Blogs

Prominent on the long list of unfinished business in Congress was confirmation of the President's nomination of Jack Lew to head the Office of Management and Budget. Two Senate committees with jurisdiction over the nomination held public hearings and promptly…

Before leaving Washington last week until after the election, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown. This was necessary because Congress failed to pass any of the 12 appropriations bills needed to fund the government in…

Fiscal Year 2010 ended last Thursday but no one was popping champagne corks. Little wonder. For the second year in a row, the federal government ran a budget deficit well in excess of one trillion dollars. (more…)

In an op-ed article on Sept. 26 in the Des Moines Register, I pointed out that “…regardless of age, socio-economic status or political ideology, we are all affected by inefficiencies in our health system, irresponsible tax and spending policies in…

What are the essential ingredients for Americans to meet the difficult fiscal challenges facing the country? Sara Imhof, Midwest regional director for The Concord Coalition, points toward civic engagement and a sense of stewardship.She sees good examples in Iowa, where…

State and local governments face severe financial challenges that include slower economic growth, lagging tax revenues and rising health care costs and retirement benefits. But relying on more assistance from the federal government is not a viable option, according to…

House Republicans have outlined their fiscal priorities and ideas about reform in their “Pledge To America.” But while it correctly warns about the hazards of rising government debt, the Pledge lacks a plan to bring deficits down to a sustainable…

Last week, House Republicans offered a “Pledge To America” outlining their fiscal priorities and reform ideas. As with most such campaign manifestos, it is long on base-pleasing rhetoric and short on troublesome details. (more…)