Our $22 Trillion National Debt

Addressing our massive national debt should be a top priority. Iowans must understand that the national debt crisis will not only impact them directly, but also state finances.   The national debt has reached $22 trillion. Federal spending is now approaching $4.7 trillion as Congress currently debates President Donald Trump’s proposed budget. James Grant, editor of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer, […]

Federal Funds for Teachers Should Get A Failing Grade

Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) wants Uncle Sam to spend $315 billion on teacher salaries. This is dangerous for states, school districts, and is not the role of the federal government.   Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), who is also a current Democrat presidential candidate, recently proposed a new federal program that would spend $315 billion over 10 years to increase teacher […]

What States Can Learn from Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)

Constitutional spending limits are an effective means to control the growth of spending and protect the interests of taxpayers. Other states can learn a lesson from Colorado. Some will be disappointed this lesson is not about  the legalization of marijuana, but rather Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights or TABOR. In 1992 Colorado voters adopted TABOR, a constitutional amendment that limits […]

Controlling State Government Spending

States that have lower tax rates and keep lower spending levels often see greater economic growth and more stable revenues. Government spending is a concern to many Iowans. Individuals, families, and businesses across Iowa all follow a budget that is not guaranteed to increase every year, yet Iowa’s budget continues to grow.  Iowa’s state budget is $7.3 billion and even […]

Does Government “Help” Prevent Growth?

The Iowa legislature is already making progress in creating a more friendly economic environment for job creators by passing needed tax reform legislation. The tax reform bill signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds begins the process of reducing Iowa’s high individual and corporate tax rates. In addition, this legislation also calls for a strenuous review of Iowa’s many business […]

An Unfortunate Milestone: Our National Debt Has Reached $21 Trillion

“Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt,” stated President Herbert Hoover. Once again, the nation hit a record as our national debt has risen to $21 trillion. This does not include the trillions in unfunded liabilities from entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This month also marked another unfortunate event when the federal […]

Government’s Unquenchable Appetite for Tax Dollars

As Iowa’s tight budget situation lingers, the call for additional revenue sources continues to grow. The Des Moines Register recently published an editorial advocating a tax increase on beer to fund various programs and law enforcement efforts to deal with alcohol-related issues. The editorial board argued that a higher beer tax would discourage drinking and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse. Iowa currently […]