The one thing on which our political leaders seem to agree is the need for corporate tax reform. But amid all of the promising rhetoric there is significant cause for concern. Many proposals, particularly those of Messrs. Obama and Santorum, seem to have unlearned many of the lessons of modern economics.

"President Obama's tax proposal to cut the corporate tax rate to 28% would take the US's ranking from last place (34th) to 32nd place. We need more leadership than that to get a truly competitive and pro-growth tax system." – Alex Brill

Competing currents will continue to push the state corporate income tax in opposite directions.Ultimately, the only certainty is that this tax will remain an active and hotly debated part of the state revenue landscape well into the future.

In today's global economy, countries constantly compete for corporations' research activities. U.S. tax policy lags behind many countries in attracting firms' R&D centers. With the increased mobility of research and intellectual property, this conference will focus on how countries should tax innovative, answering important questions for countries seeking to promote economic growth.

Recent economic research suggests that colleges siphon off a significant portion of federal education aid rather than lowering costs to students

President Obama's core message in his Wednesday press conference, his first since March, could be found in his advice to Republicans. "Are you willing to compromise your kids' safety so some corporate-jet owner can get a tax break?'"