On August 2nd, the nation will reach its statutory debt ceiling. Some policymakers are proposing to use this looming deadline as an opportunity to include dangerous fiscal policy proposals in the debt ceiling legislation, including global spending caps and balanced budget amendments. To learn more, click here.
Policymakers have proposed several plans to reduce deficits and stablize the national debt. This paper reviews the various recommendations and discusses core principles that should guide public discussions about the nation’s fiscal health. To learn more, click here.
As federal policymakers discuss current and future budgets, there has been significant discussion about deficits and debt. While the consequences of federal deficits are a concern, it is the long-term national debt that poses the greatest threat to economic prospects. To learn more about both, how deficits can aid economic recovery, and how historical dynamics apply, click here.
Unless Congress acts, federal extended unemployment benefits will end on November 30. Two million Americans and more than 44,000 Missourians will lose the benefits that help them keep food on the table, pay their rent or mortgage and keep utilities connected. Click here to to find out what is at stake in the most recent Policy Pulse.
Resolving concern about the burden of paperwork for small businesses could undermine the positive impact of health care reform by raising insurance premiums, increasing the number of uninsured and eliminating preventive health funding. To read how these seemingly unrelated issues are connected, click here.
The federal health care bills signed in March 2010 will begin to fix much of what is wrong with the current health care system. Of course, it cannot all happen at one time. Click here to read a short summary that shows when some of the important changes began and when others will take place.
Click here to read a new report on how extending changes to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit will help Missouri’s working families.
Significant changes were made to federal tax policy in 2001 and 2003. Click here to read a new report on why the tax cuts targeted at middle- and low-income families should be made permanent and that the tax cuts for the high-income taxpayers be allowed to expire on schedule.
Under current law, the estate tax will disappear completely in 2010. This will mean a loss of approximately $14 billion in revenue, a loss that could hurt many. Click here to learn about current estate tax proposals being considered by Congress.
If approved, HJR 48 and SJR 25 would require voter approval to amend the Constitution of Missouri. These amendments attempt to exclude Missouri from any individual mandate to purchase health insurance, which is a key provision of proposed federal health care reform. Click here to read myths and facts about these proposals.
On February 22 President Obama released his plan for comprehensive health care reform. Click here to read a summary.
The U.S. Senate health care reform proposal contains many significant improvements. Click here to read an analysis of this proposal, which will likely be the basis for reform as the process goes forward.
Click here to read a summary of the Manager’s Amendment to the U.S. Senate proprosal to reform health care.
Seven provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), passed in February, are keeping approximately 105,000 Missourians from falling into poverty this year. Click here to read a news release about a new report new report from the Washington, DC-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
On October 23, 2009 Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced details in H.R. 3692, the federal health care reform bill that will be brought to the House floor. This bill goes beyond previous bills to enact positive health care reform. Click here to view details.
Click here to learn the facts about what federal health care reform really means for Missouri families.
The Congress and President Obama have stated that they are committed to ensuring that federal health care reform is fully funded. Click here to learn more about proposed funding measures.
The America’s Affordable Health Choices Act would provide significant benefits to Missourians. Click here to read about the top 6 reasons why Missouri’s Congressional Delegation should say YES to proposed efforts to assure that all Missourians have access to affordable, quality health care no matter who they work for, how much they earn, where they live, or whether they are healthy or sick.
The Federal government implements, manages and supports a wide variety of programs through the federal budget process. Understanding the process is important because our public investments are the clearest indication of our national priorities. Click here to learn more about the federal budget process.
The U.S. Congress is currently considering significant reforms for the health care system, including how to insure all Americans. Click here to read a summary of the issues being discussed.
The U.S. Congress is currently considering significant reforms for the health care system, including how to insure all Americans. Click here to read a report on how this reform can be funded.
Organizations across Missouri urge U.S. Senate to strengthen Medicaid. Click here to read the letter to the Senate Finance Committee.
MBP report tracks state use of Federal Recovery Funds. Click here to see how the funds were allocated in Missouri.
