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Finance

March 11, 2010
Build America Bonds Need a Push
As Congress debates extending BABs, it's time to weigh in with letters and phone calls.
March 11, 2010
The Bond Bankers Weigh In
Bond dealers, senior economists and credit market strategists give their outlook on the future of state and local revenue.
March 10, 2010
Navigating the Journey to Sustainable Government
The road to fiscal sanity requires the kind of big changes that our current democratic system makes difficult.
March 3, 2010
Strange But True Tales of Privatization
Privatization won't always work, but it should always be considered.
March 1, 2010
Do Environmental Regulations Hurt the Economy?
Environmental regulations have transformed California's economy but it's not always clear if the result was positive.
March 1, 2010
Do Environmental Regulations Hurt the Economy?
Environmental regulations have transformed California's economy but it's not always clear if the result was positive.
March 1, 2010
Fairy Tale Pension Projections
Assumptions about return rates and risky investments foreshadow big problems.
March 1, 2010
New Revenue, New Concerns
Contingency fee contracts are becoming hot, but have their limits.
March 1, 2010
New Smog Rules Target Rural Counties
Proposed EPA rules may throw rural counties into Clean Air Act violation overnight.
March 1, 2010
Shrinking State Government
Across the nation, governors are slashing and consolidating boards, commissions and agencies as part of a larger effort at reforming government.
March 1, 2010
States, Localities Face a 'Lost Decade'
Economic recovery will be slow, subduing any ambitions state and local governments may harbor to play a role in shaping national policy.
March 1, 2010
The Competition for Jobs
Washington State's battle to save its aviation industry mirrors the larger competition among states to attract and keep jobs.
February 17, 2010
Staunching a Loss
By not opting out of a federal tax deduction, states stand to lose millions in revenues.
February 11, 2010
'Build America Bonds' Forever, or Nevermore?
The Obama administration supports extending them. But if Congress fails to act, we may see a blizzard of BABs this December.
February 11, 2010
A Fiscal Case for Medicaid?
The health-care program for the poor is always accused of busting budgets, but could slashing it actually harm budgets?
February 4, 2010
A Census Competition
During the critical months of March and April, the Census Bureau will escalate its outreach efforts, and state and local leadership is essential.
February 4, 2010
Seeking Security for Retirement Funds
Pension-exchanges for IRAs and 401(k)s would strengthen President Obama's initiatives.
February 3, 2010
5 Great Cost Saving Ideas
Why everybody hasn't embraced these five 'innovations' befuddles this columnist.
February 1, 2010
Furlough Fever
Are four-day workweeks the beginning of a permanent trend or a passing phenomenon?
February 1, 2010
Furlough Fever
Are four-day workweeks the beginning of a permanent trend or a passing phenomenon?
February 1, 2010
Health Care for the Needy
Lacking a health-care system for the poorest of the poor, Montgomery, Ala., crafted a uniquely local solution.
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February 1, 2010
Merging Historically Black Universities
Gov. Haley Barbour's proposal has more to do with the budget than race, but it's still part of the issue.
February 1, 2010
Rushing to Pay for Education Reform
States are clamoring for a slice of $4.35 billion for education reform. Will being first help them win?
January 27, 2010
The New Economy: A Glitzy Future?
Michigan's massive new data center is the right technology for these tough economic times.
January 21, 2010
Federal Incentives for Retirement Benefits Reform?
The case for a taxable 'benefits bonds' rebate
January 20, 2010
Please, Pay Your Taxes
Washington State's voluntary tax compliance effort tries friendly persuasion.
January 20, 2010
Successful 'Fiasco': Chicago's Parking Meter Mishap
Critics call Chicago's privatization of parking meters an epic failure, but could it be it's an epic success?
January 14, 2010
Closing the Gap: Are Pensions Next?
Cash-strapped states desperately need to close budget shortfalls. Costly pensions are an increasingly inviting target.
January 14, 2010
Could 'Build America Bonds' Be Extended After 2010?
The new subsidized taxable bond option has been highly successful.
January 1, 2010
Bleak Outlook for State Finances
States are experience their worst fiscal situation in decades, but it's not just the bank that's broken, it's the system.
January 1, 2010
Defining State Debt
State borrowing takes on so many forms that it's hard to figure out what the total is.
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January 1, 2010
Energy Program Comes Under Fire
Oregon's popular energy tax credit program may have created green jobs, but it's drained millions from the general fund.
January 1, 2010
Fighting Foreclosures Using Emergency Management Tactics
Local governments are building ad-hoc networks to tackle housing foreclosures.
plemov's picture
January 1, 2010
Is Municipal Bond Insurance Dead?
Bond insurers used to back roughly half of the entire municipal market. Not anymore.
jgoodman's picture
January 1, 2010
Top 10 Legislative Issues to Watch 2010
In the wake of the Great Recession, here are the topics that will capture the attention of state legislators.
December 16, 2009
The 'Amazon Tax': Friend or Foe?
Some fear the battle to force online retailers to collect sales taxes could neutralize tax revenue.
December 14, 2009
Volunteers for Justice
New Jersey can't afford to hire all the lawyers it needs in government, so it's asking for volunteers.
December 10, 2009
Mini-Medicare Proposal Could Solve Municipal Retiree Benefits Problems
Police, fire and teachers could use Medicare at 55, cutting localities' costs.
December 10, 2009
Municipal Bonds Under the Gun
The old reliable source to borrow money for "making money" has fallen on hard times.
December 10, 2009
New Retiree Benefits Scam: "Insurance Arbitrage"
Squirrelly insurance deals are too good to be true.
December 1, 2009
Health-Care Reform and Grandpa's Care
The House plan could be a boon for states by altering the way long-term care is provided and paid for.
December 1, 2009
How Much Reform Can Providence Handle?
The challenges just keep coming for Mayor David Cicilline.
December 1, 2009
Local Government and Recall Fever
This year saw more than 100 recall efforts targeting mayors, city councils and school boards.
jgoodman's picture
December 1, 2009
Should Cities Be in the Mega-Hotel Business?
Some of the most intense local skirmishes are over convention-center hotels.
December 1, 2009
The New Normal Economic Environment
Even in a post-recession economy, leaders must learn to say no.
December 1, 2009
The New Normal Economic Environment
Even in a post-recession economy, leaders must learn to say no.
plemov's picture
December 1, 2009
Unhealthy Economy, Sick People
The recession may have a lasting and negative impact on the nation's health.
December 1, 2009
Washington's New Stinginess
There's no more cash for state and local governments in the latest round of federal spending to prop up the economy.
November 19, 2009
High-Tech Snow Removal
To keep from blowing this year's snow removal budget, Chicago is deploying Global Positioning Systems, sensors and cameras to plow the streets.
November 14, 2009
Are Tax Amnesties a Good Idea?
They can bring in a lot of quick revenue, but they raise some tricky issues.
November 12, 2009
A Housing Market on the Mend
There are signs that a housing recovery is on its way. That's good news for state and local revenues.
November 12, 2009
A Housing Market on the Mend
There are signs that a housing recovery is on its way. That's good news for state and local revenues.
November 12, 2009
California's Dirty Little Withholding Secret
How the Golden State "borrows" money from taxpayers — interest free.
November 12, 2009
Can the Bond Insurers Survive?
The "B" word shows up in earnings and news reports.
November 1, 2009
A Boost for the Muni Bond Market
Build America Bonds are like the cash-for-clunkers program: They bring buyers in.
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November 1, 2009
Albuquerque Voters' Republican Gamble
Richard Berry scored an upset victory in the mayoral race. How will he govern?
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November 1, 2009
Can Higher Ed Control Its Costs?
Colleges are facing the same dilemmas as health care providers.
November 1, 2009
Energy Efficiency: The Stimulus Windfall
Once-small state and local energy offices find themselves loaded with federal dollars.
jgoodman's picture
November 1, 2009
Tax Troubles in Arizona
Republican Jan Brewer's struggles have emboldened challengers.
November 1, 2009
The States' Stupid Budget Tricks
This year may set a record for gimmicks they used to balance their books.
November 1, 2009
The Ticking Fiscal Clock
In this state and local fiscal mess, realism may be the only option.
October 21, 2009
How to Win an Income-Tax Hike
For Columbus’ mayor, it was a last resort. Getting the voters on board took a lot of groundwork.
October 15, 2009
Is Health Care Reform a Medicaid Torpedo?
States could get clobbered with new costs.
October 15, 2009
Making the Most of Muni Bonds
With interest rates about as low as they can go, this is turning out to be a very good time for governments to borrow.
October 15, 2009
Making the Most of Muni Bonds
With interest rates about as low as they can go, this is turning out to be a very good time for governments to borrow.
October 6, 2009
Finding the Money for Health IT
The feds are providing a half-billion dollars to help states launch health information exchanges. It isn't nearly enough.
October 1, 2009
A Spending Spree in Kentucky
City and county associations have lavished large sums on travel and entertainment.
October 1, 2009
Disappearing Dues in Kansas
Fees that boards and commissions that regulate professions collect are being raided to balance the state budget.
October 1, 2009
For Cash Managers, New Investment Risks
Inflation, rising interest rates and company defaults are among the perils.
October 1, 2009
For Louisiana's Governor, Jolts from Washington
Federal rules complicate fiscal life for Bobby Jindal.
jwalters's picture
October 1, 2009
For Unions, Tough Bargaining Times
Mayors are asking public employees to to give up raises to save their cities.
zpatton's picture
October 1, 2009
My Big Fat Pension Payoff
Publicizing $100,000 pension checks is a way to reform the pension system — or kill it.
jgoodman's picture
October 1, 2009
Stimulus Results: Difficult to Pin Down
Some jobs are saved, but how many?
October 1, 2009
The Weaknesses of Sweeping Privatization
The most important question is not whether private investment in roads and other public infrastructure will revive, but the degree to which it should.
October 1, 2009
Why State Fiscal Forecasts Are Far Off the Mark
Budget prediction is an inexact non-science.
September 24, 2009
Retirement Benefits and the Incumbent Employee Conundrum
Bill baby boomers for their retirement costs — before they get away.
September 24, 2009
Retirement Benefits and the Incumbent Employee Conundrum
Bill baby boomers for their retirement costs — before they get away.
September 23, 2009
Information for Innovation
Data is nice, but information is better, faster, cheaper.
September 23, 2009
The Next Federal Grant System
The stimulus law’s transparency requirements won’t shed much light on the achievement of objectives.
September 23, 2009
Time for a Fat Tax?
The anti-obesity forces want to target soda pop and other sugary drinks. Two experts review the pros and cons.
September 17, 2009
As Faith in the Almighty Dollar Erodes, There's Hope in TIPS
Inflation-indexed bonds are good for retirement plans as well as the U.S. dollar.
September 17, 2009
In This Economy, Less-Bad News is Good News
There are hints the recession is turning around. But relief for states and cities will take a lot longer.
September 17, 2009
Putting a Price on Portfolio Safety
Is your attitude toward risk penny-wise and pound foolish?
September 17, 2009
Putting a Price on Portfolio Safety
Is your attitude toward risk penny-wise and pound foolish?
September 16, 2009
How Four-Day Weeks Work
One researcher is conducting nationwide surveys to determine the best ways to implement this type of schedule.
jgoodman's picture
September 4, 2009
Concierge Medicine and the States
Can concierge doctors save primary care medicine? That's up to the states.
September 2, 2009
Accounting for Sustainability
Energy accounting will soon impact everyone — even those not directly involved in sustainability efforts.
September 2, 2009
Where Less is More Efficient
Atlanta's four-day workweek has unexpected results.
September 1, 2009
Abdicating the Budget Role to the Governor
Illinois legislators opted to punt their problems into next year.
September 1, 2009
California: Paying the Price for Indulging Citizens
The Golden State's voters opted for more schools, roads and research, but then refused to pay for them.
September 1, 2009
New Jersey's 'Non-Operating' School Districts
Even with no students, they get a tax break.
August 27, 2009
Pooling Energy Buying Power
With energy costs still reasonable, now more than ever is the time to lock in prices. An innovative program in Boston helps small businesses do just that.
August 20, 2009
A Game-Changer for Government Retirement Markets?
The next-gen target-date funds for 457 plans have lower fees and consistent returns.
August 20, 2009
Reflections on the S&P at 1000
It's time to revisit and rebalance investment allocations.
August 20, 2009
Small Loans for State Employees
Virginia provides its employees with small, short-term loans in the hope of keeping financially stressed workers away from predatory lenders.
August 19, 2009
The Case for Tax Cuts
No matter how bad things are, raising taxes now will hurt in the long run, argues one tax expert.
August 13, 2009
How Bad Is It?
It will be years before we know if this is the worst recession since World War II. But the signs point in that direction.
August 13, 2009
Obamacare and the States’ Benefits Budgets
Congress can't repeal the laws of supply and demand.
August 6, 2009
Will SEC Ban Pension 'Pay to Play'?
Rules should also govern 457 and 403b plans.
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August 1, 2009
Beating the Spread
Despite big-league pressure, Delaware legalizes betting on sports.