To Cut Health Costs, One State Makes Patients Shop Around
California is saving millions making people compare prices for certain medical services.
Authors
Penelope Lemov is a correspondent and part-time editor for GOVERNING. She writes two e-newsletters -- one on finance, the other on taxes and revenue -- and edits features and columns every month. She is the former Health columnist for GOVERNING and was senior editor for several award-winning GOVERNING features. She is also the founder and writer of the blog, www.grownchildren.net.
The Calming of Incarcerated Minds
Meditation can improve inmates’ mental health better than traditional care, which is why it’s being reintroduced in some prisons.
Recipe for a Successful Wellness Program
Studies are mixed on the effectiveness of incentivizing employees to get healthier. But one county is chalking up some big savings.
Why Alibaba Offers Hope for Online Sales Taxes
Will Congress be swayed by the entry of a Chinese e-commerce competitor?
A Green Bond for Public Pensions
Pension plans want to support environmental projects, but there is one thing holding them back.
Can Income Tax Cuts Boost a State's Economy?
Two researchers say the answer comes down to how a tax cut is financed.
Cut! States Are Walking Back Film Tax Credits
Many states are rethinking once-popular production incentives -- a contrast from California, which is offering more to protect one of its biggest industries.
Congress Considers Reviving Risky Bonds to Boost Small Businesses
Industrial development bonds historically have the highest default rate, but a bill in Congress would revamp them.
States Take Note: FATCA Is Here
After years of planning, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act is finally in effect. How will it affect your state?
The Complexities of Taxing the Cloud
Cloud sales are expected to generate billions in revenue this year, but state and local governments are unsure whether they can (and how they would) tax them.
States Search for Retirement Security Beyond Obama’s myRA
The president’s public retirement savings account only goes so far, so about a dozen states are looking for alternative ways to help their many constituents who have no nest egg.
2 Reasons to Be Upbeat About the Muni Bond Market
Although issuance is down, there have been a few good developments on the municipal bond front.
Corporate Tax Attacks in the States
At the same time states are looking to beef up corporate tax collections, they are also cutting corporate taxes.
Is it Time to Put a New Commuter Tax in Drive?
D.C.'s Tax Revision Commission has suggested an unusual way to broaden the city's tax base -- and get around the federal government.
The Time May Have Arrived for Online Sales Tax Fairness
Partially driven by a devastating alternative, Congress appears closer than ever to passing an Internet sales tax bill.
Public Pension Portfolios vs. Hedge Funds
A group of local pension plans has a strategy to fight 2-and-20 fees and lower the costs of private equity investments.
The Future of Financing Infrastructure
With the ways for funding transportation infrastructure changing, what options do Congress and the states have left?
10 Budgeting Tips for Long-Term Financial Planning
A new report lays out several fiscal planning tools that can help officials see what's sustainable.
Will the 2014 Muni Market Be Good for Issuers?
Analysts see a better year ahead, but say there are factors that could cause a 2013 repeat.
Taking a Tax Bite Out of Bitcoin
Do states and localities have a revenue interest in virtual currencies?