It's Time To Send Power Down to Cities and Towns | Opinion
Summary
The article argues that the United States should give more power and money directly to cities and towns instead of controlling it mostly through states or the federal government. It criticizes a new federal rule that would let political appointees block funds to local governments for political reasons, which some local leaders oppose.Key Facts
- The U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to give more authority and money to cities and regions to boost growth and quality of life.
- Decentralizing power means local officials can better serve their communities and reduce corruption.
- In many countries, including the U.S., local governments do important work but often lack direct access to funding.
- A new U.S. Office of Management and Budget rule could allow federal officials to stop money going to cities and towns for political reasons.
- The U.S. Constitution supports federalism, but the article says local governments need more independence within that system.
- Cities in Poland keep a large share of the taxes they collect, helping them survive government pressures.
- U.S. cities produce most federal income tax revenue but still rely heavily on state and federal decisions on where money goes.
- The U.S. Conference of Mayors opposes the proposed federal rule because it can harm local programs benefiting residents.
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