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Cautionary Notes from CBO on the Effects of Federal Investment
Based on the CBO’s assessment of the economic and budgetary effects of federal investment, lawmakers should look to spur private sector investment rather than try to enact a massive federal infrastructure bill.
5 min read
What the Internet Can Teach Us About Capital Investment, Infrastructure, and Tax Policy
The lockdowns imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic induced an increase in demand for broadband internet, as work from home and other social distancing measures pushed people to spend more time online. As broadband becomes a more important piece of America’s infrastructure, it makes sense to look at tax policy that will help drive more investment and better service.
2 min read
Distilled Spirits Taxes by State, 2020
2 min read
D.C. Council to Consider Tax Hike Despite Balanced Budget
Despite a balanced budget and and revenue shortfalls arising from the coronavirus crisis, the D.C. Council will consider proposals to raise income taxes to fund newly proposed spending projects.
5 min read
Colorado Tobacco Tax Bill Includes Positive Change
While it is understandable that lawmakers and organizers are worried about Colorado’s financial situation, they should remember that narrow taxes are volatile and disrupt markets. Excise taxes can play a role in state revenues even as policymakers appreciate that excise taxes are not viable long-term revenue tools for general spending priorities.
4 min read
New Jersey Considers Bonds Paid for by Statewide Property Tax
As New Jersey lawmakers grapple with reduced revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have turned to an unusual solution: the issuance of bonds that would be repaid, if necessary, through temporarily higher sales and property taxes.
2 min read
Complexity of VATs in Europe
2 min read
Sports Betting Will Not Solve State Budget Crises
The pandemic has left states in dire straits financially and lawmakers are getting creative in their pursuit of new revenue sources. However, it’s unlikely that revenue from sports betting will have any meaningful impact on budget shortfalls
3 min read

A Road Map to Recreational Marijuana Taxation
As more states consider legalization of recreational marijuana, lawmakers should take note of the experiences of the states already allowing legal sales and consumption.
66 min read

Vaping Taxes by State, 2020
Many states may be looking toward vapor and other excise taxes to fill budget holes caused by the coronavirus crisis. While those areas may represent untapped revenue sources for many states, taxing those activities is unlikely to raise much revenue in the short term.
3 min read
Watch: Economic Recovery After Coronavirus
What are the best tax policies to encourage a smooth transition and strong economic recovery? How should goals of economic recovery and growth be balanced with revenue needs?
1 min read

EU: The Next Generation
The European Commission announced new budget plans including loans, grants, and some revenue offsets. The proposals follow other support mechanisms for workers and businesses that were designed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic shutdown.
5 min read

Lessons from Alberto Alesina for U.S. Lawmakers
Alesina’s work suggests that raising taxes to reduce the federal deficit and national debt would be an economic mistake. The less economically damaging path is to cut spending, what some have called austerity policies.
3 min read
In Some States, 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Are Due Before 2019 Tax Returns
To prevent confusion and to ensure taxpayers receive the full benefit of the extended federal deadline, states should consider extending first- and second-quarter estimated tax payment due dates to July 15 or later.
9 min read
Tax Relief for Families in Europe
Most countries provide tax relief to families with children—typically through targeted tax breaks that lower income taxes. While all European OECD countries provide tax relief for families, its extent varies substantially across countries.
2 min read