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Ifo President Fuest Proposes Cap on Public Spending Ratio
MUNICH, Germany, May 19 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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ifo President Fuest Proposes Cap on Public Spending Ratio
In light of the ongoing economic stagnation in Germany, Clemens Fuest, President of the ifo Institute, believes a clear cap on the public spending ratio is necessary. "So far, the government has lacked a clear sense of direction regarding what it hopes to achieve with its economic policy. The goal of limiting government expenditure to 49 percent would be a useful framework," says Fuest.
The ifo President believes such a cap is important
... Show Full Article
MUNICH, Germany, May 19 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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ifo President Fuest Proposes Cap on Public Spending Ratio
In light of the ongoing economic stagnation in Germany, Clemens Fuest, President of the ifo Institute, believes a clear cap on the public spending ratio is necessary. "So far, the government has lacked a clear sense of direction regarding what it hopes to achieve with its economic policy. The goal of limiting government expenditure to 49 percent would be a useful framework," says Fuest.
The ifo President believes such a cap is importantbecause it would strengthen confidence in Germany as a business location. He considers the current policy, which is pushing the public spending ratio above 50 percent, to be dangerous: "In the long run, too high a share of government spending relative to economic output also means higher taxes and levies.
Rising tax burdens lead to evasive actions and ever-declining economic growth," says Fuest. Limiting government expenditure to 49 percent would make it easier for investors to plan and force policymakers to prioritize spending.
Rising defense spending is adding to the pressure. "Consequently, the share of other expenditures in the economy, including social spending, would have to decrease," adds the ifo President. It may then have to be necessary to discuss shifting from comprehensive public health and retirement benefits toward a basic provision model supplemented by private pensions.
"The crucial point, however, is that if a mutually agreed framework were in place, policymakers and society would be forced to engage in difficult debates about public spending priorities now, rather than avoiding these conflicts by raising debt, exacerbating them, and passing the burden on to future generations," says Fuest.
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18 May 2026
Opinions
A Cap on the Public Spending Ratio in Germany
There is currently intense discussion in Germany about how the country can overcome its economic stagnation. Economic policy is at the heart of this debate. The federal government is certainly making efforts to instigate reforms. Legislation is being amended on key issues such as financing of the healthcare system, pensions, corporate taxation, and the social security system.
Learn more (https://www.ifo.de/en/opinion/2026-05-18/a-cap-on-the-public-spending-ratio-in-germany)
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Original text here: https://www.ifo.de/en/press-release/2026-05-18/ifo-president-fuest-proposes-cap-public-spending-ratio
[Category: ThinkTank]
Center of the American Experiment Issues Commentary: Why Minnesota Should Opt Into Expanded National Tests
MINNETONKA, Minnesota, May 19 -- The Center of the American Experiment, a civic and educational organization that says it creates and advocates policies, issued the following commentary on May 18, 2026, by policy fellow Josiah Padley:
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Why Minnesota should opt into expanded national tests
Minnesota should take the recent offer of the National Assessment Governing Board and opt into newly announced, federally funded expanded high school tests.
Last week, the National Assessment Governing Board announced that there would be key expansions to the National Assessment of Educational Progress
... Show Full Article
MINNETONKA, Minnesota, May 19 -- The Center of the American Experiment, a civic and educational organization that says it creates and advocates policies, issued the following commentary on May 18, 2026, by policy fellow Josiah Padley:
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Why Minnesota should opt into expanded national tests
Minnesota should take the recent offer of the National Assessment Governing Board and opt into newly announced, federally funded expanded high school tests.
Last week, the National Assessment Governing Board announced that there would be key expansions to the National Assessment of Educational Progress(NAEP) assessment. Currently, state-level NAEP data is only available for fourth and eighth grade reading and mathematics. The new testing schedule now would publish state-level results in 12th grade math and reading, eighth and 12th grade civics and eighth grade science.
This move quiets speculation on the question of further federal leadership in national K-12 testing. Although Secretary McMahon vowed to protect the NAEP, last year the department laid off testing experts and canceled several optional tests to save money. It now appears that the move was a temporary step, not the harbinger of a program gut.
Publishing state-level results gives state-based policymakers key, measurable pieces of actionable data that closely lead to reform measures.
There's a strong consensus that such detailed data is needed. A recent Bipartisan Policy Center report called for called for more state-level data in math, reading, and civics and a faster turnaround between the assessment and the release of the results. Education writer Dale Chu said that the Governing Board's vote "suggests an acknowledgment that standardized testing, and comparable data across states, still matters."
Without national assessments, states cannot easily compare their education programs to one another -- which is important for inter-state competition and intra-state accountability. Some states, like Virginia, have significant "honesty gaps", or scenarios where locally made state test proficiency results are much higher than national test results.
Critics of standardized tests often fear that students are spending too much time on standardized testing and that test results inaccurately report actual learning. The critique of standardized tests, however, has lessened in recent years as the tests themselves improved. Standardized tests aren't perfect, but they're the simplest measure to easily communicate learning information to teachers, parents, and policymakers, combat grade inflation, and hold schools and states accountable.
With new expanded and data-updated NAEP tests hitting classrooms as early as 2028, Minnesota has the chance to overcome a key data gap. Currently, Minnesota only administers the reading and mathematics Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) yearly in grades 3-8, with one reading test given in grade 10 and a mathematics test in grade 11. Now, Minnesota will gain the chance to receive state-level data that can give a fuller picture on high school seniors. This would help close a significant current information gap on how Minnesota students progress through high school and how Minnesota seniors compare to other states. (Plus, Minnesota would be able to see additional civics and science data.)
But there's a catch. Minnesota's Department of Education and Commissioner of Education Willie Jett has to volunteer to receive the state-level results by January 2027. A recent press release noted that "NAEP covers all costs associated with preparation, administration, scoring, and reporting," making this federally-funded opt-in an easy "yes" for Minnesota's administrators.
This state has struggled in the past to opt into popular, beneficial federal education programs. This choice can, and should, be different. Minnesota should take this opportunity to further education achievement for all students on the federal government's dime.
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Josiah Padley is a Policy Fellow at Center of the American Experiment.
josiah.padley@americanexperiment.org
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Original text here: https://www.americanexperiment.org/why-minnesota-should-opt-into-expanded-national-tests/
[Category: ThinkTank]
CAP's Plan To Make Electricity More Affordable and Reliable
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Center for American Progress issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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CAP's Plan To Make Electricity More Affordable and Reliable
A new plan from the Center for American Progress would offer Americans immediate relief from surging electricity costs, make artificial intelligence (AI) data centers pay their fair share, and invest in a bigger, better grid.
Unlike some other plans that have been proposed, a centerpiece of CAP's plan calls for a rate relief fund for states that freeze or lower residential electricity rates over four years.
States' participation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Center for American Progress issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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CAP's Plan To Make Electricity More Affordable and Reliable
A new plan from the Center for American Progress would offer Americans immediate relief from surging electricity costs, make artificial intelligence (AI) data centers pay their fair share, and invest in a bigger, better grid.
Unlike some other plans that have been proposed, a centerpiece of CAP's plan calls for a rate relief fund for states that freeze or lower residential electricity rates over four years.
States' participationin the rate relief fund program would save residential consumers about $125 billion in electricity bills, or roughly $900 for the average household over four years. That allows time for new infrastructure investments and utility reforms to further lower the costs of electricity for everyone by building a more affordable power system.
"This plan would immediately help consumers struggling to pay for surging utility costs," said Trevor Higgins, senior vice president for Energy and Environment at CAP and co-author of the report. "And it's the kind of plan that can gain traction in an election year, with skyrocketing energy prices becoming a key campaign issue."
It offers a sharp contrast to the blundering approach of the Trump administration, which is blocking affordable clean energy projects, propping up outdated and expensive fossil fuel power plants, and repealing federal investment incentives that would lower electricity prices.
The three-part plan includes:
1. A program to build a better, bigger power system, including reforms to speed up permitting of new transmission and generation capacity, align utility incentives for lowering costs, and make public investments in manufacturing and construction of both clean energy and grid infrastructure.
2. Creating a federal rate relief fund that offers funding to states that freeze or lower residential electricity rates over four years. This would immediately take the cost pressure off households, saving more than $900 for the average household over that period while a better, bigger power system is built.
3. A mandatory AI data center national fair share policy to set standard rules for AI data centers to pay their fair share of the energy and grid infrastructure costs and make sure residential consumers do not foot the bill while discouraging data centers from being built off-grid.
Read the report: "A Plan for American Electricity Affordability," by Trevor Higgins, Shannon Baker-Branstetter, Michael Negron, Lucero Marquez, and Kendra Hughes
Read the fact sheet (https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fact-sheet-a-plan-for-american-electricity-affordability/) summarizing the plan.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at shananel@americanprogress.org.
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Original text here: https://www.americanprogress.org/press/release-caps-plan-to-make-electricity-more-affordable-and-reliable/
[Category: ThinkTank]
CAP's Neera Tanden Condemns Mosque Attack in San Diego
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Center for American Progress issued the following statement on May 18, 2026:
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CAP's Neera Tanden Condemns Mosque Attack in San Diego
After a deadly attack today at San Diego's largest mosque, Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This reprehensible act of violence has no place in our country. All Americans should unite to condemn this horrific attack on the Muslim community.
Every American should be safe learning, praying, and congregating at their houses of worship.
I want to extend my condolences
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Center for American Progress issued the following statement on May 18, 2026:
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CAP's Neera Tanden Condemns Mosque Attack in San Diego
After a deadly attack today at San Diego's largest mosque, Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This reprehensible act of violence has no place in our country. All Americans should unite to condemn this horrific attack on the Muslim community.
Every American should be safe learning, praying, and congregating at their houses of worship.
I want to extend my condolencesto the families of the victims and all those affected by this reprehensible act of violence.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at shananel@americanprogress.org.
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Original text here: https://www.americanprogress.org/press/statement-caps-neera-tanden-condemns-mosque-attack-in-san-diego/
[Category: ThinkTank]
U.S. Natural Gas Market: Soaring AI Demand and Infrastructure Constraints
WASHINGTON, May 18 [Category: ThinkTank] -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release:
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U.S. Natural Gas Market: Soaring AI Demand and Infrastructure Constraints
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is fueling a surge in U.S. electricity demand, positioning natural gas as a main baseload power source. In a new insight, Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Shuting Pomerleau evaluates the evolving role of natural gas in the U.S. energy mix and the critical role of pipeline infrastructure in regional accessibility.
Key points:
* Under
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 18 [Category: ThinkTank] -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release:
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U.S. Natural Gas Market: Soaring AI Demand and Infrastructure Constraints
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is fueling a surge in U.S. electricity demand, positioning natural gas as a main baseload power source. In a new insight, Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Shuting Pomerleau evaluates the evolving role of natural gas in the U.S. energy mix and the critical role of pipeline infrastructure in regional accessibility.
Key points:
* Undera high-demand scenario, natural gas-fired generation is projected to grow by 7.3 percent between 2025 and 2027 to accommodate the AI boom.
* Despite being a top global natural gas producer, the United States sees varied regional pricing due to several factors, including pipeline constraints; specifically, high production levels and a lack of pipeline capacity have recently driven prices at the Waha Hub in Texas below -$2 per million British thermal units, while infrastructure-scarce regions such as New England continue to face higher costs.
* Streamlining the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's permitting process and passing permitting reform in Congress are essential for all regions in the United States to benefit from record natural gas production.
Read the analysis (https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/u-s-natural-gas-market-soaring-ai-demand-and-infrastructure-constraints/).
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Original text here: https://www.americanactionforum.org/press-release/u-s-natural-gas-market-soaring-ai-demand-and-infrastructure-constraints/
Common Cause Demands Absolute Transparency After Trump Drops Sham IRS Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, May 18 [Category: ThinkTank] -- Common Cause posted the following news release:
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Common Cause Demands Absolute Transparency After Trump Drops Sham IRS Lawsuit
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Following news that President Trump has dropped his baseless lawsuit against the IRS, Common Cause issued a statement calling for full transparency and condemning any settlement.
Statement of Abigail Bellows, Common Cause Senior Policy Director for Anti-Corruption & Accountability
"From day one, this lawsuit was a complete sham designed to line the president's pockets, and the public saw right through it. That's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 18 [Category: ThinkTank] -- Common Cause posted the following news release:
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Common Cause Demands Absolute Transparency After Trump Drops Sham IRS Lawsuit
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Following news that President Trump has dropped his baseless lawsuit against the IRS, Common Cause issued a statement calling for full transparency and condemning any settlement.
Statement of Abigail Bellows, Common Cause Senior Policy Director for Anti-Corruption & Accountability
"From day one, this lawsuit was a complete sham designed to line the president's pockets, and the public saw right through it. That'swhy the president has dropped his lawsuit-the public pressure is working and we're not backing down now.
"The Trump Administration owes the American people an immediate explanation because there's zero legal basis for a backdoor settlement. Whether it's a corrupt promise to protect the president and his family from audits, or a $1.7 billion slush fund that will be used to reward political allies, any settlement would be a blatant abuse of presidential power.
" We're investigating whether a settlement has been reached, and we'll use every tool at our disposal to prevent any corrupt deals and ensure the absolute transparency and accountability the American people deserve."
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Original text here: https://www.commoncause.org/press/common-cause-demands-absolute-transparency-after-trump-drops-sham-irs-lawsuit/
Buckeye Institute's Robert Alt Joins All-Star Panel at TFAS Annual Conference
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 18 [Category: Think Tank] -- The Buckeye Institute, an independent research and educational institution that says its mission is to advance free-market public policy, posted the following news release:
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The Buckeye Institute's Robert Alt Joins All-Star Panel at TFAS Annual Conference
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America's upcoming 250th birthday offered a special opportunity to examine how we, as a nation, teach the American Founding. That was the focus of The Fund for American Studies ' 2026 Annual Conference, "Developing Courageous Leaders: Revitalizing Civic Education and America's Founding
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 18 [Category: Think Tank] -- The Buckeye Institute, an independent research and educational institution that says its mission is to advance free-market public policy, posted the following news release:
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The Buckeye Institute's Robert Alt Joins All-Star Panel at TFAS Annual Conference
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America's upcoming 250th birthday offered a special opportunity to examine how we, as a nation, teach the American Founding. That was the focus of The Fund for American Studies ' 2026 Annual Conference, "Developing Courageous Leaders: Revitalizing Civic Education and America's FoundingPrinciples."
Robert Alt, The Buckeye Institute's president and CEO, joined the discussion on a panel "Protecting Liberty Through Separation of Powers," which also featured Judge Janice Rogers Brown, U.S. Circuit Court Appellate Judge, D.C. Circuit (retired), and was moderated by Ilya Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute and a member of TFAS's law fellowship advisory committee. Alt and Judge Rogers Brown highlighted the importance of the separation of powers within the federal government and what happens when that separation breaks down.
In discussing ways to re-establish a more limited government as the Founders intended, Alt highlighted Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury and McNutt v. U.S. Department of Justice, The Buckeye Institute's cases challenging the federal ban on home distilling and the expanse of Congressional power under the Commerce Clause.
The discussion is well worth listening to (https://youtu.be/4ApP76qEmEw?si=gKpIByHJ1F2EXu7H).
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Original text here: https://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/research/detail/the-buckeye-institutes-robert-alt-joins-all-star-panel-at-tfas-annual-conference
