‘Sin Taxes’ Could Help States in Pandemic Budget Slump (at Least a Little Bit)
The taxes can be more palatable because they affect fewer people.
Black Homeowners Pay More Than ‘Fair Share’ in Property Taxes
Many tax assessors still routinely saddle Black and minority residents with property tax bills that are too high given the value of their homes.
Black Businesses Largely Miss Out on Opportunity Zone Money
Minority investors often lack relationships with banks.
Cities Delay Infrastructure Projects Amid Covid-19 Budget Uncertainty
A survey by the National League of Cities Found that more than 700 cities are cancelling or delaying infrastructure projects because of budget shortfalls caused by the pandemic.
The Second Great Depression
COMMENTARY | At least four major factors are terrifying economists and weighing on the recovery.
Four States Have Borrowed Money to Pay Unemployment Benefits
Thirty-six states borrowed from the federal government after the Great Recession, which over time led some to restrict unemployment benefits.
Same Mission, Different Pay for National Guard
Benefits for National Guard members vary widely from state to state.
Small Business Owners with Criminal Records Sue Over Pandemic Aid Restrictions
Many small business owners with criminal records were shut out of the Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to keep employees on payrolls during coronavirus lockdowns.
Two Years After the Wayfair Decision, State Governments Still Lag on Modernizing Technology Infrastructure to Collect Online Sales Tax Revenue
COMMENTARY | Two years have passed since the landmark Supreme Court decision and the Covid-19 pandemic has put more emphasis on online sales tax revenue than ever before. As states grapple with budget shortfalls, leaders will need to carefully consider how technology is used to ensure that no tax revenue goes unaccounted for.
San Francisco Voters to Decide on Taxing Companies With Outsized Executive Pay
Local elected leaders are sending the tax plan to the ballot, citing concerns about equity and the large hole that the coronavirus has blown in the city's budget.
Pandemic Aid: What Can We Learn From the 2009 Stimulus?
COMMENTARY | As state and local leaders wait to see if they will get more federal aid to deal with their growing revenue shortfalls, fiscal stability will be more attainable by paying heed to experts who helped the country out of the Great Recession.
States Contemplate Borrowing to Help Manage Pandemic’s Fiscal Impact
COMMENTARY | Short-term financing, Federal Reserve program may buy time, but budgets will need adjusting.
Virus Casts Uncertainty Over City Budget and Economic Development in a Health Care Hub
Like other localities, the coronavirus has Rochester, Minnesota facing questions about both its financial outlook and future economic growth.
Fed Again Expands State and Municipal Lending Program
The latest move will ensure that at least two local governments in each state have access to the program, which is designed to help states and localities weather the coronavirus crisis.
Texas AG Brokers Deal With Counties on Opioid Payouts
The deal would send 15% of any national settlement deal directly to cities and counties.
Coronavirus Will Have an Unequal Impact on School Budgets
Districts that can largely support themselves with local tax dollars are in a better position as the economic downturn continues.
Smaller Cities Left Waiting on Coronavirus Aid Money
“The challenge for 97% of America's cities is that we haven't received any funding yet,” says one mayor.
As Reopening Begins, Cities Get First Glimpse of How Many Businesses Are Closed Permanently
Not all businesses have been able to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
14-Day Quarantine Complicates Tourist Rentals
Thirty states, from Maine to Montana, have instituted either a mandatory or recommended 14-day quarantine for visitors.
White House Open to Loosening Rules for State and Local Aid Funds, Mnuchin Says
The Treasury Secretary also clashed with Sen. Sherrod Brown over how well-prepared the nation is currently to limit coronavirus risks as the economy begins to reopen.
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