Politics

Public-private partnerships (P3s) have long been heralded as the future of infrastructure and utility management in higher education, promising efficiency, innovation, and reduced costs. However, the recent controversy surrounding the University of Iowa’s 50-year utility lease exposes a troubling reality: these long-term arrangements are often riddled with unforeseen vulnerabilities and foster unwarranted dependencies that undermine
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The recent federal budget reconciliation package marked by drastic Medicaid cuts reveals an alarming trajectory that threatens to undermine the very foundation of American higher education. Far from being just a fiscal adjustment, these policies serve as a calculated blow to public universities, especially those with substantial medical centers. The implications are far-reaching: financial stability
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The recent overhaul of federal tax legislation introduces a seismic shift in the delicate fiscal balance maintained by U.S. states. While proponents tout it as a boon for economic growth, beneath the surface lies a looming financial crisis that threatens to destabilize state budgets, especially those heavily dependent on federal support. This law, sprawling in
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Oregon’s recent transportation layoffs expose a fundamental failure in leadership and political strategy. For too long, governance in Oregon has been hamstrung by partisan gridlock and superficial compromises, leaving vital infrastructure vulnerable. The refusal of lawmakers to pass a comprehensive transportation package underscores a catastrophic neglect of practical priorities. It’s not merely about funding; it’s
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The recent policy shift by the Trump administration, which lifts the financing cap for transportation projects from 33% to 49%, marks a pivotal moment in U.S. infrastructure development. While on the surface, this move appears to energize project sponsors—potentially allowing nearly half of project costs to be financed through TIFIA loans—it also opens a Pandora’s
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Oregon’s transportation system, once vital for connecting communities and fueling economic growth, now teeters on the brink of disaster. The recent failure of state lawmakers to pass a comprehensive transportation funding package has exposed the fragility of the state’s infrastructure and the reckless disregard of political leaders for practical governance. The looming layoffs of up
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The recent Oklahoma Supreme Court decision denying tax exemptions to Native American tribal members residing on reservations marks a troubling setback for tribal sovereignty and individual rights. While the court insists its hands are tied, this legal judgment overlooks the broader implications of the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling. The Supreme Court’s 2020 decision unequivocally
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Oregon’s recent law taxing professional baseball players to finance a massive stadium project reeks of overambition masquerading as economic development. Governor Tina Kotek’s decision to approve a bill that imposes income taxes on athletes and team employees in both home and visiting teams shows a desperate gamble on attracting a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise
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