FISCAL BLOG

The deduction of state and local tax payments (known as SALT) from federal income taxes has been a subject of debate among economists and policymakers over the past few years — with significant implications for our budget and fiscal outlook.

A fiscal commission would provide the space and structure for lawmakers to comprehensively review the entire budget and improve the fiscal path of the U.S.

On November 10, 2023, Moody’s Investors Service lowered its outlook on the United States’ credit rating from “stable” to “negative.”

Average income among households in the lowest fifth of the income distribution was $21,900, while income for households in the highest fifth averaged $357,800.

High healthcare spending is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it leads to better health outcomes. However, that is not the case in the United States.

Tax breaks totaled over $1.8 trillion in 2023. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the government spends on Social Security, defense, or Medicare and Medicaid.

A new paper from Manhattan Institute’s Brian Riedl examines ways to raise revenue from high-income Americans.

CBO now expects interest rates over the next two years to be higher than previously anticipated, according to new data released on December 15.

Interest costs on the national debt are expected to rapidly outstrip spending on children in coming years.

There have been a number of proposals to increase, eliminate, or otherwise adjust the payroll tax cap as a way to shore up Social Security’s finances.