Too often, government policies designed to ameliorate a general problem merely benefit a special interest. A case in point, highlighted by Binyamin Applebaum on the Economix blog, is the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). HARP is part of the complex federal effort to stabilize the home mortgage market and stem …
Even with the President’s desired tax hikes, publicly held debt would rise by $7.7 trillion in 10 years under the President’s budget. That’s right: Our federal debt would continue growing even if the President gets his way completely in the fiscal cliff negotiations. Until the debate focuses on reining in …
The call to eliminate federal subsidies to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), such as Governor Mitt Romney’s recent statement, shouldn’t ruffle the famous fowl. After all, not only does PBS not need taxpayer support, but because it inevitably entangles Big Bird in politics, it does him more harm than good. …
After shimmying up trees and doing away with storm debris, the obviously able-bodied tree trimmer asked his customer, “Could you make the check out to my mom? I’m on disability.” Inconveniently for him, the tree trimmer’s customer was Senator Tom Coburn (R–OK). This guy asked a U.S. Senator to help …
President Obama’s and Governor Romney’s appearances on “60 Minutes” Sunday revealed an interesting contrast. The President punted on a serious question about the nation’s concern over spending—blaming everything on President George W. Bush. Right. Obama’s been in office how many years now? At what point does he take responsibility for …
In a recent “60 Minutes” interview, host Steve Kroft primed President Obama with this statement: “Most Americans think we’re spending too much money.” To which Obama uttered a contemplative “Mm-hm.” An understatement, indeed. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that federal spending will reach $3.56 trillion, or about 23 percent …
Francois Hollande won election to the French presidency by promising that more government spending would lead to quick economic growth. He sharply criticized the “austerity”—i.e., sudden spending cuts—proposed by his opponent. A few months later, Hollande has come full circle. In addition to a tax increase that has wealthy French …
As the public debate over America’s future unfolds, The Heritage Foundation continues to advocate conservative solutions for America. A comparison of the Heritage solutions with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s nationally televised address on August 31, 2012, illustrates the extent to which the Heritage ideas have penetrated the public debate. …
As the public debate swirls over whether and how to limit the size and cost of the federal government, The Heritage Foundation’s longstanding efforts to shrink the government gain ground. In May 2010, Heritage published Saving the American Dream: The Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore …
