The CBO’s budget and economic outlook, released last week, looks bleak. And one of the drivers of future budget shortfalls? Social Security. During the Feb. 13th house budget hearing on CBO’s outlook, Rep. John Campbell (CA) asked Doug Elmendorf – CBO Director – if we were in a pickle with regards to the U.S. budget. … Continue reading
What are your thoughts about a federal tax on sugary drinks (ie. Soda, energy, and sports drinks)? The Field Poll, a non-partisan media-sponsored public opinion news service, found an interesting result in their survey of Californians’ views on the tax on sugary drinks. Approximately 40 percent of California residents voted in support of a soda … Continue reading
Since the financial crisis of 2008, discussion of the role big banks play in the American economy and the inherent risk they represent has faded into the periphery. As with many other areas of public policy, a sustained focus beyond a time of crisis is difficult, due mainly to the relative lack of political will. … Continue reading
Earlier last week, the American Action Forum released a survey analyzing the cost of individual premiums due to the ACA. The survey looks at the spectrum of rate changes across any geographic area rather than the average changes. The results are shocking and they paint a poor future outlook for the young and healthy individuals. … Continue reading
On Wednesday, January 25, Congress voted to raise the debt ceiling to allow more government spending until about May of this year. The sequester’s forced automatic spending cuts go into effect March 27th. Debt, spending, “fiscal cliff’, budgets, etc. keep Americans on the verge of a heart attack, and many find themselves wondering: how much … Continue reading
Amid the sea of adjectives that flowed over Monday’s second inauguration of President Obama, several television commentators made a pointed observation. Presidential Inaugurations are certainly occasions to celebrate the American constitutional system; however, there is no more demonstrable picture of this country’s enigmatic arrangement than the sight of President Obama taking his oath at the … Continue reading
By Chris Hartline The American political system is broken. Congress is broken. Our representatives don’t represent us. These are common refrains you hear particularly outside of Washington – though inside as well – and they possess some semblance of truth. The 112th Congress was the most unproductive Congress in 60 years and the 2nd year of … Continue reading
Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) is making efforts to relieve bipartisan stress and initiate action on reducing the nation’s debt. Earlier this week he submitted two bills that would reduce government spending, the BOLD Act and the ZERO Act. The BOLD Act seeks to reform how the government handles money by reducing the White House’s and … Continue reading
Members of Congress and President Obama are squaring off for a showdown. The US will hit the debt limit by the end of February, and with Obama insisting that he will not negotiate, “dooms day” scenarios are being predicted. Discussions of alternative solutions have yielded little in the way of progress. The idea to mint … Continue reading
These days it is impossible to go anywhere without hearing about the current budget crisis and the need to cut spending. An often-overlooked solution to cut spending is to simply stop producing so much money, namely, small value coins. In February of last year it cost 2.4¢ to produce a single penny; it costs twice … Continue reading
Policy Interns 
You must be logged in to post a comment.