Budget & Tax News
The Heartland Institute's national monthly outreach publication for advocates of lower taxes, balanced budgets, and limited government.
Subscribe by Email Subscribe by Mail Back Issues
Budget & Tax News
April 2005
'Ratchet Effect' May Lead to More Federal Spending Profligacy
There are a few things for taxpayers to cheer about in President George W. Bush's new budget proposal, but it also includes plenty of evidence that the ... (read more)
There are a few things for taxpayers to cheer about in President George W. Bush's new budget proposal, but it also includes plenty of evidence that the ... (read more)
'Transition Costs' for Social Security Reform an Illusion
Contrary to conventional thinking, allowing workers to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes through personal retirement accounts will incur no ... (read more)
Contrary to conventional thinking, allowing workers to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes through personal retirement accounts will incur no ... (read more)
April 2005 Budget & Tax News (PDF)
The April 2005 issue of Budget & Tax News features an update on Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut, in which the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether ... (read more)
The April 2005 issue of Budget & Tax News features an update on Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut, in which the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether ... (read more)
Bush Threatens to Veto Controls on Medicare Drug Spending
Two days after Bush administration officials released new cost estimates for the Medicare prescription drug program, President George W. Bush threatened ... (read more)
Two days after Bush administration officials released new cost estimates for the Medicare prescription drug program, President George W. Bush threatened ... (read more)
California Agency Misplaced Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
Hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through California's now-disbanded Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP) were never properly documented, in ... (read more)
Hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through California's now-disbanded Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP) were never properly documented, in ... (read more)
Despite Rhetoric, Bush Budget Cuts Little, Spends a Lot
Taxpayers will find many items to praise and more than a few to pan in President George W. Bush's Fiscal Year 2006 budget, according to an analysis released ... (read more)
Taxpayers will find many items to praise and more than a few to pan in President George W. Bush's Fiscal Year 2006 budget, according to an analysis released ... (read more)
Eminent Domain Takes Center Stage in Redevelopment Debates
The U.S. Supreme Court on February 22 heard oral arguments in a case that could have far-reaching implications for cities and for private citizens' property ... (read more)
The U.S. Supreme Court on February 22 heard oral arguments in a case that could have far-reaching implications for cities and for private citizens' property ... (read more)
Illinois Governor Rejects Income Tax Hike for Education
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) used his annual State of the State address on February 16 to reject a bill that would sharply increase the state income ... (read more)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) used his annual State of the State address on February 16 to reject a bill that would sharply increase the state income ... (read more)
Judge Orders $7.4 Billion More for NYC Schools
State Supreme Court Justice Leland DeGrasse of Manhattan has ordered New York state to ensure that within four years the New York City school system has ... (read more)
State Supreme Court Justice Leland DeGrasse of Manhattan has ordered New York state to ensure that within four years the New York City school system has ... (read more)
Lawmakers Move to Reform Union Political Finance Practices
Public employee unions' political practices are drawing increased scrutiny from state-level lawmakers, some of whom are moving forward with reforms aimed ... (read more)
Public employee unions' political practices are drawing increased scrutiny from state-level lawmakers, some of whom are moving forward with reforms aimed ... (read more)
Movement for Supermajorities to Raise Taxes Growing Fast
Illinois Republican House Minority Leader Tom Cross is proposing legislation that would require a "supermajority" vote in both houses before the General ... (read more)
Illinois Republican House Minority Leader Tom Cross is proposing legislation that would require a "supermajority" vote in both houses before the General ... (read more)
Oregon to Test Plan that Taxes Motorists by Miles Driven
Several states are considering shifting from per-gallon fuel taxes to mile-based tax systems, none more seriously than Oregon. The Oregon Department of ... (read more)
Several states are considering shifting from per-gallon fuel taxes to mile-based tax systems, none more seriously than Oregon. The Oregon Department of ... (read more)
Politics, Not Need, Drive New York's Tax-and-Spend Policies
A new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston confirms New York state's taxes are by far the highest in the country and finds social needs don't explain ... (read more)
A new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston confirms New York state's taxes are by far the highest in the country and finds social needs don't explain ... (read more)
Privatization Brings Big Savings to Michigan's State Universities
Budget pressure in recent years has forced Michigan's public institutions of higher education toward cost savings and contracting out of services, according ... (read more)
Budget pressure in recent years has forced Michigan's public institutions of higher education toward cost savings and contracting out of services, according ... (read more)
Proposed Tax Hike on Air Travelers Meets Stiff Opposition
The Bush administration's proposed fiscal 2006 budget includes a massive tax increase on every American who uses air travel. The tax, estimated to raise ... (read more)
The Bush administration's proposed fiscal 2006 budget includes a massive tax increase on every American who uses air travel. The tax, estimated to raise ... (read more)
School Finance Drives Texas Budget, Tax Talks
Two years ago, Texas legislators sweated through a legislative session with a $10 billion budget shortfall. They found ways to cut spending and cover the ... (read more)
Two years ago, Texas legislators sweated through a legislative session with a $10 billion budget shortfall. They found ways to cut spending and cover the ... (read more)
Social Security's Looming Problems Need Fixing Now
If you're between the ages of 21 and 55, you've made a terrible investment and you continue to do so with every paycheck. I'm talking about Social Security, ... (read more)
If you're between the ages of 21 and 55, you've made a terrible investment and you continue to do so with every paycheck. I'm talking about Social Security, ... (read more)
Spending, Not Tax Cuts, Has Sent Federal Deficit Spiraling
You know that fiscal sanity has flown south for the winter when Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy are throwing eggs at the Republicans for their budgetary recklessness. ... (read more)
You know that fiscal sanity has flown south for the winter when Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy are throwing eggs at the Republicans for their budgetary recklessness. ... (read more)
States Should Support the FTAA
In February, the Utah Senate and House each passed resolutions urging Congress to oppose the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA is intended ... (read more)
In February, the Utah Senate and House each passed resolutions urging Congress to oppose the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA is intended ... (read more)
Supreme Court Appears Split over 'Economic Development' as Public Use
U.S. Supreme Court justices seemed divided on February 22 when lawyers argued over whether local governments may condemn a person's home or business for ... (read more)
U.S. Supreme Court justices seemed divided on February 22 when lawyers argued over whether local governments may condemn a person's home or business for ... (read more)
Unexpected Tax Hike Drills Alaska Oil Producers
Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) surprised oil and gas industry officials in his State of the State speech on January 12 by announcing a $150 million tax ... (read more)
Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) surprised oil and gas industry officials in his State of the State speech on January 12 by announcing a $150 million tax ... (read more)
Wisconsin to Collect Internet Tax Despite Federal Ban
The State of Wisconsin plans to keep collecting its Internet access tax, despite a federal law designed to require the state to drop the tax in 2006. On ... (read more)
The State of Wisconsin plans to keep collecting its Internet access tax, despite a federal law designed to require the state to drop the tax in 2006. On ... (read more)
