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.
Starting next month, customers will notice extra charges on delivery orders, ride-sharing trips and car-share rentals, which are part of a change in transportation funding that will help pay for road and bridge projects.
Continuing our coverage of how large city transit systems are faring fiscally since the pandemic, we take a look at Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago.
While a handful of the largest agencies have funding sources that don’t make the future immediately dire, others are looking at hard decisions next year as city transit ridership remains depressed, cutting into revenue streams.
Despite input from two advisory groups, the state’s Gulf Coast Restoration Fund is failing to meet any conventional measure of success for an economic development program funded by the money BP paid following its massive 2010 oil spill.
In response to the pandemic, leading experts are calling for a reassessment of public health efforts. More money is only part of the solution.
Congress responded to the COVID crisis by allocating unprecedented sums to help cities and states recover. Early data about how they are using the money suggests that big spends can have complications.
Recent investment losses have highlighted provisions that are missing from most municipal money management contracts: full disclosure of the downside and stronger risk controls.
If voters approve the measure in November, it would raise county sales tax by one-half of 1 percent for 40 years and fund dozens of transportation projects. But critics are concerned that it could risk the region’s climate goals.
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program will provide $140 million to develop electric vehicle charging stations. About 40 percent of the federal funding will be invested in disadvantaged communities.
Federal cybersecurity grants are expected “in the coming months,” with CISA still mulling feedback and finalizing. Local governments should use the time to ensure they’re part of any state planning processes.
For decades, states have relied on the so-called "sin tax" to fund vital social programs. If the FDA's recent proposal to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars prevails, states will need to find another funding source to keep the programs afloat.
Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposal has a broad definition of anti violence and would include initiatives to push for police and prison reform and would restore spending to agencies that saw cuts in the pandemic. Some say it’s not enough.
Several have earmarked fiscal year 2023 funding for various infrastructure projects, including a new fire station, a child-care center, hydrologic stations, improvements to rural roads and more.
The Maine city’s budget increased 27 percent from last year’s $212 million budget, but this year it includes a 5.5 percent tax rate increase. The City Council also approved a code of ethics and appointed a new city clerk.
Mass shootings are costing governments, schools and families billions. Those who sell, buy and harbor AR-15-style firearms and other pseudo-military killing machines should bear the financial burden.
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