In the realm of public finance, few topics stir as much debate as the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. Enter Michael Lissack, a Wall Street whistleblower whose latest book, “The Inefficiency Of Municipal Tax Exemption,” challenges the bedrock assumptions that have long underpinned this financial instrument. Lissack’s audacious proposition is not merely a critique but
Politics
In Oklahoma, a fierce political battle has erupted, prominently featuring Attorney General Gentner Drummond and State Treasurer Todd Russ. This clash is not merely about policy; it symbolizes a deeper conflict over the authority and responsibilities attributed to each office under the state constitution. On the surface, the contention appears focused on a specific anti-Environmental,
In an age where traditional transportation funding mechanisms are faltering, a remarkable two-thirds of U.S. states have introduced or are considering new transportation funding bills this year. The gas tax, once a reliable source for infrastructure funding, has become increasingly inadequate due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles and fuel-efficient cars. With the American
In an audacious shake-up, the Trump administration has seized control of the $7 billion transformation of New York’s iconic Pennsylvania Station, marking a significant pivot away from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under Secretary Sean Duffy’s leadership, has taken the helm alongside Amtrak, the owner of the train station. This
The trade relationship between the United States and China has evolved into a high-stakes chess game, where each tariff increase serves as another move signaling escalating tension. As we stand on the brink of a new chapter in this conflict, the mere notion of a 90-day pause feels less like peace and more like a
In a move that is stirring significant controversy, the Ohio House recently approved an operating budget that includes a cap on school districts’ carryover balances at 30% of their annual operating costs. The rationale behind this change, as presented by proponents, is to alleviate property tax burdens on homeowners. However, this provision could have negative
Houston is at a financial crossroads, with Mayor John Whitmire’s recent announcement highlighting the city’s precarious situation. The agreement born from a lawsuit demanding at least $100 million annually for drainage and road repairs signals a critical shift in how Houston operates financially. While the intention behind this agreement is to address long-standing infrastructure issues,
In the aftermath of severe natural disasters, one would expect the federal government to mobilize its resources to aid states in distress. Yet, the recent denials of disaster recovery funding to Washington and North Carolina illuminate a disconcerting trend in FEMA’s operations. With both states devastated by calamities during the fall, the inability of this
In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the political landscape, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 100, a supplemental budget bill allocating an eye-popping $2.8 billion to fund higher-than-expected costs associated with the state’s Medi-Cal program. While health care for the less fortunate is undeniably important, this expansion raises serious questions
In an unprecedented move reflecting dire educational needs post-pandemic, California, New York, and 14 other states, along with the District of Columbia, have launched a legal challenge against the Trump administration over abrupt cuts to federal education funding. This lawsuit emphatically underscores a rising tension between state-level educational priorities and federal funding policies, illustrating the