Report says states now in worse fiscal shape than earlier believed
By ANNE KNOWLES
A new report on the financial outlook for the nation’s states says Montana could reach a debt-driven “tipping point” in 2038.
The Fiscal Health of the U.S. States, a report by Jeffrey Miron with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, says a more sober assessment of states’ pension funds liabilities as well as projected growth [...]
Missouri may hit debt-driven ‘tipping point’ in 2032
By Brian Hook
Missouri Watchdog
When including pension fund liabilities as well as projected growth in health care costs, Missouri could reach a debt-driven “tipping point” in 2032, according to a new report on the financial outlook for the nation’s states.
The Fiscal Health of the U.S. States, research byJeffrey Miron with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, outlines why most [...]
VA’s credit rating hangs in balance of debt ceiling debate
By Bill McMorris
Old Dominion Watchdog
ALEXANDRIA — Virginia's greatest strength during the recession also could prove to be its Achilles’ heel, if the federal government defaults on its debt in August.
Read More →New accounting rules bring pensions to forefront
By Bill McMorris
State and local governments still will have more than two years to delay new accounting standards scheduled to be released Friday.
Those standards should expose billions of dollars in debt now hidden deep in annual financial statements and kept off the books.
Uncertainty is what makes muni bond buyers bonkers
By Frank Keegan — It’s not how many. It’s which. That is the great unknown chilling municipal bond markets. Felonious accounting practices by state and local governments make it impossible for investors to determine the one factor that makes munis attractive: Bonds are supposed to be a sure thing.
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