Search

State and local governments issue bonds to finance important projects that meet social goals and benefit communities. Bonds are attractive because they provide financial flexibility.

When considering bond financing, state and local policymakers should: 

Food and nutrition programs should have adequate funding to engage in robust outreach efforts. 

Deficit-reduction efforts should avoid cuts in programs that serve low- and moderate-income populations. 

The federal government must strive for long-term fiscal balance.

At the federal level, the two categories of budgetary expenditures are entitlement and discretionary spending. 

Two federal programs help states provide a broad range of social services important to older adults.

There is an increasing interest in taxes on energy consumption.

Policymakers should take action to raise revenues, promote energy conservation, and reduce climate change.

Carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems that would increase energy-related and other prices must include measures to compensate for regional differences in energy costs and to adequately protect cons