Taxes
Covering topics such as bonds, cryptocurrency, federal aid and pensions.
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.
Traditional pensions and 401(k)-style government plans have undergone major changes in portfolio structure since 2000, mostly for the better. But recent market gyrations remind us that there are always opportunities for improvement.
Salem, Ore., is in budget straits, in part because untaxed state buildings make up 8 percent of the property in the city. Tina Kotek is backing a local property tax increase as lawmakers consider ways to help the city directly.
With federal cuts coming, states, cities and counties need to step up their understanding of the programs they run and the priorities they hope to preserve.
Any future income tax increases would require supermajority votes. If the state House approves it, the amendment would go to voters for final approval.
The state Senate passed a bill that falls short of proposals put forward by Gov. Mike Braun, but the Republican signaled he's open to signing it.
Trade wars, federal aid cutbacks and IRS layoffs will all have an impact on revenues, though the shocks may not be as bad as some fear. Still, for most jurisdictions budget and staffing freezes or cuts lie ahead. But for now leaders should resist the temptation to raid rainy day funds.
The state recently became the first since 1980 to vote to eliminate its income tax. This will boost economic growth while removing barriers to work — and could ignite a wave of similar state-led reforms.
Making tips tax-free would not only lower revenues but distort the tax code.
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program expires in September. State CIOs told a congressional subcommittee that the program is a success that should be built on, not ended.
If sensible ideas from a decade ago gain traction in Washington this year, they could boost U.S.-based manufacturing and international competitiveness, with a mixed impact on state and local tax revenues and policies.
A new data dashboard from the Urban Institute fleshes out how the funding is being allocated by category and across states, counties and congressional districts.
The House and Senate passed competing bills that would end the income tax and increase gas taxes. Many differences must still be reconciled to make one version into law.
Providing parents with tax credits has mostly been a Democratic priority but the idea has gained traction in Ohio, Indiana and other Republican-led states.
States are looking for alternate ways to fund transportation infrastructure as gas tax revenues dwindle. Despite years of study, only a few have adopted road user charges.
Americans believe that their local governments spend money more wisely than their state and federal counterparts. But forcing localities to do more with less isn’t a recipe for government efficiency.
Most Read
