Houston stands on a precipice, where legal battles are enforcing fiscal realities that no city should have to endure. The recent lawsuit mandating that the city shell out a staggering $100 million annually for drainage and road maintenance is not just a minor inconvenience—it poses a severe threat to the city’s overall financial health. Mayor
Politics
The recent denials by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief funding requests from Washington and North Carolina raise essential questions about the agency’s efficacy and commitment to supporting states in crisis. During a time when both states faced monumental natural disasters, it becomes profoundly disheartening to witness a federal response that seems
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent signing of a supplemental budget bill representing a staggering $2.8 billion allocation for Medi-Cal sets off alarm bells for many fiscal conservatives who question the sustainability of such extensive healthcare provisions, particularly for undocumented immigrants. While the intention behind providing healthcare to the most vulnerable segments of society might seem
In an alarming move that underscores the precarious state of American education, California, New York, and a coalition of 16 states, along with the District of Columbia, have taken a stand against the Trump administration. The lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Education captures more than just a legal dispute over funds; it reflects
The recent narrow passage of President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” through the House of Representatives is a quintessential example of political theatre veiled as progress. On a razor-thin margin of 216-214, the Republican leadership managed to cajole a few hesitant members into supporting legislation that many believe falls short of genuine fiscal responsibility. While
The state of pension funds in the United States is alarmingly precarious. As of 2025, the top 25 state and local pension funds have collectively experienced a staggering depreciation of nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars in their public equity investments. The root of this sudden drop can be traced back to the announcement
The financial stability of Washington D.C. is teetering on the edge of uncertainty. The recent failure of the House to incorporate crucial language in the continuing resolution (CR) raises serious concerns over the District’s capacity to access funds already approved in its budget. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s articulation of urgency during a recent press event made
As Congress grapples with ways to finance a sprawling tax overhaul, the debate surrounding tax-exempt municipal bonds has taken a perilous turn that resonates profoundly within our community’s infrastructure. Public finance experts, notably Justin Marlowe and Martin Luby, strongly argue in a recent policy brief that dismantling this tax exemption could have dire consequences for
As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to engage with the Senate-passed budget resolution for fiscal 2025, the political landscape is fraught with tension and uncertainty. This budget has the potential to shape financial governance for years to come, yet it may very well be a misguided attempt that places far too much faith in
As the Trump administration advances its rather radical policies surrounding tariffs, immigration, and government expenditures, the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy has reached an unprecedented level. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s cautious approach reflects a broader sentiment among economists and financial institutions. While maintaining a non-political stance, Powell acknowledges that the consequences of these changes