This Week In Waste – May 1, 2026
Welcome to This Week in Waste, a series by Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) that highlights how taxpayer dollars are being wasted in the federal, state, and local levels of government and efforts to fight back against this spendthrift behavior.
Missouri Legislature Approves Income Tax Elimination
The Missouri General Assembly has taken a crucial step to amend the state’s Constitution to phase out the income tax by approving legislation that will place a measure on the ballot in November 2026. If the measure is approved, Missouri will become the first state to eliminate both capital gains and income taxes, which will boost the economy and make the state a more attractive destination for businesses and families. Read more here.
World IP Day Focuses on Sports and Athletes
The annual World Intellectual Property (IP) Day was recognized on April 26, 2026. The theme was IP and sports. The U.S. and other countries that value IP must ensure that the ideas and products from IP-intensive industries are protected by enforceable and consistent laws. Read more here.
CCAGW Applauds Introduction of National Data Privacy Bill
The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste applauds the introduction of H.R. 8413, the SECURE Data Act, which includes recommendations made in 2018 by Citizens Against Government Waste. The legislation would create a national data privacy framework law that preempts state law to provide certainty and consistency for businesses and consumers across the country. Read more here.
General Services Administration (GSA) Announces More Than $1 billion in Savings
In April 2025, GSA launched its OneGov initiative to reduce duplication and lower costs by consolidating and streamlining the purchase of technology. The effort led to software discounts of up to 90 percent and significantly increased the use of AI solutions. On April 29, 2026, GSA announced that it had saved taxpayers more than $1.1 billion to date through the new OneGov system. Read more here.
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports $186 Billion in Improper Payments
On April 27, 2026, GAO reported an estimated $186 billion in improper payments in fiscal year (FY) 2025, a 14.8 percent increase of $24 billion from $162 billion in FY 2024. The total amount of improper payments reached $3 trillion since GAO released its first improper payments report in 2003, but GAO noted the amount is likely significantly higher since not all agencies report the payments as required by law, and some reports are not accurate. And the report notes that nine out of 10 GAO recommendations to enhance transparency and accountability of federal spending remain unimplemented. Read more here.
Maine Joins the Blue State Millionaire Tax Club
The Maine legislature included in its supplemental appropriations bill an increase in the state’s top marginal income tax rate from 7.15 to 9.15 percent, impacting an estimated 2,600 filers that make $1 million as single filers and $1.5 million for joint returns. Like other “millionaire tax” initiatives, this move will likely encourage the exodus of capital and worsen Maine’s economic competitiveness. Read more here.
