Downsizing Blog
Income Taxes on the Ballot
This election, Americans will not only be choosing politicians for office but also whether to increase or decrease taxes in many places.
Federal Tax Changes Since 1979
The Congressional Budget Office released a report today on changes in income, benefit payments, and federal taxes by income group since 1979.
Federal Spending and Deficits
Spending and deficits used to be a battleground in federal elections as each party suggested reforms and blamed the other for fiscal irresponsibility.
Federal Spending Hits $6.6 Trillion
The Congressional Budget Office has released new estimates. Federal government spending jumped from $4.5 trillion in fiscal 2019 to $6.6 trillion in fiscal 2020, as shown in the chart below. That huge increase was financed by borrowing, the costs of which will land on taxpayers down the road.
Federal Reserve Aid to State and Local Governments
I testified today to the Congressional Oversight Commission regarding federal and Federal Reserve aid to state and local governments.
The Smokey View from the Northwest
There are no clouds in the central Oregon sky today, but we are nonetheless living in dim times.
State Policy Favoritism and Corruption
California leaders are in the news for passing a misguided law that requires most independent contractors to be treated as employees, and then realizing how harmful that is and passing another law exempting dozens of politically important industries from the mandate.
Senate Is Right to Resist State Aid
Another week, another news story about supposedly imploding state‐local government budgets.
Repeal Local Restrictions to Revive Economy
The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the health crisis and recession.
Federal Aid Creates Central‐Planning Power
The Trump administration is threatening to cut federal aid to cities that do not follow its approach to policing and civil unrest.