A Public Pension Time-Bomb?
August 2, 2017
Public-sector pension plans appear to be underfunded by over $1 trillion. This shortfall will place strains on many state and local governments.
Debt and Deficits
The U.S. federal government has been habitually spending more money than it receives in taxes, running federal budget deficits every year but 5 since 1969. The federal debt, which is the accumulation of these deficits over time, can pose risks to the U.S. economy. But, in times of economic distress, a rising debt might be needed to buffer the economy. Our posts cover whether debt should be cause for concern; welfare spending and the federal budget; state and local finance; and the impact of COVID on public finance, among others.
August 2, 2017
Public-sector pension plans appear to be underfunded by over $1 trillion. This shortfall will place strains on many state and local governments.
July 26, 2017
Current immigrant flows are not estimated to cost taxpayers money over the long-run. But, state and local governments might see increased expenditures.
July 25, 2017
Welfare programs are a small part of the federal budget. Disability Insurance might be a better target to reduce government spending and increase employment.
May 16, 2017
U.S. tax policies contributed to Puerto Rico's debt crisis. The island's status as a U.S. territory is likely to complicate and delay resolving the problem.