Free Republic

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Friday signed a $1.2 billion tax relief package, the largest tax relief package in the state’s history, which, in part, makes key baby items tax free for one year. The governor signed what he described as the “largest tax relief in the history of the state of Florida,” giving relief to millions of Floridians on key items that have skyrocketed over the course of Biden’s presidency. That includes “really critical needs like gas, diapers, disaster supplies, tools for skilled trades, [and] recreational activities.” “Families are going to be able to save for things that...

Every year, a few vocal multimillionaires and billionaires publicly announce that there is nothing they would like more than to finally pay more taxes. Every such announcement attracts a great deal of media attention. After all, there is one rule journalists learn very early in their careers: “Dog bites postman is not a story, postman bites dog is.” This is a typical “postman bites dog” news story. Over the last few days, the media was again awash with reports that a group of more than 100 millionaires from nine countries have called on governments to make them pay more taxes....

U2 and its frontman Bono, known for their global poverty-fighting efforts, were accused of dodging taxes in Ireland by activists who crashed their performance at England's Glastonbury festival. The anti-capitalist group Art Uncut inflated a 6-metre balloon emblazoned with the message "U Pay Your Tax 2." Security guards wrestled them to the ground before deflating the balloon and taking it away. About 30 people were involved in the angry clash. "Tax(es) nestling in the band's bank account should be helping to keep open the hospitals, schools and libraries that are closing all over Ireland," Art Uncut member Charlie Dewar said...

There aren't many places in the United States where a politician could propose tax increases on consumers and businesses and still be viewed as fiscally moderate. But San Francisco isn't like most places. "This is not an easy choice. Taxes never are, but neither are budget cuts, '' said Mayor Gavin Newsom. With the backing of the Board of Supervisors, the mayor is sponsoring two tax measures on Tuesday's ballot that he said are crucial to keeping intact such city services as drug treatment for the homeless and the Muni transit system. "While the state and federal governments are getting...

Recent signs of weaker growth, from purchasing managers to the leading indicators, are clearly of concern. However, productivity remains strong, real interest rates remain near zero, initial unemployment claims remain on a downtrend, housing is setting a record pace, and for the first time in almost two years, business investment in equipment and software turned positive this spring. More importantly, past data suggest that "fits and starts" are normal. The ISM index bounced up and down like a yo-yo throughout the 1990s, yet we experienced the longest sustained recovery in U.S. history. Why should this time be any different? Excerpt....