Topic: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Federal deficit falling fast: Is that a good thing ... or a bad thing?

New estimates show the US federal budget deficit falling faster than forecast. To some, that's a sign that fiscal policy is becoming too austere, valuing quick cuts over more-needed reforms.

Social Security proposal from Obama: How would it affect you?

'Chained CPI,' a leading idea for how to keep Social Security solvent for the decades ahead, is part of President Obama's budget proposal. Here's what it would mean for benefits.

Tax VOX Now is the time to fix Social Security

Most Social Security experts, no matter their political persuasion, know that Social Security must be redesigned, Gleckman writes. With President Obama proposing to change the way government adjusts Social Security benefits, why not redesign it now?

After the 'sequester,' now what?

$85 billion in across-the-board cuts to defense and social programs took effect March 1. The cuts must occur this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Here's how things look.

The 'sequester' has landed: Just how 'automatic' will spending cuts be? (+video)

Department heads and agency chiefs will have some flexibility to move 'sequester' cuts between accounts and to decide their pacing. But wiggle room is limited under the law, budget experts say.

State of the Union 101: How much in Medicare cuts did Obama put on table?

Obama didn't offer as much in savings from Medicare cuts as did the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction commission. But his State of the Union message outlined ways to shave a good chunk of change from Medicare costs. Here's how.

Tax VOX The risks of aiming low in deficit reduction

Some on the left are defining successful deficit reduction too modestly, Penner writes, threatening to leave future fiscal policy perilously constrained.

Will your state taxes go up? How legislatures are leaning.

As red states get redder and blue states bluer, state taxes could head in opposite directions. Some states are trying to eliminate income taxes, others are raising them.

Social Security: Is reform needed now or not?

Negotiations over avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' have put Social Security back in the news. While the program isn't a money loser for the federal government, its trustees favor acting soon to keep it healthy.

Obama makes 'fiscal cliff' offer. Are contours of a deal emerging? (+video)

In fiscal cliff negotiations, President Obama is now proposing that tax hikes could begin with households earning $400,000, not the $250,000 that he has long called for.

Ohio pushes welfare recipients to find work and exit the system

Ohio is one of three states still scrambling to meet the requirements of a federal law that requires states to get at least half of adults currently on welfare into work – or face $135 million in penalties.

Tax VOX Can the fiscal cliff push Congress to agree on budget deal?

Gleckman asks: Will it take the fear of a financial market collapse and a cliff-driven recession to change the karma on Capitol Hill? Or, can Congress find an easier route to fiscal sanity by ducking the coming showdown?

Mitt Romney's 14 percent tax bite: your guide to deciphering what's 'fair'

Many millionaires pay an effective tax rate much closer to Mitt Romney's 14 percent than to the official 35 percent top bracket. Preferential rates for investment income, including capital gains, are the reason. Is it time to change that?

Who are the '47 percent'?

Half don't earn enough to pay federal income taxes; many pay other ways.

Mitt Romney video fact check: Is 47 percent of US 'dependent' on government?

In a secret video of a May fundraiser, Mitt Romney says 47 percent of Americans 'are dependent upon government.' One analysis suggests he might have gotten his numbers crossed.

Decoder Wire Mitt Romney video and the 47 percent: Who doesn't pay income taxes?

In a video of a May fundraiser, Mitt Romney says his message can't connect with the 47 percent of Americans who don't pay income tax. Mostly, these people are poor or elderly.

Chapter & Verse Amazon starts charging sales tax in California

While book giant Amazon is now required to charge customers sales tax in some states, it's already planning its next move: widely available same-day shipping.

US incomes fall to 1989 levels. How did that happen?

A Census report signals that for much of America, the economic downturn has produced not one lost decade but two. But the data also show that federal safety-net programs helped keep people out of poverty.

The Paul Ryan budget: 5 go-to sources for understanding it

Looking for in-depth analysis of the Paul Ryan budget plan? D.C. Decoder has compiled a list of excellent sources to help you sort out truth from fiction.

Robert Reich Romney/Ryan economic plan: Five reasons it's a disaster for America

Mitt Romney calls Paul Ryan's detailed budget plan 'marvelous,' and 'bold.' But it would boost unemployment, lower taxes on the wealthy, and slash infrastructure. Is that the kind  of boldness we need?

The other Paul Ryan plan: $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid

Under the Wisconsin congressman's Medicaid plan, states would take over the program. At the same time,Ryan's budget would reduce projected federal spending on Medicaid by about $800 billion over 10 years.

Robert Reich What 'the Ryan choice' means for Romney's evolving platform

More worries for the wealthy? Inheritance tax to jump unless Congress acts

The federal inheritance tax rate will jump to 55 percent in 2013 unless Congress acts.  Republicans and Democrats disagree on the best plan.  But a stalemate will result in higher inheritance taxes than either party wants.

Obama tax-cut plan: easing risk of 'fiscal cliff'?

Not extending the Bush-era tax cuts for the rich could cut the federal deficit by $81 billion in 2013, but it could also damage the economy by reining in spending by the highest-earning Americans.

Is the Obama health-care law a huge tax increase?

Responding to the Supreme Court's historic ruling on the Affordable Care Act, Republicans are refocusing criticism on the tax fallout from health-care reform. Is it a tax hike? Yes. But on whom?