President Trump approved $900 billion in stimulus spending in December and President Biden approved another $1.9 trillion in March. Biden is set to propose a further $3 trillion on infrastructure, and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is exploring ways to bend Senate rules to keep the spending flowing.
Downsizing Blog
Climate Change: First, Governments Should Do No Harm
One concern about climate change is that it may cause more natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and forest fires. People living along the East and Gulf coasts, major rivers, and in the West may face higher risks if pessimistic climate predictions come true. President Biden has proposed an array of new subsidies and regulations to address climate change, but big‐government solutions to the problem are themselves very risky.
The Feds’ Sorry Record on COVID-19
About Andrew Cuomo
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is in hot water. His handling of nursing homes during the pandemic was tragically flawed and his attempted coverup of the blunders has heightened the scandal. The governor has also been accused of sexual harassment by a former aide.
I reported on the governor’s policies in Cato’s fiscal report card. Cuomo received the worst grade of “F” in the 2020 report for his large tax and spending increases.
More Federal Aid to States Not Needed
President Biden and the Democrats are including $350 billion in aid for the states in their $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. But state and local budgets are in decent shape, and finances will continue to improve as the economy recovers. Further state handouts are not needed.