In the complex interplay of economics and trade policy, small businesses find themselves navigating treacherous waters. The recent warnings from Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr have spotlighted the immense pressures placed upon these enterprises by new tariffs instituted during Trump’s administration. Contrary to popular belief that tariffs predominantly affect large corporations, it is the small
Politics
The recent downgrade of Maryland’s credit rating by Moody’s from a perfect triple-A to an Aa1 has sent shockwaves throughout the state. Far from being a mere number on a spreadsheet, this type of shift carries real implications that extend well beyond the balance sheet. It serves as a stark reminder that fiscal responsibility is
Aging airport infrastructure is increasingly becoming a pressing issue, and Newark Liberty International Airport is at the forefront of this crisis. The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy’s leadership, has taken significant actions that highlight the urgency of the situation. With plans in motion to reduce flight schedules and launch an extensive overhaul
In an era marked by fiscal recklessness, the House Ways and Means Committee has positioned itself at a critical crossroads with its preliminary draft of the tax bill, boldly touted as part of their “big beautiful bill.” This isn’t merely a proposal; it’s a declaration that could have profound implications for American taxpayers, our economy,
The public power sector is experiencing a seismic shift, transitioning from conventional funding methods to innovative systems facilitated by programs like elective pay. This transformation, primarily set in motion by the Inflation Reduction Act, allows publicly owned power companies to convert tax credits into cash. With the implications tied closely to the revival and support
When it comes to tax policy, few issues encapsulate the political chasm in America quite like the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Initially established during the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, this cap limits deductions to $10,000, effectively targeting taxpayers in high-tax states, mainly those governed by Democrats. Recently, Rep.
In a time when Americans are juggling rising costs and economic uncertainty, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has decided to maintain interest rates between 4.25% and 4.5%. This choice might seem pragmatic, but it reveals a troubling reality for those living paycheck to paycheck. As the risks of inflation and rising unemployment loom larger,
The recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation marks adramatic shift in how infrastructure funding will be handled in the coming years. By opening the proverbial floodgates for a whopping $3.2 billion in grants towards rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy claims that the nation is set to “build again.” This
In an era when urban public transport systems are more critical than ever, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has hit upon a noteworthy development: an agreement that promises to fill a staggering $31 billion gap in its capital plan. The announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul, which thrilled MTA’s CEO Janno Lieber to the point of
In an era where financial transparency is crucial, President Trump’s latest budget proposal calls for significant reductions, including a staggering $163 billion in cuts. This bold move, though contentious, was largely overlooked in favor of more emotionally charged discussions surrounding the overall economic landscape. While cutting back on funding can invoke feelings of dread and