Tax Policy Center

Highway Trust Fund

Individual Taxes: TaxVox

The Corker-Murphy Gas Tax Hike: A Good Idea Spoiled

Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) deserve enormous credit for having the courage to do what few of their colleagues would: Propose to pay for transportation projects by raising the gas tax. It’s too bad they’d ruin such a sensible, straight-forward idea with a ridiculous budget
June 19, 2014Howard Gleckman
: TaxVox

Tax Credits Help; Tax Cuts Need to Be Paid For

Tax credits are making health care under the Affordable Care Act… affordable. The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that tax subsidies have reduced the cost of the average federal health insurance exchange premium from $346 to $82. About 3.2 million people are paying less than $100
June 19, 2014Renu Zaretsky
: TaxVox

Penalties, Subsidies, and Tax Exemption “Gooooooals”

As expected, the House passed more tax extenders. The House voted to make permanent $75.2 billion worth of tax breaks yesterday—small business expensing of up to $500,000 in qualifying equipment per year, and rules regarding basis adjustments to the stock of S corporations making charitable
June 13, 2014Renu Zaretsky
: TaxVox

On Losses, Savings… and a Whole Lotta Smokin’

With a surprise loss, a short-term highway fix seems more likely. The House Republican leadership is in turmoil following the surprising primary defeat of GOP leader Eric Cantor, making it even less likely that Congress will agree on a long-term solution for the dwindling Highway Trust Fund .
June 12, 2014Renu Zaretsky
Individual Taxes: TaxVox

Congress Fiddles While Bridges Crumble

It isn’t news that congressional Democrats and Republicans have agreed to spend the time between now and the November elections messaging, rather than legislating. When it comes to domestic policy it has only two real issues on its must-do list: Deciding the fate of 50+ tax breaks that expired last
April 14, 2014Howard Gleckman
Individual Taxes: TaxVox

Fiscal Magic: Paying for New Highways by Cutting Corporate Taxes

Does it make sense to fund much-needed roads, bridges, and mass transit with a big tax cut for multi-national corporations? A growing number of Democrats...
January 23, 2014Howard Gleckman
Federal Budget and Economy: TaxVox

Time to End Washington’s Trust Fund Gimmicks

Why do we bother with government trust funds? As the Senate’s just-passed highway bill proved yet again, Congress is turning these funds into little more...
March 16, 2012Howard Gleckman