Tax Politics
The Politics of Taxes
The Most Misunderstood and Misused Phrase
The most misunderstood and misused phrase in economics and politics is that “small businesses are responsible for 2/3 of all new jobs”. This sentiment, uttered by President Obama last August, was gleaned from data produced by the SBA, which reported that small...
Teachers Unions and School Closings
Catching up on articles over at the WSJ, I came across this gem last month from Barbara Martinez. It describes how the teachers unions in NY are suing again to stop the closure of failing schools. This article illustrates the power of the teachers unions and the...
Living Wage Bill in NYC
Crains New York had a good piece on the living wage legislation currently being debated in NY. "The Bronx lawmaker said the bill, which would compel employers at projects that receive city subsidies to pay $10 an hour plus benefits, or $11.50 without benefits, is...
Economic Impact Study: NYC
It occurred to me recently that new spending bills in NY city should require an “economic impact study”. Just as construction projects necessitate an environmental impact study in order to assess the pros and cons and to find out the true cost, the same process...
Sick Pay Votes Boos Bill in NY
Having solved all other fiscal problems in NY, our legislators are working to kill more businesses with this bill. Below is an article from Cranes New York Advocates for a law requiring city businesses to offer their employees paid sick days step up their efforts as...
Social Security and Privatization
The foremost problem with trying to fix Social Security right now is not money. It is dishonest politics. Our system has deteriorated so much that as soon anyone signals any fiscally prudent idea, cries of “you are starving old people” begin. This tactic has stifled...