Analysis of figures nationwide indicates that local school districts have reduced their reliance on property taxes while states have increased support for schools. However, states face serious fiscal problems, and the property tax system should be reviewed in light of the need for more local support for schools. (MJL)

Congressional members are rated on their votes on children's issues through a scorecard put out by American Parents Committee. Ten key issues include votes on school lunch and child nutrition, maternal and child health, education appropriations. Senate voting report documented.

Vermont's Act 60 is arguably the most equitable school funding system in the nation. However, it is also one of the most controversial. The disputes are primarily focused on the recapture provision that sends excess revenues from property-rich towns to the state's education trust fund. After a 4-year implementation period, the system is now in its…

This report estimates that state tax revenue grew 8.7 percent from fiscal year 1999 to fiscal year 2000. If adjusted for the effects of legislated tax changes, state revenue growth would have been an even stronger 9.4 percent. This is by far the highest adjusted or unadjusted annual growth ever recorded by the Rockefeller Institute. When inflation…

A study of Colorado tax allocation examined the feasibility of replacing the present system for financing education with a state income tax system. Further study is recommended, but indications are that an equitable distribution of financial assistance would result in better educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged counties.…

Ohio schools are particularly hard hit by the taxpayers' rebellion." (Author)

"Flat tax," a euphemism for major tax reform, is discussed. Its adoption would probably mean reducing tax rates by broadening the base upon which taxes are imposed. This implies elimination of many, if not most, of the deductions, credits, and other special provisions of the tax code. (MLW)

Concludes that a state may make very uneven progress toward some general equity goal if that equity goal is operationalized in different ways. A preference for tax disparity, expenditure disparity reduction, or wealth neutrality gains may have to be expressed. (Author/IRT)

Corporations have found the promise of providing a college education to the children of employees--without the recognition of income to the parent-employee--to be a popular fringe benefit. The Internal Revenue Service has attacked educational benefit trusts in Revenue Ruling 75-448. Implications are discussed. (LBH)

About half of the formal organizations and enterprises in the United States are nonprofit in nature. Trends in laws affecting them are reviewed, including tax exemption, officer status, civil rights, management practices, and federal court interposition. (LBH)

Accounting principles and tax considerations are discussed in this speech regarding exempt organization's advertising income from their publications. (LBH)

The practice by exempt organizations of lending securities to brokerage houses is becoming more common. The possibility is weighed that organizations may encounter unrelated business tax assessments if the practice is classified as a trade or business. The authors examine the concept of trade or business in other tax settings and explore the…

Results of study of impact of Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act on 25 school-construction project costs from 1992-97 and effect thereof on local school districts' taxes. All districts had higher construction costs and property taxes. Projects increased construction costs for the Commonwealth and recommends revisions in prevailing wage-rate law.…