The recent executive order from President Donald Trump targeting so-called “sanctuary cities” exemplifies a concerning pattern of federal overreach that disrupts the balance of power between state and local governments. The decree mandates that the Justice Department compile a list of municipalities resisting federal immigration enforcement, igniting a fierce debate on the limits of federal
Politics
The recent approval of Washington state’s budget exemplifies the tension between fiscal responsibility and governmental expansion in an environment fraught with economic uncertainty. This $77.9 billion spending plan, finalized after fraught negotiations, comes with a staggering $8.7 billion in anticipated tax increases and an equally troubling $5.9 billion in program cuts. Largely hailed by state
The ongoing saga of President Trump’s tariff policies has sparked fierce debates not just within the halls of Washington, D.C., but across many states and corners of the American economy. As evidenced by Oregon’s recent lawsuit against the President, this issue delves into the very fabric of our constitutional democracy. The suit posits a crucial
The recent quarterly board meeting of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) has shone a spotlight on the pivotal role of engagement with stakeholders in shaping effective regulatory frameworks. During the two-day event held on April 23 and April 24, the MSRB demonstrated a commendable willingness to consider feedback regarding key initiatives, particularly concerning its
The financial world is no stranger to contentious debates, and the recent book by Michael Lissack, “The Inefficiency Of Municipal Tax Exemption,” certainly stirs the pot. Lissack’s argument that we should eliminate the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds presents a fresh perspective, but also raises alarming issues. His logic hinges on the need to address
The ongoing power struggle between the Oklahoma Republican state treasurer and attorney general is a cautionary tale of governance gone awry. At the heart of this conflict lies not just a feud, but a fundamental challenge to the very framework of state authority. When elected officials prioritize personal ambition over cohesive governance, the impact is
In an era marked by rapid advancements in automotive technology and an ever-evolving landscape of transportation needs, the traditional gas tax is finding itself more obsolete than ever. As states scramble to find alternative funding sources for transportation infrastructure, it becomes evident that a paradigm shift is occurring. With roughly two-thirds of states in America
The Trump administration’s recent maneuver to commandeer the long-anticipated $7 billion renovation of New York’s Pennsylvania Station is both timely and contentious. By dismissing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as the lead on this project and repositioning Amtrak at the forefront, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is inserting a new dynamic into the debate over
As we navigate through turbulent economic times, one thing is certain: the specter of ongoing high tariffs looms larger than ever. The so-called 90-day pause in tariff hikes initiated by the government is little more than a ruse to distract from what many experts believe is an impending trade war with China that could redefine
In an age where investments in education should be prioritized to secure a brighter future for our children, the recent decision by the Ohio House to impose a 30% cap on school districts’ carryover balances stands as a troubling paradox. While proponents of the cap argue that it’s a necessary measure to relieve overburdened taxpayers