Politics

The budget reconciliation process, once hailed as a pragmatic means to address fiscal issues, is now marred by obstacles stemming from the Byrd Rule. Named after the late Senator Robert Byrd, this arcane rule seems to hold significant sway over what can and cannot be included in reconciliation bills. As mentioned by Leslie Powell of

New York City is at a critical juncture, grappling with a spiraling housing crisis exacerbated by rising costs and diminishing availability of rentals. Enter Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, who has proposed an audacious plan intended to tackle the affordability problem through monumental borrowing. His proposal to borrow an additional

Oregon is facing a colossal decision as a state transportation bill, HB 2025, passes through the legislative process. With a staggering price tag of $14.6 billion in tax and fee increases over the next decade, the potential fallout from this initiative could have lasting effects on both the state’s infrastructure and its citizens’ wallets. Proponents

As we approach the pivotal moments that will shape the future of the United States economy, the continued speculation surrounding President Trump’s selection of a new chair for the Federal Reserve is increasingly rife with complexity. Despite the controversial nature of Trump’s presidency, many are eagerly anticipating his eventual pick to replace Jerome Powell, with

In a time when fiscal prudence is more crucial than ever, Florida’s recently approved budget of $115.1 billion reflects a troubling compromise. While minimizing tax cuts and tackling state debt ought to be applauded, the underlying political maneuvers and fiscal strategies leave much to be desired. The budget has undergone a series of modifications from

The proposed cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) bring with them a disturbing set of implications for municipalities that lean heavily on federal resources to recover from natural disasters. Recent reports from S&P Global Ratings and commentary from Tom Kozlik, a prominent figure in municipal strategy, suggest a dismal outlook for local governments,

When it comes to transformative public projects, California’s high-speed rail (HSR) epitomizes both ambition and controversy. Once envisioned as a leap towards modernizing transportation within the state, it has experienced the kind of turbulence that would make any project manager wince. Particularly under scrutiny from the Trump administration, the HSR authority continues to face numerous

When discussing the complex relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government, one is immediately confronted with a historical narrative fraught with injustice and neglect. The recently reintroduced Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act aims to amend this persistent imbalance, revealing how tax code disparities have hindered the economic autonomy of tribal nations. This

In the convoluted landscape of U.S. taxation, the current vacuum in leadership at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) looms large. The National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL) has recently chosen to voice its concerns, highlighting not just their frustrations but also solid recommendations for the agency still operating under the weight of transitional leadership. Without

In a move that underscores the precarious balance between fiscal responsibility and political ambition, a Louisiana Senate committee recently opted to shelve proposed tax cuts that would have reduced state revenues by an alarming $500 million annually. This decision can be seen as a significant moment in safeguarding Louisiana’s precarious financial health, particularly as the