Downsizing Blog
USPS: A Giant Distortion Machine
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is a major business enterprise operated by the federal government.
Cost of Federal Aid Administration: 20 Percent in Altoona
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spends $10 billion a year on “community planning and development” subsidies to state and local governments.
D.C. Metro: Silver Line Slump
For years, Randal O’Toole has warned governments that urban rail systems usually make no economic or practical sense.
Time to Cut U.S. Foreign Aid
The federal government funds an array of aid programs aimed at promoting growth in less-developed countries.
Air Traffic Control: Remote Towers
Momentum is building for air traffic control (ATC) reform.
The Economics of Amtrak
Amtrak’s co-CEO Wick Moorman has announced that the passenger railroad is thinking of offering a new service to compete with the airlines: economy seating that is crammed together as tightly as airline seats.
Privatization, Innovation, and Exports
Congress should privatize federally-owned businesses such as Amtrak, the postal service, and the air traffic control system.
What Federal Spending to Cut?
Federal government spending is rising, deficits are chronic, and debt is reaching dangerous levels.
Seattle Minimum Wage
A few years ago, Seattle decided to increase its minimum wage from $9.47 to $15 per hour.
Community Development Subsidies
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will spend $10 billion this year on “community development,” including Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs).