The recent developments concerning the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s budget reconciliation bill not only underscore the perennial disputes within the U.S. Congress but also reflect a more profound ideological divide regarding transportation funding. The bill, which has now advanced without a proposed $20 annual vehicle registration fee, reveals the complexities of reimagining how we
Politics
The escalating crisis of affordable housing in the United States is not just a suburban nightmare; it’s an urban reality that distresses millions. The economic disparities exacerbated by rising housing costs are driving families into unstable living situations and pushing homeownership further out of reach. Tariffs and inflation are compounding these issues, making it clear
Sanctuary cities have emerged as a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. While proponents argue these jurisdictions are crucial in protecting undocumented immigrants from federal overreach, it’s vital to examine the implications of such policies on public safety and adherence to the rule of law. The debate has reignited
In an era marked by financial uncertainty, Washington state lawmakers recently concluded a contentious budget negotiation that highlights both the urgency of fiscal responsibility and the peril of over-reliance on taxation. The $77.9 billion budget they produced includes staggering tax increases and hefty program cuts, totaling $8.7 billion in new taxes and $5.9 billion in
In a decisive stand against what many view as executive overreach, Oregon has aligned itself with eleven other states to mount a legal challenge against President Trump’s controversial tariffs. Led by Attorney General Dan Rayfield, the lawsuit filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade highlights a fundamental question that reverberates through the halls of
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) serves as a crucial regulator in the municipal securities market, overseeing dealers and municipal advisors to ensure that they operate within established guidelines. However, with recent discussions focusing on potential changes to its rate card, one can’t help but question whether these proposed amendments truly serve the best interests
In the realm of financial policy, few topics ignite such fervor as the question of municipal bonds and their tax exemptions. Wall Street whistleblower Michael Lissack has stirred the pot with his controversial book, “The Inefficiency Of Municipal Tax Exemption,” which argues for eliminating the tax-exempt status of these bonds as a way to address
The political landscape in Oklahoma is familiar with its share of disputes, but the ongoing feud between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and State Treasurer Todd Russ has escalated into an unnecessary circus that exposes the fragility of constitutional boundaries within governmental authority. This clash highlights an unsettling trend: a persistent attempt by individuals seeking power
The deteriorating condition of America’s roads and bridges has reached a critical point. With two-thirds of states considering new funding bills for transportation this year alone, it’s evident that traditional funding mechanisms—primarily the gas tax—are far from adequate in addressing the growing needs of our infrastructure. As vehicles become more fuel-efficient or switch to electric
In a bold maneuver that exemplifies the ongoing tensions between federal and state powers, the Trump administration has snatched control of the monumental $7 billion renovation of New York City’s Pennsylvania Station. In a move that booted the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from the leadership role, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this