Electronic cigarettes have been the single greatest advancement in tobacco harm reduction since scientists proved a link between smoking and cancer in the 1960s. While the use of electronic cigarettes is not without risk, studies have shown that they are far healthier than combustible products. Georgetown University Medical Center recently estimated that replacing combustible cigarettes […]
Taxation
The Economic Standard: USPS Need Changes as Fiscal Chaos Deepens
On November 10th, the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors revealed that the United States Postal Service (USPS) lost $4.9 billion in 2021. This most recent financial statement solidifies the 15th consecutive year the postal service has suffered a year-end loss of more than a billion dollars. This is a major problem and should be […]
Morning Consult: Don’t Bail Out the NFIP Again. Fix Its Flaws
For the last 15 years, the National Flood Insurance Program — the nation’s primary source of flood insurance — has lurched from one financial crisis to the next, accruing a massive $20.5 billion debt with the U.S. Treasury to cover its persistent shortfalls. Congress’ decision to cancel $16 billion of NFIP debt in 2017 only kicked the […]
Inside Sources: Solar and Wind Have Outgrown Their Tax Credit Allowance
Faced with little work and unaffordable rent, countless millennials bit the bullet and moved back home with their parents during the pandemic. Temporary solutions—however awkward—are sometimes necessary. The Democrats’ reconciliation bill, however, is set to make America’s longest ‘temporary solution’ more permanent and more expensive. This commentary was published in Inside Sources and is available […]
Town Hall: Slamming Vaping Products with Taxes Is Regressive and Counterproductive to Public Health
In an effort to find new ways to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion “Build Back Better” package, the House Democrats added a “nicotine tax” on tobacco products including e-cigarettes in their latest 2,135-page version of the bill. Unfortunately, there is nothing innovative about this amendment. There have been multiple attempts at federal and state levels in […]
Regressive Gas Taxes Should Be Scrapped
In October 2021, both Alabama and Missouri raised their gas taxes to cover increasing road maintenance costs. Both increases passed with bipartisan support under Republican-controlled legislatures. Unfortunately, these tax increases will dramatically hurt low-income residents who will spend a higher percentage of their income than their wealthier counterparts on fueling up. A more equitable path […]
Inside Sources: Soda Tax Falls Flat, Again
Earlier this year, the District of Columbia Council attempted to pass a tax of $0.15 per ounce on sodas and other drinks with high sugar content. Despite a belief that the tax would “discourage residents from buying sugary drinks” and choosing healthier alternatives, early evidence suggests a tax would do little to curb consumer habits […]
Economic Standard: Federal Subsidies for Electric Cars Should Not Be Increased
As the American economy transitions to more renewable forms of energy, federal and state subsidies for electric vehicles should be consigned to history. While electric vehicles (EVs) subsidies might appear to be a creative way to encourage consumers to shift away from petroleum-powered cars, these subsidies only act as handouts to the wealthiest Americans. Furthermore, […]
Townhall: Build Back Better Promises Economic Recovery – But at What Cost?
The short- and long-term ramifications of the Build Back Better Act’s provisions are worrisome. The ambitious intent to create jobs and lower costs for working families, if enacted, would be overshadowed by the long-term burdens American consumers and the economy would be subjected to. This op-ed is available at the Townhall.
Inside Sources: STEP Act is a Step in the Wrong Direction
While the STEP Act is driven by populist desires to tax the rich and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share, Congress should perhaps first consider whom the proposals hurt and whom they benefit. While the measure will undoubtedly raise revenues for the federal government, the bill’s ramifications will undoubtedly hurt the wider economy, with […]