State Debt
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The LATEST
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- Stateline Story
Rhode Island Faces an Investment Gone Awry
After an investment many questioned from the beginning, Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios bankruptcy has left Rhode Island with a significant debt to pay, and facing questions over the future of economic development efforts. more
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- Stateline Story
Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012
Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues. more
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- Stateline Story
Will States' Credit Suffer From S&P Federal Downgrade?
TODAY'S TAKE: Politicians and financial analysts are preparing for the ripple effects of a first-ever downgrade of the federal government's credit rating, including what it might mean for states.more -
July 1, 2011
The Debt Ceiling Debate
This brief examines how a potential default by the federal government could present serious challenges to states and cities. more
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- Stateline Story
Do States Control Their Fiscal Destiny? Not as Much as They May Think.
State leaders love to make promises about healing a sick economy. Often, though, economic success depends on factors far beyond their influence. more
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- Stateline Story
GOP Governors Are Key for Obama Debt Plan
TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans on Capitol Hill are skeptical about an Obama administration plan to help struggling states by shoring up their debt-ridden unemployment systems. Attention now turns to GOP governors. more
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- Stateline Story
How a Small Town's Bond Bust Led to a Model State Debt Policy
Lewisburg, Tennessee, got tangled up in an interest rate swap deal gone bad. As the town of 11,000 wrestles with the fiscal fallout, the state comptroller is forcing local governments to think hard before they engage in exotic investment deals. more
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- Stateline Story
Future of Popular Build America Bonds Program in Doubt
The Obama administration helped financially distressed state and local governments by subsidizing a borrowing program for infrastructure projects. The program is scheduled to end Dec. 31, although the lame duck Congress may extend it.more -
- Stateline Story
Despite Debt Fears, Voters OK Most State Bond Measures
Where borrowing was on the ballot Tuesday, voters usually said yes. Meanwhile, Colorado affirmed its ability to issue debt.more -
- Stateline Story
Painful Choices for Incoming Crop of State Leaders
A new report shows that voters are willing to make some sacrifices to avoid fiscal disaster. What they don't realize is how big those sacrifices might have to be.more