tariffs, with repercussions
The recent passage of the Ohio House’s operating budget comes with a controversial provision that caps school districts’ carryover balances at 30% of their annual operating costs. Critics argue that this cap could dangerously undermine the financial stability of many districts already struggling with fluctuating funding sources. Educators and policymakers alike warn that this is
In a bold move to reclaim financial stability, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has recently unveiled a groundbreaking agreement that requires the city to allocate a staggering $100 million annually from property tax revenue toward much-needed improvements in drainage and road infrastructure. This decision, precipitated by a lawsuit challenging the city’s financial management, marks a pivotal
The recent decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deny disaster recovery funding requests from Washington and North Carolina is a distressing reminder of the challenges that both citizens and local governments face in the wake of devastating natural disasters. Such denials, especially after significant state-level efforts to meet FEMA’s criteria, raise questions
In a bold yet controversial move, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently put pen to paper on a supplemental budget bill that earmarks an astonishing $2.8 billion towards Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. This expenditure is not just about healthcare; it represents a significant ideological clash over how taxpayer dollars should be allocated in a state
In the multifaceted arena of American politics, the intersection between education policy and governmental decision-making has often been tumultuous. The ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration, initiated by 16 states and the District of Columbia, is a glaring representation of how executive actions can adversely affect educational systems and, consequently, future generations. The removal of