Downsizing Blog
Little Political Downside in Ending CDBG
President Trump’s annual budget is slated for release March 11th. Although there are many decisions to make, the most challenging choices will likely be regarding what to cut.
Green New Deal Would Crush Liberal Values
A contradiction in left-wing politics for decades has been the professed support of community, diversity, localism, and democracy on the one hand with the advocacy of federal power to address society’s ills on the other.
Federal Subsidies Infiltrate Everything
Can’t anyone do anything in this country without federal subsidies?
Badger Book on Federal Grants
Wisconsin’s Badger Institute has a new book—Federal Grant Standing—that examines the $750 billion system of federal grants to state and local governments.
Corrupting Federalism
Federal funding of state activities induces state and local governments to spend wastefully because the money comes “free” from Washington.
Who Should Pay for Infrastructure?
A new study by Canadian scholars says that the users of infrastructure should pay for it generally, not taxpayers.
Trump's Infrastructure Plan
A six-page summary of the Trump infrastructure plan seems to have leaked out yesterday.
Earmark Supporters Should Run for Local Office
If you are interested in national issues such as defense, foreign policy, and trade, and want to hold public office, you should run for Congress. If you are interested in roads, beaches, subways, and policing, you should run for city council or the state legislature.
Federal Gas Tax Increase Misguided
The Trump administration will release its long-waited infrastructure plan in coming weeks. The plan is expected to include $200 billion over 10 years of federal funding
Natural Disasters before Big Government
During the Hurricane Harvey disaster, many reporters and commentators seemed to assume that federal agencies had to take the lead in rescuing the city