States Can't Go Bankrupt

The Wall Street Journal carried an op-ed last week arguing that many key provisions of President Obama’s jobs bill are intended as a bailout for “blue states” (defined as Democratic states with heavy union presences) and that other aspects of the same bill might make things worse for the same …

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Written by Eli Lehrer on Monday September 19, 2011

Low Tax States Don't Equal High Job States

As one explores the common threads among states with improving economies, current Republican rhetoric, with its heavy emphasis on tax policy, may cloud the issue. The Department of Labor has released its state-by-state labor numbers: joblessness had declined in 24 states, risen in 13 (and …

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Written by Harry Graver on Monday June 27, 2011

State Pension Funds: Who's in Worst Shape?

Which states have the worst pension fund liabilities? Here's a hint: both of Obama's home states make the list. Here are the states in worst liability shape according to Pew : Hawaii, $16.6 billion in liabilities, only 69% funded. Kentucky, $34 billion in liabilities, only 64% funded. …

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Written by David Frum on Thursday February 24, 2011