For decades, nonprofit hospitals have enjoyed a privileged status that grants them substantial tax exemptions—benefits that are supposed to be justified by their contributions to the community. However, this assumption warrants serious scrutiny. Is the substantial tax relief they receive truly aligned with the genuine community benefits they provide? Experts and lawmakers are increasingly questioning
Politics
Dallas’s recent approval of a $5.2 billion budget appears to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and a commitment to public safety, yet beneath this veneer lies a troubling reality. At first glance, the city’s decision to allocate nearly $2 billion to the general fund and increase public safety spending by over $63 million signals a prioritization of
The recent saga of federal budget negotiations reveals more than just political brinkmanship—it exposes a troubling apathy toward the sustainability and sovereignty of America’s capital. As Congress sputters through yet another stopgap measure, the city’s economic health and governance autonomy remain tethered to the whims of Capitol Hill. While the temporary fix may include slight
In recent months, the political landscape surrounding infrastructure funding has shifted with a notable reduction in the immediate threat to tax exemptions for municipal bonds. This seemingly technical victory is not just about shielding a favored tax provision but signals a broader strategic move by industry advocates to influence upcoming legislation. As bond lawyers and
In recent days, the spectacle surrounding Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s alleged mortgage misstatements has revealed a disturbing trend: the encroachment of political motives into the supposedly independent realm of monetary policy. The vocal demands by former President Donald Trump for her resignation, fueled by accusations of dishonesty, are emblematic of an unsettling shift that
San Antonio’s decision to press ahead with building a new downtown arena for the Spurs signals a willingness to gamble big on economic development, but this move warrants a sober, critical examination. The city’s choice to ignore an independent economic impact study raises red flags about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community priorities. An arena of
In recent discourse surrounding American infrastructure, there’s a recurring theme: the belief that private sector investment can solve our looming transportation crisis. The newly formed advisory board, under Secretary Sean Duffy’s leadership, champions this idea with vigor, advocating for greater utilization of public-private partnerships (P3s). While tapping into private capital sounds promising, it is fundamentally
In recent months, the United States has witnessed a troubling shift from steady, rule-based economic stewardship to a chaotic dance driven by personal ambition and political theater. The presidency of Donald Trump, particularly his interactions with key financial institutions, exemplifies this dangerous trend. Instead of focusing on intelligent economic policymaking, Trump has engaged in relentless
The recent Senate passage of select fiscal 2026 appropriations bills creates the illusion that Congress is making significant strides toward fiscal responsibility. While the bipartisan approval of appropriations for sectors like Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and the Legislative Branch appears to be a positive step, the underlying threat of a government shutdown in October exposes a
Recent legislative developments in Texas signal a decisive shift toward constricting local governments’ fiscal independence. Senate Bill 9, approved overwhelmingly by the Senate Local Government Committee, proposes a significant reduction in the permissible growth of operating property tax revenues for large cities and counties—from a 3.5% to a 2.5% voter-approval tax rate multiplier. While this