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John E. Petersen

John E. Petersen

Columnist

John E. Petersen was GOVERNING's Public Finance columnist for over two decades, with more than 40 years of experience in domestic and international finance conducting research, financial advisory work and teaching. He was a professor at the School of Public Policy at George Mason University. He passed away April 4, 2012.

Texas is leading a charge to get rid of the accounting rule that forces states and localities to tally the future costs of health benefits for retirees.
Even if the Wall Street bailout works, state and local governments will have fiscal problems for a long time.
In Massachusetts, there is an ongoing disconnect between enjoying the good things in life and paying for them.
A Supreme Court case on state exemptions of interest income from muni bonds could fire up big changes in the bond market.
The U.S. Supreme Court expresses its fondness for muni bonds and accepts the way things are.
For many issuers, going to market without insurance is unappetizing. But that may be changing.
The financial genius overestimates the risk of default on insured muni bonds.
The municipal bond market is dealing with uncertain times -- not of its own making.
States and localities should use the current fiscal trauma to adjust and amend the ways they raise money.
When the collection of revenue is too convenient, it can lead to consequences that may or may not be intended.