New America

The trade normalization process between India and Pakistan will undoubtedly open new trade opportunities. This study assesses trade possibilities between the two countries, examines the physical and regulatory impediments to realizing the trade potential, and suggests how the trade potential can be realized. The main findings and recommendations are summarized below.

This presentation was given at CFED's 2010 Assets Learning Conference. To view the presentation, please see the Related Files to the right of this page, or click here.

Tax Incentives for College Savings

Include 529 plans as an Eligible Product for the Saver’s Credit, and Make the Credit Refundable

Currently, taxpayers aged 18 years or older who are not dependents or full-time students may receive a nonrefundable Saver’s Credit equal to between 10 and 50 percent of their compensation up to $2,000 contributed to an employer-sponsored qualified retirement plan or IRA.

The Importance of College Savings

There is strong evidence that attaining a college education is one of the best ways for low- and moderate-income students to climb the economic ladder.

Congress completed the fiscal year 2009 appropriations process on March 10th, 2009, finalizing annual funding for nearly all federal education programs through September 2009 at $62.6 billion, up $3.4 billion from the prior year. Making sense of the federal education budget and the appropriations process can be a frustrating task for education advocates, state and local policymakers, the media, and the public. The now concluded fiscal year 2009 appropriations process is no exception due to numerous stopgap funding measures and emergency economic stimulus legislation.