Washington state boasts one of the strongest public pension systems in the nation, but recent legislative changes and mixed funding levels across plans are raising concerns about long-term taxpayer liability. While some retirement funds are projected to be overfunded, others still carry substantial unfunded liabilities, leading to a growing debate over investment assumptions and contribution rates.
President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration is considering sending direct payments of $1,000 to $2,000 to American taxpayers, funded by revenue from his new tariffs on imported goods. The proposal would mark a historic redistribution of tariff income, with Trump describing it as a potential “dividend to the people of America.”
Global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte is refunding part of a $440,000 (AUD) taxpayer-funded contract after its Australian division admitted that an official government report contained fake citations and AI-generated content. The embarrassing revelation marks the latest instance of a major firm suffering reputational damage for the careless use of artificial intelligence tools.
Spokane’s top health official is urging residents to accept higher taxpayer costs to combat the city’s worsening drug and homelessness crisis. Spokane Regional Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz told the City Council on Tuesday that “harm reduction” strategies—such as clean needle exchanges, naloxone distribution, and supervised consumption centers—are essential to public safety, even if they come at taxpayer expense.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is calling out Senate Democrats for a costly government shutdown, labeling it the “Schumer Shutdown” and revealing that American taxpayers are footing a $400 million-per-day bill for 750,000 non-essential federal employees not to work.
Congress faces a government shutdown deadline at midnight on September 30. As negotiations intensify, Democrats have introduced a stopgap spending bill that would add $1.5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, primarily through permanent extensions of Obamacare subsidies and reversals of healthcare savings measures.
Bloomington has become the latest Illinois city to reinstate a one-percent grocery tax, joining hundreds of municipalities preparing for the state’s elimination of the levy in 2026. Meanwhile, Chicago could face an $80 million budget shortfall after failing to act before the October 1 deadline.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has uncovered wasteful spending by local councils, revealing that illegal migrants are receiving taxpayer-funded perks including fast food, streaming services, and leisure outings. The revelations have sparked backlash, with critics claiming the government is prioritizing illegal migrants over struggling British families.
Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), a unique constitutional limit on state revenue, faces renewed threats from Democrat lawmakers aiming to undo its restraints. Despite voter support, state legislators have passed dozens of bills sidestepping TABOR’s restrictions, raising alarm among fiscal watchdogs and conservatives.
