-
For Two Decades, North Dakota Has Failed to Properly Fund Its Public Pensions
NDPERS' funded ratio was only 72 percent, with $1.2 billion in pension debt, in July 2019.
-
Instead of Boasting, Florida Should Be Bracing for Bad Pension News and More Debt
If FRS’ investment returns come in at -5 percent for this fiscal year, FRS' unfunded liabilities could grow to $47 billion.
-
A Bailout Won’t Fix the U.S. Postal Service
The USPS lost about $78 billion from 2007 through 2019 due to declining mail volumes and increased costs.
-
Why Some State Pension Plans Are Better Prepared for Market Volatility Than Others
Varying approaches to risk, plan assumptions and commitment to funding help explain the disparate impact of the coronavirus crisis and market volatility on public pension plans.
-
Three Ways to Ensure Education Funding Reaches the Students Who Need It Most
Three principles to guide education and stimulus spending during the coronavirus pandemic.
-
Reviewing the Impact of Budget Cuts on Student Outcomes
Researchers claim to have found evidence that spending cuts harm students. But perhaps what they actually found was that state regulations harm students.
-
S&P Presents Guidelines for Funding Pension and OPEB Plans
Unfunded pension liabilities are taking on a larger role in S&P's credit ratings determinations. This is bad news for cities and states with perpetual pension problems.
-
In Coping With the Coronavirus Pandemic, Mass Transit Agencies May Need to Reinvent Themselves
Transit ridership had been declining for several years before coronavirus, and now the pandemic promises to challenge these systems for months to come, if not permanently.
-
Colorado Considers Reducing Pension Contributions in Response to Budget Concerns
If pension contribution policies are adjusted it would result in the addition of significant long-term costs and a public pension plan that is no longer en route to full funding.
-
As Tourism Declines Due to Coronavirus Pandemic, Hawaii Faces Severe Pension Funding Problems
The Employees’ Retirement System of Hawaii had a funded ratio of just 55 percent before the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn.
-
Families Test Homeschooling During Coronavirus Pandemic
Many families are discovering homeschooling may be the best option for their kids.
-
The SAFE Banking Act Fails to Ease Challenges Facing Marijuana Businesses and Banks
The SAFE Banking Act, included in the latest round of federal stimulus spending, neglects to address steep compliance costs that confront banks that service marijuana businesses.
-
Watch Panel Discussion: Vaping, Tobacco Harm Reduction and the Coronavirus Pandemic
Discussion on what is known about the coronavirus and vaping at this time, the impact misinformation is having on tobacco harm reduction, and regulating alternative nicotine products in the age of COVID-19.
-
As Retail Industry Struggles, Cities Can Encourage Commercial-to-Residential Property Conversions
To help avoid business closures and building vacancies, cities should reduce unnecessary restrictions that may prevent businesses from adjusting to the realities of the pandemic.
-
The Estimated Funding Each State Would Get From the $3 Trillion HEROES Act
State aid per capita would range from about $1,200 in Texas and Florida to almost $40,000 per person in the Northern Mariana Islands.
-
HEROES Act Would Provide Over $2 Billion to the Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory with about 54,000 residents, has 19 reported COVID-19 cases. This funding would amount to nearly $40,000 per individual in the commonwealth.
-
The Potential of Telepharmacy Services in Times of Crisis
State level reforms to allow increased use of telepharmacy services would help address the current crisis and expand access to care after the pandemic subsides.
-
Podcast: When and How the U.S. Should Reopen Schools
What returning to school might look like during the coronavirus pandemic.