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
Politics
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
In a politicking spectacle reminiscent of high-stakes poker, President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” has narrowly squeezed through the House of Representatives, sent forth by Republican leaders who managed to turn dissent into reluctant support. While many trumpet this passage as a victory for Trump’s agenda, I find myself skeptical of the underlying implications. This
In 2025, state and local pension funds found themselves teetering on a precipice, with losses mounting to nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars—a staggering figure that should send shivers down the spine of policymakers and taxpayers alike. The reason? The intertwining of public equities and trade policies, particularly following the Trump administration’s controversial tariff
The financial landscape of Washington, D.C., is teetering on the edge of a precipice, largely due to the recent legislative developments in Congress. The continuing resolution (CR) that passed through the House is a glaring signal of trouble, placing a shadow over the District’s fiscal stability. Missing from this vital CR is the language that
For decades, tax-exempt municipal bonds have served as the linchpin of infrastructure financing in the United States. The primary allure of these bonds lies in their promise: local and state governments can raise capital for essential projects without passing exorbitant costs onto citizens. However, as Congress deliberates on tax reforms, the very foundation that supports
As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to deliberate the fiscal 2025 budget resolution, we find ourselves at a critical juncture that could set the tone for years to come. This resolution, having sailed through the Senate under the cover of night, is being met with resistance by conservative lawmakers who are far from pleased.