Pensions

• Unemployment Rate Falls in 22 States
• BY: Mike Maciag   |   March 29, 2013
• View updated jobs data for each state.

• Pension Reform Success Stories
• BY: Liz Farmer   |   April 2013
• Most states and many municipalities have passed some kind of pension reform in recent years, but only a few did so in a way that addresses the immediate unfunded liability of their plans. Plus: Has pension reform gone too far?
• 7 Comments

• How to Insult Government Workers
• BY: Mark Funkhouser   |   March 29, 2013
• There are lots of problems with pay for performance, but one of the most salient is that it implies that employees are slackers.
• 10 Comments

• Is Mayor Scott Smith Arizona’s Next Governor?
• BY: Ryan Holeywell   |   April 2013
• The businessman-turned-mayor is turning Mesa around while leading the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Could this moderate Republican bring his pragmatism and policy knowledge to the governorship next?

• The Trouble with GASB
• BY: Liz Farmer   |   March 28, 2013
• In the world of public finance, a long-running debate over what’s included in state and local financial statements is reaching new heights.
• 4 Comments

• Right-to-Work Law Takes Effect in Michigan
• Source: Detroit Free Press   |   Michigan   |   March 28, 2013
• One of the most hard-fought changes in Michigan history -- right-to-work legislation -- takes effect today, but its effects are largely unknown and not expected to be immediate.

• Camden School Board Member Departs Following State Takeover
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Camden, N.J.   |   March 27, 2013
• Following the state's takeover of the Camden School District , one of the the school board's youngest and most vocal members resigns, citing politics as the reason for her departure.

• Remembering Tom Clements
• BY: Bill Bott   |   March 25, 2013
• The leader of Colorado’s prison system, who was killed last week, was a hero to communities that probably never knew his name.
• 3 Comments

• Can Illinois Seal the Deal on Pension Reform?
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Illinois   |   March 25, 2013
• Legislators have moved slowly so far on the issue of pension reform. After a successful House vote last week, can lawmakers keep the momentum going?

• Before Right-to-Work Begins, Michigan Unions Rush to Sign Contracts
• BY: Stateline   |   Michigan   |   March 22, 2013
• All over Michigan, public employee unions are scrambling to cement long-term contracts with school districts, higher education institutions and local units of government before the state’s right-to-work law takes effect March 28.

• Illinois House Passes Pension Reform
• BY: Liz Farmer   |   Illinois   |   March 22, 2013
• House lawmakers in Illinois have passed the first step toward significant reform of the state's woefully underfunded pension system, but the controversial move would limit cost-of-living increases.

• Building a Culture of Efficiency in Government
• BY: Stephen Goldsmith   |   March 20, 2013
• Small savings can add up to real money--and better services.
• 2 Comments

• Colorado Prisons Chief Killed on Eve of Gun Laws Signing
• Source: Denver Post   |   Colorado   |   March 20, 2013
• Tom Clements was shot and killed in his home Tuesday night, right before Gov. John Hickenlooper signed bills Wednesday morning to place new restrictions on guns. Authorities are searching for a suspect and a motive.

• SEC Stepping Up Enforcement Against States, Cities
• BY: Liz Farmer   |   March 20, 2013
• Last week, Illinois was only the second state to ever be accused of securities fraud -- but it may not be the last. The SEC's head of municipal securities wants to increase its enforcement.

• Furloughs Save $1B Less Than Expected in California
• BY: McClatchy News   |   California   |   March 18, 2013
• The California Legislature's budget advisors say the state will owe $1 billion extra to many workers when they retire or quit for vacation time unused when they took unpaid days off.