Everything you should know about taxing carbon
The promise and challenges of taxing carbon
View ArticleBetter supporting state economic development
For state and local leaders, two fast-approaching deadlines will mean a wider range of interest in economic development programs than usual.
View ArticleHow can we make Social Security solvent?
Several presidential candidates have put forth serious Social Security reform plans. But the most popular reform options won’t actually help much.
View ArticleShould governments tax products that are fun but harmful?
Economists don’t have much to say about sin. But we do have ideas about balancing health and consumer autonomy.
View ArticleWould two year budgeting help break the fiscal impasse?
The House Budget Committee on Wednesday asked Urban Institute fellow Rudy Penner to testify on the potential reform.
View ArticleShould governments tax unhealthy foods and drinks?
Increasing the price of products that contain sugar can get people to consume less and thus improve nutrition and health—in theory.
View ArticleOn economic turf, Rams move is neither a big win for LA nor crushing loss for...
Countless academic studies show that publicly funded stadiums have little effect on jobs and growth—despite team owners' and elected officials’ claims.
View ArticleBudgeting for federal lending programs is still a mess
The “credit reform” method violates fundamental principles of good budgeting for reasons that have nothing to do with the “fair value” alternative.
View ArticleTPC launches beta website
In a few weeks, the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center will launch a new website. Starting today, the site is running in “beta,” and we invite you to give feedback.
View ArticleWhat drives state and local government spending where you live?
We calculated what spending would be if each state spent exactly the same amount per workload factor such as per kid or mile of highway in a state—and how far off they actually are.
View ArticleAs families become more complex, so does filing taxes
For the growing number of non-traditional families, a “tax unit” may capture only some people who support the child.
View ArticleAtlantic City needs more government help than what New Jersey is offering
The fight over budget power misses the crux of Atlantic City’s problem: the city and state gambled on one industry and lost the bet.
View ArticleProposed earned income tax credit expansions could penalize marriage for many...
From TaxVox: This move would not only provide a disincentive to marriage, it would be unfair to many already-married couples.
View ArticleA broader perspective on corporate tax reform
At a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, Tax Policy Center codirector Eric Toder urged lawmakers to think beyond the traditional cut-the-rates, broaden-the-base solution.
View ArticleStates should answer a few questions before taxing e-cigarettes
Should states tax e-cigarettes at all, and by how much? Should states impose a unit tax on the vape/e-cigarette or the refillable nicotine cartridges or both?
View ArticleIllinois’s budget crisis may jeopardize innovative financing efforts
Chicago is using pay-for-success financing to expand preschool for low-income students. But Illinois's failure to pass a state budget could disrupt the project and many students' lives.
View ArticleDo you pay sales tax on your online holiday shopping?
Odds are you’ll pay sales tax on some of your online shopping this year. And even when you don’t, you still owe your state the tax.
View ArticleCan Trump make Mexico pay for the wall?
The president's proposal to tax Mexican imports and exports to pay for a border wall has fundamental budget and logic flaws.
View ArticleA Trump crackdown on legal marijuana would hurt state budgets
Some states are already using revenue from taxing marijuana to fund public services, but this practice could be upended by the federal government.
View Article“Fixing” the budget process will only make matters worse
Avoiding a government shutdown is now considered success, but the budget process is not the problem.
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