Taxes
Covering topics such as bonds, cryptocurrency, federal aid and pensions.
Cuts in funding don’t change counties’ obligations to their residents. They will have to figure out how to raise new revenue, cut services or both. But success in navigating this new landscape won’t come from austerity alone.
The funding comes amid an immigration crackdown and growing pressure on states to build temporary facilities, raising fiscal, legal and environmental questions.
Subsidies distort fair competition. If these technologies are the future of America’s energy sector, they should compete without the crutch of federal aid.
The future of an EPA program for disadvantaged communities may be uncertain, but there are lessons for the future in how local governments have gone after the funds. Authentic, cross-sector collaborations are key.
So far, 20 states have created retirement programs for private-sector workers.
Higher federal income tax offsets for state and local tax payments have morphed into a mostly upper-middle-class political perk, one unlikely to have any meaningful impact on state or local fiscal policies or politics. It’s time to look ahead to the next iteration of federal tax policy.
The organization has shaped state laws for 50 years. It may be at the height of its influence.
Hospitals stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars under the new tax and spending law, with rural facilities at particular risk. Some states are likely to reconvene their legislatures to deal with funding shortfalls.
States are expecting flat revenues and increasing costs in this new fiscal year. They’ll face hard choices even if Congress does not cut major aid programs.
Now 25,000 members strong, financially secure and long blessed with thoughtful leadership, the Government Finance Officers Association is poised to address the challenges to come for those who manage the public purse.
The bill would devote most new funds to highways but transit would also get a boost. The major revenue raiser is a 15-cent increase to the gas tax.
Hospital associations say more rural facilities will close if Medicaid cuts go through. Potential aid includes changes to matching rates and provider taxes.
Most states have seen their collections drop below 15-year trends. Federal actions may also provide a drag on revenue.
With Congress on the verge of passing new mandates, state Medicaid directors warn that the planned implementation date at the end of next year is too soon.
The Trump administration concedes it ended too many Department of Education contracts but critics say it hasn’t restored enough congressionally approved programs.
The latest technology revolution will eventually eliminate some of the public funds’ internal staff. To avoid being AI roadkill, pension systems and key employees need to take the initiative collectively.
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