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CENTER FOR A FREE ECONOMY
Advancing free market public
policy for America
We research and advocate for policies that let families,
businesses, and communities thrive — without government
getting in the way.

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FEATURED VIDEOS
CFE on YouTube. Video explainers on the policy issues that matter most — in plain language, without the spin.
IN FOCUS
Working Families Tax Cuts
CFE is tracking how the law delivers real relief — lower taxes on tips, overtime, and more.


A 13% Premium Hike Highlights Obamacare's Structural Failures
Obamacare premiums are set to increase by an average of 13% in 2027, placing additional financial pressure on Americans who purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. The latest increase follows years of rising insurance costs and raises questions about whether the law's regulatory framework can deliver affordable coverage without continued federal subsidies. According to an October 30 report from The New York Times, middle-income Americans face ano


Blue States Carry Some of the Nation’s Highest Government Debt Burdens
State and local governments have accumulated more than $6 trillion in debt, with some of the highest per-capita burdens concentrated in blue states with a history of high government spending. A new Reason Foundation report finds that New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, and Hawaii each carry more than $30,000 in state and local government debt per resident. The findings raise concerns about the long-term costs of government spending and the financial obligations being


New China Investment Restrictions Could Limit Access to Lifesaving Medicines
The Treasury Department's proposed restrictions on U.S. investment in Chinese biotechnology companies could have unintended consequences for American patients seeking access to new medicines. While the government has a legitimate interest in preventing American investments from strengthening China's military capabilities, overly broad restrictions could interfere with pharmaceutical research and development that has little connection to national security. The Comprehensive Ou


Georgia SNAP Fraud Case Highlights $3 Trillion in Federal Payment Errors
A Georgia social media influencer who flaunted private jets, luxury cars, and stacks of cash has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than $4 million in federal food assistance benefits. Federal prosecutors accuse Mercedes Reshard New, known online as "Shawty Dred," of using stolen identities to establish more than 340 fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accounts over six years. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, New allegedly transfer


CMS Advances Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reforms Following Congressional Action
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing new transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), building on legislation Congress passed earlier this year to address prescription drug pricing practices that can drive up costs for patients and health plans. The proposed rule would require greater disclosure of PBM compensation and financial arrangements under Medicare Part D. It follows years of concern that PBMs can profit from complicated p


Trump's Canadian Tariff Retreat Exposes the Economic and Political Costs of Tariffs
President Donald Trump signed an order Friday removing 50% tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural and forestry products, providing relief to American businesses as Republicans face growing political pressure over the administration's trade policies. The exemptions take effect October 30, amid rising public opposition to tariffs and concerns about their economic consequences. According to NBC News, the administration eliminated the duties following pressure from Sen. Susan C


New IRS Rules Aim to Strengthen Obamacare Subsidy Oversight
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have proposed new regulations implementing provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts that tighten eligibility requirements for Obamacare subsidies. The changes are intended to strengthen oversight of the Premium Tax Credit and reduce the risk of taxpayer-funded benefits going to individuals who do not qualify. The proposal addresses longstanding concerns about how the federal government verifies eligibility for heal


CFE Hosts Congressional Briefing on Reforming Tax-Exempt Hospitals
Large tax-exempt hospital systems receive billions of dollars in tax benefits each year, despite many operating extensive investment portfolios, accumulating substantial assets, and competing directly with taxpaying health care providers. New research from the Tax Foundation raises questions about whether these tax preferences remain justified and identifies several reforms that could generate significant federal revenue. The Center for a Free Economy (CFE) will bring this is


Federal Spending Restraint Could Have Prevented Washington's Debt Crisis
The federal government collected 65% more in tax revenue over the past decade, yet the national debt more than doubled. Washington's spending grew considerably faster than the revenue available to support it, leaving taxpayers with a growing debt burden despite substantial increases in federal tax collections. According to Treasury data compiled by Charlie Bilello of Creative Planning, federal spending increased 92% between September 2016 and September 2026, reaching $7.4 tri

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