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The LATEST from WA
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- Stateline Story
Worst Is Yet to Come, Governors Say
TODAY'S TAKE: The fiscal year that begins in July for most states will be "the most difficult to date," according to a survey of 45 states released at the winter meeting of the National Governors Association.more -
- Featured Collection
- States' Fiscal Health
Fact Sheets: The Trillion Dollar Gap
This 2010 report on funding state employee retirement benefits examined the roots of states' significant shortfall and how the economic crisis spurred states into action.
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- State Fact Sheet
The Trillion Dollar Gap: Washington
Washington needs to improve how it manages its long-term liabilities for both pensions and retiree health care and other benefits.
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- Report
- States' Fiscal Health
The Trillion Dollar Gap
States that ignored public sector retirement challenges now face growing bill coming due—bills that may have significant consequences for taxpayers. This report from the Pew Center on the States examined the roots of the problem and how the economic crisis is spurring states into action.
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- Stateline Story
2010 Elections: New Faces, Daunting Problems
Barack Obama won the presidency running on a platform of change in 2008, and change also will be the watchword in 2010 at the state level. Bruising budget battles could put voters in a testy mood and usher in a wave of new faces to lead state government, where Democrats now hold the majority of governorships and statehouses.more -
- Stateline Story
Is It Time for a New Fiscal Balance Between States and the Feds?
In his 1982 State of the Union address, President Ronald Reagan called for sweeping changes in the partnership between Washington and the states. His proposal for a grand swap of state and federal responsibilities would have relieved states of one of the fastest-growing burdens on their budgets today. Congress never acted on Reagan's proposal, and his idea to fundamentally rethink the financial ties between states and the federal government went dormant. Perhaps until now.more -
- Stateline Story
Talk of Tax Hikes Grows Louder
TODAY'S TAKE: Election-year tax hikes are usually the last thing politicians want to consider, but that's just what officials in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Washington state are talking about this week.more -
- Stateline Story
Governors Talk Energy with Obama
TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama on Wednesday (Feb. 3) told a group of 11 governors - including those from coal-friendly states - that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy.more -
- Stateline Story
Health Care Wrangling Could Delay State Aid
TODAY'S TAKE: Federal health care reform has been a divisive issue for states, but for some governors seeking immediate budget relief from Capitol Hill, the wrangling over the legislation is causing uncertainty. more
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- Stateline Story
2010 Speeches Are Bleak for Most Governors
With nearly three-quarters of their seats up for election this year, the nation's governors are setting the stage for 2010 by warning that the economic downturn is far from over in the states, where tax collections are weak, unemployment is surging and the likeliest outcomes will be unpopular tax hikes and sharp budget cuts. more
