In his provocative book, “The Inefficiency Of Municipal Tax Exemption,” Wall Street whistleblower Michael Lissack makes a case for dismantling the existing framework of municipal bonds by eliminating their tax-exempt status and replacing it with direct subsidies. At first glance, one might think that such drastic measures could streamline fiscal policy; however, Lissack falls into
Politics
The political arena in Oklahoma has taken a turn that’s as dramatic as it is disheartening. A feud has erupted between two high-profile Republican officials: State Treasurer Todd Russ and Attorney General Gentner Drummond. This conflict, which ignited over the state’s controversial social and environmental governance (ESG) laws, exemplifies a disturbing trend: the deterioration of
America’s transportation infrastructure is at a breaking point, and the traditional approach to funding it through gas taxes is quickly becoming obsolete. With a dramatic shift toward electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, gas taxes are plummeting as a reliable source of revenue. The number of states proposing legislation that bypasses antiquated funding methods underscores this urgent
The ongoing saga surrounding the transformation of New York’s Pennsylvania Station is a glaring testament to the complexities of intergovernmental power dynamics. With the Trump administration now firmly gripping the reins of this staggering $7 billion project, the move to oust the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a signal that political whims can overshadow the
As the world watches the unfolding saga of international trade, the promise of a 90-day pause in tariff increases offers little more than a mirage. We find ourselves on the brink of an economic confrontation with China, characterized by staggering tariffs—some soaring as high as 145%. This high-stakes environment involves not just the steel and
In a shocking move, the Ohio House has passed a budget provision that could fundamentally undermine the very fabric of public school financing in the state. This provision mandates that school districts must limit their carryover balances to 30% of their annual operating costs. Critics, including education policy experts and teachers’ unions, have expressed grave
Houston finds itself at a crossroads, wrestling with a financial dilemma that could shape its future. Mayor John Whitmire’s recent announcement to allocate at least $100 million annually towards addressing the city’s dire infrastructure needs is both a beacon of hope and a signal of impending urgency. This seismic shift comes on the heels of
Natural disasters are an inevitable part of life, often striking without warning and causing a devastating aftermath. However, the response—or lack thereof—by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can make an already unbearable situation even worse. Recent events in Washington and North Carolina shine a stark light on how ineffective federal disaster response can hurt
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent decision to sign a supplemental budget bill, Assembly Bill 100, has stirred significant political unrest and skepticism. The bill allocates a staggering $2.8 billion to tackle Medi-Cal’s unexpectedly high costs. While proponents tout the positives of expanded healthcare coverage, the financial implications paint a troubling picture. Such decisions not only
In a bold yet contentious move, 16 states alongside the District of Columbia have initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the withdrawal of crucial federal funding designed to mitigate the learning losses incurred during the pandemic. California and New York lead this coalition, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The stakes are high: