Oregon finds itself at a perilous crossroads, yet the legislative body failed to recognize the gravity of its inaction. The recent failure to pass a comprehensive transportation funding package is a stark reminder of political paralysis that prioritizes short-term politics over long-term stability. As a result, hundreds of hardworking ODOT employees face layoffs, a move
Politics
Oklahoma’s Supreme Court decision to deny a Native American tribal member the right to a state income tax exemption exposes a flawed legal logic rooted in narrow interpretations rather than broader constitutional principles. The ruling, which states that the McGirt decision—designed to clarify criminal jurisdiction on tribal lands—does not automatically extend to civil or tax
Oregon’s recent legislative move to fund an $800 million bond through athlete income taxes to lure Major League Baseball (MLB) to Portland strikes me as a fundamentally flawed and overly optimistic endeavor. Governor Tina Kotek’s signing of Senate Bill 110, which dramatically increases the bond amount from the previous $150 million proposal, reveals a serious
Kansas’ recent eagerness to extend a bond program aimed at luring the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from Missouri reveals a troubling dilemma in modern public finance: states throwing vast sums of taxpayer-backed money into professional sports castles built on shaky promises. The urgency to stretch deadlines on the bond initiatives — enabling up to
The ongoing narrative surrounding the plight of rural hospitals highlights a fundamental challenge in American healthcare policy. The Senate Republicans have proposed a massive $15 billion relief fund aimed at safeguarding these vital institutions from devastating Medicaid cuts that threaten their very existence. But beneath this veneer of benevolence lies a troubling reality: this “beautiful
The budget reconciliation process has become a contentious battleground in contemporary U.S. politics, especially given the Byrd Rule’s stringent limitations. Named after the late Senator Robert Byrd, this legislative safeguard is not just a complex set of regulations but a vital mechanism designed to maintain fiscal discipline. It’s crucial to recognize that the Byrd Rule
In the realm of urban politics, the promise of affordable housing often becomes a siren song, enchanting voters with the prospect of a home for all. Zohran Mamdani, a rising socialist star in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, embodies this hope with an ambitious proposal that lays claim to a staggering $70 billion in
The latest transportation bill in Oregon has ignited a fierce debate that extends beyond the black and white of fiscal policy. With a staggering price tag of $14.6 billion looming over the next decade, House Bill 2025 raises concerns about whether it represents a responsible step toward improving our infrastructure or a reckless leap into
Lawrence Summers, former Treasury Secretary and a voice of reason in the often chaotic landscape of U.S. economic policy, has recently weighed in on President Donald Trump’s forthcoming decision regarding the Federal Reserve Chair. With whispers of impending interviews and potential candidates swirling around the political landscape, one striking observation arises: how much of this
The budget process in Florida, often a reflection of political maneuvering more than sound fiscal management, has culminated in a $115.1 billion budget for fiscal 2025-26. While there are certainly positive aspects, a closer inspection reveals underlying tensions and missed opportunities that can raise serious concerns for taxpayers and voters alike. This newly approved budget,