Recent articles by Liz Farmer from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=182187201 Liz Farmer is a GOVERNING finance writer. Detroit's Recovery Plan Increases Default Risks, Says Moody's http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-moodys-detroit-emergency-manager-makes-default-an-option.html Moody's, the credit ratings agency, has warned that Detroit’s preliminary financial operating plan opens the door to place bondholders on the hook for the city’s debts, a move that would further damage the city’s already low credit rating. Detroit's Recovery Plan Increases Default Risks, Says Moody's http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-moodys-detroit-emergency-manager-makes-default-an-option.html Moody's, the credit ratings agency, has warned that Detroit’s preliminary financial operating plan opens the door to place bondholders on the hook for the city’s debts, a move that would further damage the city’s already low credit rating. Are Governments Ignoring Their Short-Term Workers? http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-are-governments-ignoring-their-short-term-workers.html One wonders what incentive there is to work for a government at all unless you’re in it for the long haul. SEC Charges Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with Securities Fraud http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-SEC-charges-harrisburg-with-securities-fraud.html Pennsylvania's capital, which is under receivership after nearly going bankrupt, is the second municipality or state to get charged with securities fraud this year. State Finances: Short-Term Gains Won't Outweigh Long-Term Pain http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-state-finances-short-term-gains-wont-outweigh-long-term-pain.html Preliminary tax data from the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government for 45 states shows revenues are up nearly 13 percent from last year. Why Financial Literacy Matters to Governments http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-why-governments-should-care-about-training-the-poor.html Low-income people need more than a steady paycheck to achieve financial stability. They also need help gaining access to traditional banking and credit services -- something 28 percent of Americans lack. Ariz. May be 2nd State to OK Gold, Silver Currency http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-gold-rush-some-states-adding-gold-and-silver-to-legal-currency.html Ditching dollars for gold has become a popular notion among some conservative leaders and pundits (perhaps most notably Glenn Beck) in recent years. Feds Eye State, Local Pension Transparency Reform http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-pension-transparency-debate-kicks-off-on-capitol-hill.html In a move that’s expected to stir up staunch resistance from public pension managers, some Capitol Hill lawmakers have proposed new pension transparency regulations for local and state governments. Retiree Health-Care Benefits: The Next Shoe to Drop? http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-retiree-healthcare-benefits--the-next-shoe-to-drop.html The rising cost of health care for retirees may force states and localities to make wholesale changes to their pension health plans. Moody's New Rules May Mean More Downgrades http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-moodys-announces-new-ratings-rules.html Moody’s Investors Service announced its highly anticipated new ratings rules, which could result in downgrades for dozens of cities and school districts. Has Pension Reform Gone Too Far? http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-has-pension-reform-gone-too-far.html Faced with growing pension gaps, states and localities in recent years have reacted with sweeping reforms. Fitch: Kentucky's Pension Reform Still Has Uncertainty http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-fitch-kentuckys-pension-reform-still-has-uncertainty.html Kentucky’s pension reform signed into law this month marks a positive step but should not be heralded as a cure-all to the state’s massive underfunding problem, a major ratings agency said Friday. Obama's Budget Targets Wealthy, Social Security to Lower Deficit http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-obamas-budget-targets-wealthy-social-security-to-lower-deficit.html President Obama's fiscal plan for 2014 contains a mix of tax increases and breaks that some are concerned could mean increased costs for states and localities. Moody’s: New York’s Pension-Deferment Plan Has Long-Term Risks http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-moodys-new-yorks-pension-deferment-plan-has-long-term-risks.html New York’s new law to allow some cities to defer pension payments would increase their unfunded pension liabilities and could hurt their credit outlook. Job Skills Gap a Growing Concern in Cities http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-job-skills-gap-a-growing-concern-in-cities.html Cities coming out of the recession are facing new challenges with matching their workforce to available jobs, a problem that could be an early indicator of a growing national problem.