Recent articles by Penelope Lemov from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87483672 Penelope Lemov is a GOVERNING correspondent. She was GOVERNING's health columnist and was senior editor for several award-winning features. Can the Threat of Defunding Education Slow Down Tax Cuts? http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-threat-defunding-education-slow-down-tax-cuts.html A tax fight in Missouri may signify the limits to cuts. Gay Marriage and State Taxes http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-gay-marriage-state-taxes.html States that don't recognize same-sex marriage will face a few tax complications come 2014. Obamacare's Cadillac Tax Could Spur States and Localities to Cut Back Benefits http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-obamacare-cadillac-tax-health-insurance.html The so-called Cadillac tax on expensive health insurance plans, which many state and local governments offer, could spur public employers to cut back their rich benefits. Turmoil and Trouble in the Muni Bond Market http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-turmoil-trouble-muni-bond-market.html A veteran issuer gives his perspective on the mounting woes over muni bonds. Foreclosure and the Eminent Domain Solution Explained http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-foreclosure-eminent-domain-solution.html Richmond, Calif.’s plan -- which dozens of localities are considering -- is facing legal and legislative challenges. What are the pros and cons of seizing underwater mortgages using eminent domain? Irvine, Calif. Plans to Prepay Its Pension Bill http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-irvine-california-plans-prepay-pension-bill.html The well-to-do city in Southern California will pay off 30 years worth of liabilities in a decade. Assessing Help for Housing http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-assessing-homebuyer-tax-credits-housing-programs-recession.html A recent Brookings report evaluates their effects on the housing market. What's a Chained CPI and How Might It Impact States? http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-chained-cpi-consumer-price-index-impact-states.html President Obama has proposed changing how the Consumer Price Index is calculated in a way that could help states cap some costs. A New, Sometimes Not-So-Nice Outlook for the Muni Market http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-irs-sec-cracking-down-municipal-bond-market.html Despite some positive developments, it seems the SEC and IRS are cracking down on the municipal bond market. Do the States Have a Debt Problem? http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-states-rising-debt-problem.html States and localities have $3 trillion in debt, but the purpose and use of debt differs significantly from the federal government. A Third Way for Public Pensions: Adjustable Pension Plans http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-public-pension-plans-third-way.html Defined-benefit plans put all the risk on states and localities; defined-contribution plans put it all on employees. Now there's a new approach to risk sharing. Gun Debate Revives the Pension-Investment Dispute http://www.governing.com/columns/public-money/col-gun-debate-revives-pension-investment-dispute.html When there’s public outcry over something -- whether it’s gun control or apartheid -- states and cities reevaluate what their pension plans invest in. But should they be social investing at all? Do Tax Breaks for Senior Citizens Pay for Themselves? http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-targeting-senior-citizens-tax-exemptions-tax-breaks.html Cash-strapped states are questioning the tax exemptions they offer the elderly. What's Wrong with Kansas' Tax Reform? http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-whats-wrong-kansas-tax-reform-measure.html According to finance experts from the left and right, it's the worst reform measure passed by a state in the last two years. Should States, Cities Invest in Gun Manufacturers? http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-states-cities-disinvest-gun-manufacturers.html It might make sense financially, but some argue it isn't ethical.