Jerry Brown's California Pension Reforms Have Done Little to Rein in Costs
The governor pushed for sweeping action in 2011 to close a funding gap and ease the burden on taxpayers. Then lawmakers blocked his most ambitious ideas.
No Pension Reform for Pennsylvania; N.J. City to Sue Neighbors Over Sewers
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Florida Keys ends in-person jail visits; the ACLU wants Utah county's police footage; Colorado's $2.39B marijuana impact.
Chicago Teachers Strike Averted; Kentucky Confronts Lexington’s Panhandling Ban
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Oso landslide legal settlements in Washington state; Oklahoma failed to obligate disaster recovery funds; and an Oregon county challenges state over dam.
Tears Over Oregon’s Pensions ‘Moral’ Dilemma; Texas Warning Over Refugee Resettlement
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Cancer-causing metal in New Jersey water systems; South Dakota city leaders spar in meeting; and Florida’s new invasive species discovery.
Examining California's Pension Gap
It was a deal that wasn’t supposed to cost taxpayers an extra dime. Now the state’s annual tab is in the billions, and the cost keeps climbing.
Appeals Court Ruling on ‘California Rule’ for Pensions; Colo. Cops Busted Over ‘Pokémon Go’ Pursuit
Also in our State & Local Daily Digest: Alaska’s law on moose roadkill theft; transparency fight in Pittsburgh; space balloon project in Ariz. county prompts questions over gift ban violation.
New Analysis Has Somewhat Better News for State, Local Public Pensions
But challenges and uncertainty persist, especially for deeply troubled retiree benefit systems in states like Kentucky and Illinois. “Some plans are still in real trouble.”
The ‘Sky Is Really Falling’ on Jacksonville?; Calif. Lawmakers Call for Judge’s Resignation
Also in our State and Local Weekend Digest: N.Y. attorney general questions internet speed and ‘stolen’ land in N.C.
Long-Term Obligations Vary as a Share of State Resources
Unfunded pension liabilities are states' largest liabilities.
This Partnership Aims to Help Cities Create Sustainable Employee Benefits Plans
Unfunded pension liabilities are a big problem for municipalities.
As Session Nears End, Budget Agreement Eludes Kentucky Lawmakers
New proposals emerged from House Democrats and Senate Republicans on Tuesday, as the governor and the House speaker exchanged barbs.
Pennsylvania’s Governor: Budget ‘Time Bomb’ Is Ticking
In Harrisburg, Tom Wolf warns that the state risks a ‘fiscal catastrophe’ as tensions with General Assembly lawmakers show no signs of abating.
Pa.'s Auditor General: Other Municipalities Could Benefit From Harrisburg’s Pension Management Approach
Eugene DePasquale says using a “shared investment manager” could help places in the Keystone State facing pension troubles get their plans on track.
Kentucky’s New Governor: Ignoring ‘Our Financial Problems Is No Longer an Option’
In his inaugural budget address, Matt Bevin repeats his intentions to scale back Medicaid expansion and shut down the state’s health care exchange.
Illinois Knocked by Researchers for Sub-Par Budgeting Practices
A new report offers up four budget-making principles and says the Land of Lincoln has not done well following any of them.
Difficult State Pension Challenges Await Kentucky’s New Governor
Matt Bevin promised to reform the state’s public worker pension systems. But the Republican faces an uphill struggle.
Here’s What Local Governments Could Have Done With the $43 Million Spent on That Afghan Gas Station
Doing the cost comparison leads to some eyeopening discoveries.
States Move to Bolster Private Retirement Savings
More than two dozen are considering a variety of plans, which one Brookings Institution expert says might “constitute the most important step toward retirement security in decades.”
Calif. Fire Chief’s Improper Pension Use; Memphis Mayor-Elect’s Policy Playbooks
Also: Columbus bridge infested with spiders and no new fantasy sports regulation in Texas.
Rahm Emanuel Has Bad News for Chicago Taxpayers; San Francisco Bay’s Microplastic Problem
Also: Alarmed in Kansas about a Texas voting rights case and setting up syringe disposal boxes in Maine.
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