Hidden federal costs fuel state budget strain
A National Conference of State Legislatures report claims states pay at least 29 billion dollars yearly for unfunded federal mandates. Examples include 10.1 billion for special education and 9.6 billion for No Child Left Behind. The group says unfunded mandates amount to about 6 percent of state budgets, a hidden federal tax passed to residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
National Conference of State Legislatures
Congress
Internal Revenue Service
IRS
Deficits Take Center Stage In Bush Cheney Outlook
The piece argues deficits do not matter to Cheney and Bush as of 2004, citing a $226.8 billion five month shortfall, a White House projection near $521 billion, and a CBO estimate around $477 billion. It notes an 8.2 percent rise in domestic discretionary spending 2002 to 2004 and tax receipts at post war-low shares, framing fiscal disaster if deficits persist.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dick Cheney
George W. Bush
Treasury Department
Bush
White House
Congressional Budget Office
Truman
Kerry
Washington
Editorial Guest Opinions Press Reader Variety
Guest editorials publish readers opinions and clarify that views are not necessarily those of The Herald or its editor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Herald
Political pundit critiques campaign chameleon tactics
Kelly Clark, syndicated columnist from Wyoming, argues the presidential race reduces public trust as candidates flip positions to appease media and allies. He notes 9 11 era shifts, calls waffling savvy, and predicts town meetings with canned questions as real deliberation fades.
Residents pressure on OMS renovations and costs in Franklin County
The letter argues against a $250000 price for OMS buildings and highlights a $7 to $8 million renovation plan funded by private developers, contrasting with a USC demolition cost over $400000 to taxpayers. It urges taxpayer priorities toward senior housing rather than demolition or costly deals.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Steve Foutch
Bill Allegre
Franklin Co
USC
Ottawa historic town plans space for senior center and lofts
Reader Forum envisions southern building with space for the Ottawa Senior Center and 26 loft apartments in the northern building plus a recreation center gymnasium and new indoor pool. The proposal highlights advantages for ACT Theatre Suzuki Strings and community enjoyment while offering a $1 purchase to save a historic building as a community asset.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
ACT
Suzuki Strings
Access Barriers at Country Club Spark Grandmother’s Plea
A reader recounts attempting to attend a grandchild’s wedding at a country club that is not accessible to a power chair user. Four steps become an insurmountable barrier, highlighting broader concerns about ADA compliance and inclusion in social venues.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Robert J. Samuelson
Washington Post
Ottawa Herald
Harris Group
Jeanny Sharp
Ottawaherald.com
S. Cedar
Franklin County
New Year's Bay
Gordon Billingsley
Gordon
Linda Brown
Brown
Ottawaherald
Kathy Miler
Kamiler
Ottawaherakd
Kan Kistner
Bi Gray
Otawaherald.com
Cedar
Talons
European Union
Kelly Clark
Wyoming
Amon
Ance Dick
Kelly
Clark
OMS
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