Congress may pass an expansion to the federal child tax credit
The Washington Post newspaper editorial board just published its strong support for this renewed funding that helps mostly low-income parents, perhaps starting in 2024. House and Senate leaders Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jason T. Smith (R-MO) have worked for months
SCOTUS: “Chevron deference” case financed by Koch & worth $$$
Twin cases question the flexibility federal agencies have to implement laws passed by Congress. This question is similar to Wyoming’s durational residency requirement to vote. “There’s a lot of money and practical consequences attached to [these] legal ambiguities … It’s
Insular Cases: First look at Puerto Rican citizenship Gonzalez v. Williams
Unlike all other territories acquired by the US, the islands were acquired after the Spanish-American war. Insular cases refer to the cases related to these acquired territories. The first cases were heard in 1901. This case was decided in 1904.
Affirmative Action: nowhere except in military academies
To repeat the sentiments of Mary Tobin, a Black graduate of West Point, “Affirmative action barely achieved equity.” This NPR story is an audio tape, 39 minutes long. Most officers became officers via ROTC in civilian institutions. The arguments that
Prediction: 2024 legislative session will budget $15M less than in 2022
Gov. Gordon released his proposed biennial budget saying, “The January CREG forecast reinforces the importance of a conservative approach to budgeting.” The CR.EG report change is reported as a decrease of over $13M. Also predicted is an increase in sales
NYT’s first focus group: Iowa caucuses
NYT reporter Adrian Rivera hosted a discussion with 8 Iowans who plan to take part in the GOP caucuses next week. Mr. Rivera wrote that he was surprised. Group members remarked about better gas prices, lower grocery costs, and inflation
Finally Out: 3 coins honoring Harriet Tubman
The US Mint has released new commemorative coins. The news for paper money is not so good. The plan has been to put Ms. Tubman on the $20 bill — replacing Andrew Jackson (seen below). There are many choices for
The Child Tax Credit may return!!!
Sen. Ron Wyden — Senate Finance Comm Chair pictured below — compared the situation to the movie Field of Dreams when asked about a potential vehicle for a (bipartisan) tax deal. “If you build it, then everybody’s gonna show up,” he
Nebraska decides: no one extra summer $ for low-income children
Nebraska will not accept federal money that would provide low-income families with an extra $40/month. The program was started as one of the COVID-19 programs. In response to many critics, Governor Kim Reynolds said, “I don’t believe in welfare.” The