Every Wednesday, the TFG Blog posts a series of articles published over the previous week that discusses topics of interest to local governments. Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!
10 U.S. Supreme Court Cases that Matter for State and Local Governments
The State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) has identified 10 upcoming Supreme Court cases that might affect state and local governments on topics ranging from religious freedom in state prisons to water apportioning agreements between states. Governing gives an overview of each upcoming case, but if you are interested in a more in-depth review of implications for states and localities, SLLC is hosting a free webinar on October 16. Read more…
IRS Warns of Delays if U.S. Congress Fumbles Tax ‘Extenders’
Chairman of Senate Finance and the IRS are warning Congress that severe tax refund delays and inconveniences for millions of taxpayers could result if Congress fails to deal with more than 50 expired tax laws. If Congress does not make a decision on these tax extenders by the end of November, the uncertainty could force the IRS to postpone the opening of the 2015 filing season. Read more…
Kansas Names October Zombie Preparedness Month
Kansas is taking a unique approach to encourage residents to prepare for emergencies. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management and Governor Sam Brownback proclaimed October “Zombie Preparedness Month” to create a more lighthearted and engaging way for Kansans to prepare for typical emergencies like tornadoes, flash floods, earthquakes and winter storms. Read more…
Warren Buffett Says Time is Right to Revamp Corporate Tax Rules
In an interview Monday with Politico, billionaire investor Warren Buffett said that the White House action to curb tax evasion provides a good “time out” for Congress to work on reforming corporate tax rules. Buffet, who is critical of the tax code for undertaxing the wealthy, also said it is probably easier to reform the corporate tax code separate from the tax code for individuals. Buffet’s sentiments are similar to those of White House Economic Advisor Jeffrey Zients, who said last week he is optimistic for corporate tax reform this year, but individual tax reform is politically more difficult. Read more…
Cuomo Proposes NY Create Own Ex-Im Bank
Tuesday, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) outlined a proposal to create the first state-run Export-Import Bank, modeled after the one run by the federal government. Cuomo says the Bank would help New York businesses sell their products in foreign markets and motivate companies abroad to move to New York. The Governor’s proposal comes as conservative voices push to end the federal Export-Import Bank, saying it provides unfair subsidies at the taxpayers’ expense. Read more…
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