Marketplace All-in-One The road (or light-rail) to the World Cup
Mar 24, 2026
Henry Epp, a transportation reporter covering transit expansions and infrastructure, and Kimberly Adams, a Washington correspondent focused on federal tax and budgets. They discuss how host cities are racing to expand service and finish light-rail and station upgrades for massive World Cup crowds. They also cover the SALT deduction change and why higher-income filers see larger refunds.
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SALT Cap Hike Lifts Refunds For Itemizers
- The SALT deduction cap increase explains part of higher refunds this tax season but concentrates benefits among higher-income itemizers.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act raised the SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,000, boosting refunds for filers who itemize (about 12–13%).
SALT Increase Has Large Budget Impact
- The SALT change has a significant budgetary cost concentrated among fewer taxpayers.
- Bipartisan Policy Center estimates about $140 billion in budget impact over the next decade, with benefits focused on higher-income filers.
World Cup Spurs Major Transit Upgrades
- The World Cup will drive large transit upgrades as tens of thousands of fans use public transport for matches across 16 host cities.
- Seattle rushed the Cross Lake Connection light rail to open for the tournament after decades of delays, finishing construction started in 2016.