Bailouts | Reason Archives (original) (raw)

J.D. Vance at the Republican National Convention | Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Newscom

Republican Party

The 'Pro-Worker' GOP Is Anti-Worker

The New Right talks a big populist game, but their policies hurt the people they're supposed to help.

Veronique de Rugy | 7.25.2024 12:01 AM

krtphotoslive938467 | Tammy Ljungblad/TNS/Newscom

Crony Capitalism

Taxpayers Refuse To Pay New Stadium Expenses for Billionaire Sports Owners

Jackson County, Missouri, voted not to extend a sales tax that would have benefited the Chiefs and the Royals.

Varad Raigaonkar | 4.3.2024 3:45 PM

Arrowhead Stadium | Image of Sport/Newscom

Crony Capitalism

Taxpayers Will Soon Find Out if They'll Have To Finance Fancy Stadiums for the Chiefs and the Royals

Jackson County, Missouri, residents should not be billed for the undertakings of private businesses.

Varad Raigaonkar | 3.29.2024 3:52 PM

state governments bailout COVID-19 | (Illustration: Lex Villena; Bdingman, Natalia Bratslavsky)

Government Spending

Biden Administration Quietly Extended the Unnecessary COVID Bailout for States and Local Governments

Republican senators say the change is "mind-bending and deeply concerning."

Eric Boehm | 1.5.2024 11:00 AM

reason-nikki | Gage Skidmore/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Election 2024

Nikki Haley Opposed Boeing Subsidies at Tonight's GOP Debate. As Governor, She Gave Boeing Millions.

The former South Carolina governor can't decide whether she likes corporate subsidies or opposes them on principle.

Christian Britschgi | 12.6.2023 9:47 PM

state government bailout COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic spending waste Government Accountability Office | Illustration: Lex Villena; Bdingman, Natalia Bratslavsky

Government Waste

The COVID Bailout of State and Local Governments Was Unnecessary

Well over half of those funds remain unspent, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

Eric Boehm | 10.13.2023 11:45 AM

Trailers labeled with Yellow Corporation's logo. | Samuel Corum/Sipa USA/Newscom

Crony Capitalism

Yellow Corporation To Close, Lay Off 30,000 Employees, and Likely Default on $700 Million Pandemic Aid Loan

The company blames much of its problems on the Teamsters trucking union's "intransigence," while the Teamsters say Yellow is delinquent on benefit payments.

Joe Lancaster | 8.7.2023 4:22 PM

A Yellow Corporation truck, shattered, against the backdrop of cash. | Illustration: Lex Villena

Bankruptcy

Trucking Company on the Hook for $700 Million Federal Loan Files for Bankruptcy

Reason reported last month that with less than two years left on its loan, Yellow Corporation owed more than it originally borrowed and had repaid only $230 in principal.

Joe Lancaster | 7.28.2023 3:58 PM

A side-by-side of a burning dollar bill and a yellow tractor-trailer. | Illustration: Lex Villena, Andreblais

Government Waste

Trucking Company, Careening Toward Bankruptcy, Could Default on $700 Million Federal Bailout Loan

After losing more than 100millioninasingleyear,YellowCorporationgota100 million in a single year, Yellow Corporation got a 100millioninasingleyear,YellowCorporationgota700 million pandemic assistance loan from the government. It has only paid $230 on the principal.

Joe Lancaster | 6.28.2023 12:55 PM

Federal Reserve building | Photo 779123 © Aaron Kohr | Dreamstime.com

Economics

The Federal Reserve Was Supposed To Ease Economic Instability. Instead, It's Made It Worse.

A responsible political class would significantly reform the organization. Instead, they will likely continue to give it more power.

Veronique de Rugy | 4.13.2023 3:00 PM

other-peoples-money

Inflation

Nobel Prize–Winning Economist: Democrats Are Committed 'To Spending Other People's Money'

Vernon Smith weighs in on Biden's budget, how government causes inflation, and why bailing out Silicon Valley Bank was a bad idea.

Nick Gillespie and Justin Zuckerman | 3.29.2023 2:45 PM

The New York case against Donald Trump is based on debatable facts and untested legal theories. | CNP/AdMedia/Sipa/Newscom

Donald Trump

Of Course, the Trump Indictment Is Political

Plus: A listener asks the editors if the nation is indeed unraveling or if she is just one of "The Olds" now.

Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman | 3.20.2023 5:06 PM

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Bailouts

Blame the Government for the New Banking Crisis? Live With Lyn Alden, Arnold Kling and Zach Weissmueller

Join Reason on YouTube and Facebook Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern for a discussion of the Silicon Valley Bank meltdown and bailout of depositors with economist Arnold Kling.

Zach Weissmueller | 3.15.2023 12:02 PM

A neighborhood of houses from the aerial view | Photo 14814407 © Wisconsinart | Dreamstime.com

Economics

Bailouts Should Not Be the Norm

During the pandemic, the U.S. mortgage market avoided collapse without any bailouts. Here's how.

Mark Calabria | 3.14.2023 8:00 AM

Silicon Valley Bank logo | Lex Villena

Banking

Yes, There Are Libertarians During Bank Runs

Plus: The editors recommend the best books for sparking interest in free market principles.

Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman | 3.13.2023 5:08 PM

A phone with the Silicon Valley Bank logo being held in front of a Silicon Valley Bank sign. | Jaap Arriens/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Banking

How the Fed Broke Silicon Valley Bank

The Fed's anti-inflation measures had to hurt someone.

Joakim Book | 3.13.2023 11:00 AM

Silicon Valley Bank logo all blurry and falling | Andre M. Chang/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Banking

Everyone Is Learning the Wrong Lessons From the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

Plus: Fox News troubles, junk statistics about illicit economies, and more...

Elizabeth Nolan Brown | 3.13.2023 9:45 AM

Two men are seen shaking hands in front of a backdrop showing several industries that benefit from subsidies and political favors | Illustration: Lex Villena; Kaphoto

Economics

America Needs a Better Kind of Capitalism

Big corporations and entire industries constantly use their connections in Congress to get favors, no matter which party is in power.

Veronique de Rugy | 3.9.2023 3:30 PM

Southwest Airlines plane stranded | Paul Christian Gordon/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Airlines

What the Southwest Meltdown Means for Airline Policy

Re-regulating the airline industry won’t help prevent massive service disruptions in the future.

Robert Poole | 12.30.2022 1:20 PM

Sen. Maria Cantwell speaking | Samuel Corum / CNP / SplashNews/Newscom

Airlines

Politicians Who Supported $54 Billion in Airline Bailouts Now Pose as Industry Critics

Political criticism of Southwest's mass flight cancelations mask a cronyist relationship between government and the passenger airline industry.

Christian Britschgi | 12.28.2022 5:05 PM

Great Moments in Unintended Consequences (vol. 9)

Unintended Consequences

Great Moments in Unintended Consequences: Antwerp Siege, Hearth Taxes, Cash for Clunkers (Vol. 9)

Good intentions, bad results.

Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg | 11.18.2022 11:33 AM

student loan student debt forgiveness Joe Biden White House COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program bailout |  Bonnie Cash - Pool via CNP/CNP / Polaris/Newscom

Student Loans

No, PPP Doesn't Justify Biden's Student Loan Bailout

The proper response to one failed bailout is not another bailout of a different group.

Eric Boehm | 8.26.2022 1:50 PM

Republican and Democrat colored arms reach for a pile of money on a black background | Illustration: Lex Villena; Exopixel

Government Spending

The Disappearing Differences Between Republicans and Democrats on Federal Family Spending

Many conservatives no longer appear to care much for fiscal conservatism.

Veronique de Rugy | 8.11.2022 2:50 PM

Delta plane flying | Massimo Insabato/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Airlines

After a $54 Billion Airline Bailout, Elizabeth Warren Thinks She Gets To Make the Rules

More airline workers and more flights—not bailouts and restrictions on mergers—is the better policy.

Veronique de Rugy | 8.4.2022 12:20 PM

Joe Biden unions labor bailout Cleveland pensions retirement |  Aaron Josefczyk/UPI/Newscom

Bailouts

Biden Celebrates $90 Billion Bailout of Private Union Pension Plans

Plus: Don't cry for the failure of Homeland Security's disinformation board, states discover supply-side solutions to labor shortages, and more...

Eric Boehm | 7.7.2022 9:30 AM

Tipped over cup of U.S. dollars on an off-white background | Photo 7509973 © 3desc | Dreamstime.com; Illustration by Lex Villena

Bailouts

Federal COVID Aid to States and Localities Cost $855,000 Per Job Saved

A new paper reveals that the state and local bailout was not only unnecessary but incredibly wasteful.

Eric Boehm | 6.21.2022 4:00 PM

Federal bailout of state and local governments put taxpayers in the rough | Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Bailouts

The American Rescue Plan Bailed Out Unprofitable Government-Owned Golf Courses

Perhaps the government shouldn't be running golf courses in the first place?

Eric Boehm | 6.3.2022 12:15 PM

Studio image of someone dropping coins from one hand to the other. | Photo 19764114 © Mnovelo | Dreamstime.com

Coronavirus

Government Employees Got $872 Million in Bonuses Out of COVID Aid Cash

The federal bailout of state and local governments padded the paychecks of many public employees.

Eric Boehm | 6.2.2022 3:20 PM

reason-bill | Copacool/Dreamstime.com

Bailouts

The Restaurant Industry Doesn't Need Another Bailout

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act would give restaurants another $42 billion in grants to cover the lingering costs of the pandemic.

Christian Britschgi | 4.18.2022 5:15 PM

UCVol6 16×9

Unintended Consequences

Great Moments in Unintended Consequences: Driving Days, Boat Taxes, Ghost Flights (Vol. 6)

Good intentions, bad results

Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg | 3.9.2022 10:30 AM

diego-de-alba-BvE9dPo7wtw-unsplash | Photo by Diego De Alba on Unsplash

Taxes

Congress Wants Taxpayers To Bail Out the Postal Service

The House passed the bill this week with little fanfare and broad bipartisan support.

Eric Boehm | 2.11.2022 9:45 AM

Illustration Lex Villena; Lauren Roberts, Sunforrise | Illustration: Lex Villena; Lauren Roberts, Sunforrise

Bailouts

State Governments Didn't Need Coronavirus Bailouts. They Got Billions of Dollars Anyway.

As it turns out, state and local tax revenues hardly collapsed.

Veronique de Rugy | 8.12.2021 12:01 AM

sudan-ouyang-UQuka_ruWxQ-unsplash | Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

Coronavirus

Broadway Hit Hamilton Could Get Up to $50 Million Federal Bailout

It must be nice to have Washington's pile of taxpayer cash on your side.

Eric Boehm | 6.30.2021 4:30 PM

cnpphotos179904 | Doug Mills - Pool via CNP/Newscom

Government Spending

The $1.9 Trillion American Recovery Act Could Have Huge Implications for State Tax Policies

Six different states are already suing over a broad prohibition on tax cuts that was slipped into March's $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill.

Eric Boehm | 6.14.2021 3:50 PM

TOPICSPOLITICS | Illustration: Joanna Andreasson Source image: pamela_d_mcadams/iStock

Politics

An $86 Billion Moral Hazard

Nestled in the $1.9 trillion emergency spending bill passed in March was a bailout for unions' private pension funds.

Eric Boehm | 5.27.2021 6:00 AM

12 | Cred: Illustration: Lex Villena; ID 6305023© Benjamin Vess| Dreamstime.com, Photo 23166545 © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com, ID 27156© Linda Bair| Dreamstime.com

Taxes

States Should Choose Tax Cuts Over Federal Bailouts

Don't take the money.

Eric Boehm | 3.24.2021 12:30 PM

dreamstime_xl_178100006 | Photo <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/food-supplier-uber-eats-backpack-riding-bike-stree-food-supplier-uber-eats-backpack-riding-bike-street-image178100006">178100006</a> © <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/fotomaniya_info" itemprop="author">Juriy Maslak</a> - <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/uber-congress.html">Dreamstime.com</a>

Congress

Biden's 'Rescue Plan' Will Sic the IRS on Anyone Who Earns $600 in the Gig Economy

What does this have to do with the pandemic? Nothing.

Eric Boehm | 3.12.2021 10:30 AM

thumb (1) | Images by Photo <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/us-dollar-american-money-falling-cash-flying-hundred-dollars-us-dollar-american-money-falling-cash-flying-hundred-dollars-isolated-image156867670">156867670</a> © <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/mvelishchuk_info" itemprop="author">Maksym Velishchuk</a> - <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/falling-money.html">Dreamstime.com</a>, Photo <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-minnesota-state-capitol-building-image6461481">6461481</a> © <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/imdan_info" itemprop="author">Danny Raustadt</a> - <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/minnesota-state-capitol.html">Dreamstime.com</a>, edited by Lex Villena

Coronavirus

Federal COVID-19 Bailout Prohibits States From Cutting Taxes

The measure could also make it illegal for states to create new tax credit programs, such as those used for expanding school choice.

Eric Boehm | 3.10.2021 4:35 PM

thumb | Illustration: Lex Villena; Photo <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/u-s-capitol-washington-d-c-global-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-lockdown-financial-stimulus-bill-individual-checks-image176940596">176940596</a> © <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/photovs_info" itemprop="author">Photovs</a> - <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/u-s-capitol-upside-down.html">Dreamstime.com</a>

Government Spending

The 'COVID Relief Bill' Is Mostly an Expensive Bundle of Politically Motivated Giveaways

The Senate is preparing to pass a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that has very little to do with the pandemic, and we all know it. Congress should admit as much.

Eric Boehm | 3.4.2021 2:00 PM

topicseconomics | Photo: narvikk/iStock

Economics

$75 Billion in Band-Aids Won't Cure Ailing Airlines

Airlines keep claiming they need a second bailout to bring back 35,000 furloughed employees. Don't buy their argument.

Veronique de Rugy | 12.8.2020 6:00 AM

reason-metro2 | 63620454 © Marcorubino/Dreamstime.com

Public transportation

The Head of D.C.'s Long-Troubled Metro System Says Another Federal Bailout Is Needed To Stave Off Apocalyptic Service Cuts

D.C.'s public transit agency has already received close to $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds.

Christian Britschgi | 12.1.2020 5:20 PM

reason-plane | Puma330/Dreamstime.com

Airlines

$75 Billion in Band-Aids Won't Cure Ailing Airlines

The grants and loans Congress has approved for the airline industry aren't about saving jobs.

Veronique de Rugy | 10.8.2020 12:30 AM

sfphotosfour740550 | CNP/AdMedia/SIPA/Newscom

Coronavirus

As Airlines Begin Layoffs, Nancy Pelosi Promises Bailout

House Democrats are working to extend another round of emergency aid to airlines in a stand-alone bill after the passage of a larger coronavirus relief package stalled in the Senate.

Eric Boehm | 10.2.2020 4:40 PM

polspphotos535847 | David Rae Morris/Polaris/Newscom

Bailouts

Federal Payments to Farmers Have Tripled Since 2017, and Trump Just Promised Even More

Trump's farm bailouts have cost taxpayers more than 28billionalready,andhejustannouncedanother28 billion already, and he just announced another 28billionalready,andhejustannouncedanother14 billion in payments as part of his reelection pitch to farm-heavy states.

Eric Boehm | 9.23.2020 11:15 AM

reason-airlines5 | Robwilson39/Dreamstime.com

Bailouts

A Second Round of Airline Bailouts Would be Bad for the Industry and Consumers

Passenger airlines are demanding another $25 billion in taxpayer support to prevent mass layoffs.

Christian Britschgi | 9.18.2020 3:10 PM

reason-airline4 | Richard Higgins/Dreamstime.com

Coronavirus

Airlines Are Asking for a Second Bailout. Congress Should Say No.

The federal government has already made 32billionavailabletodistressedairlines.Theindustrywantsanother32 billion available to distressed airlines. The industry wants another 32billionavailabletodistressedairlines.Theindustrywantsanother25 billion.

Veronique de Rugy | 9.10.2020 12:01 AM

topicsregulation | kjophoto/iStock

Regulation

A Coronavirus Bailout Won't Save (or Fix) the USPS

The postal service stands to lose $13 billion this year. But this is an ongoing trend, not a new problem created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Eric Boehm | 8.17.2020 6:00 AM

Congress-1161-Keith-Lamond-Dreamstime | Keith Lamond / Dreamstime.com

Coronavirus

State and Local Governments Need Some Tough Love From Uncle Sam

No more bailouts.

Veronique de Rugy | 8.6.2020 10:45 AM

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