A little-known but costly rider to the fiscal year 2013 continuing resolution has forced the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw its proposal to end Saturday delivery.
Same old thing: Tax and Spend
We were provided a joint analysis of President Obama’s budget by the House and Senate Republican Budget Committees.
Further Scrutiny for the “Little Crappy Ship”
A senior naval commander believes the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) lacks appropriate firepower.
Entitlements – Welfare and Unemployment
Entitlements – Welfare and Unemployment The United States has a significant, current and growing problem with entitlement spending, particularly the federal portion.
The Flights of the Navigators
You might think I am going to talk about the 1886 movie, “The Flight of the Navigator,” but in this case, you would be wrong.
Risky Federal Home Loans: What Could Go Wrong?
On Tuesday, the Washington Post published a story on the Obama administration’s latest efforts to get banks to offer home loans to people with riskier credit.
Disaster Relief Blows Away
Adding taxpayer insult to personal and business injury, hundreds of millions of dollars have been squandered in an effort to help those affected by the unprecedented storm.
DOD and VA Stumble Over Interoperability
The private sector was mandated by the HITECH Act to use an Electronic Health Records Systems (EHRs) that has the electronic capability to exchange key clinical information with other healthcare providers.
Another Deficit Driver: Contractor Pensions
Since the 1980s, private companies, the federal government, and several state governments have eliminated the uncertainties and risks associated with managing defined benefit pension plans (low interest rates, stock market declines, and an aging work force) and have migrated to defined contribution retirement options. However, many companies that contract with the federal government have continued to offer defined benefit plans, in part because the investment risks are absorbed by the taxpayers through reimbursements for pension shortfalls.
Disability is the New Welfare
The two primary federal disability insurance programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), provide assistance to individuals with disabilities. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes and can be supplied on a permanent or temporary basis. SSI is a means-tested program for low-income individuals and is funded through general revenues. While tested enrollment in both programs has increased, the precipitous rise of SSDI beneficiaries is a more expensive proposition.