FISCAL BLOG

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable increase in spending — but our long-term debt was already on an unsustainable path.

The President’s budget for fiscal year 2022 calls for a large increase in nondefense discretionary spending next year as well as substantial spending for infrastructure and social programs over the upcoming decade.

The unprecedented size of the economic disruption, however, put the safety net to the test, revealing weaknesses that often prevented support from reaching some of the neediest families in a timely manner.

Climate change and its effects already impose a cost on the American economy and the federal budget — and looking ahead, the impact could be even more significant.

The way in which Americans have been spending their stimulus checks has differed across each round of payments.

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.

Let’s take a closer look at the key components of the Senate Republican infrastructure proposal, highlighting some of the differences between it and the American Jobs Plan in terms of scope and potential pay-fors.

The administration and Congress have suggested adding new sources of revenue through various types of taxation of wealth.

While investing in a college education has undeniable, lifelong economic benefits, excessive levels of student debt can impose hefty financial burdens on borrowers.

Economists don’t always agree — but there is a wide consensus developing that the United States is in store for rapid economic growth.