This post was originally published on the Public Notice: Bankrupting America Blog. Surprise, confusion and frustration pervade reactions to nearly 200 super-downgrades of municipal credit ratings that occurred over the past year. The Wall Street Journal details reactions by city officials who witnessed ratings drop, and in the 196 cases of super-downgrades, by more than three notches. … Continue reading
This post was originally published on the Public Notice: Bankrupting America Blog. In an era when tweets announce an earthquake faster than its tremors, the US Postal Service might buck the speed trend to save $1.5 billion. As reported by The Washington Post, allowing one additional day for First-Class and Priority Mail deliveries would reduce costs associated with the premium … Continue reading
This post was originally published on the Public Notice Research & Education Fund: Washington Could Learn a Lot Blog. And no we’re not talking about the Presidential or House Speaker kind. No, their “Golf Summit” experience doesn’t cut it. We need to look at professionals. And with the PGA Championship continuing through Sunday, now is the … Continue reading
This post was originally published on the Public Notice: Bankrupting America Blog. Standard & Poor’s recent downgrade of the United States’ credit rating leaves 13 states with higher ratings than the federal government. As reported by USA Today, S&P has yet to announce plans to downgrade the ratings of states and municipalities, but the effect may be felt … Continue reading
This post was originally published on the Public Notice: Bankrupting America Blog. Nuclear waste, like the leftovers in your refrigerator, should be disposed of before its storage overflows. But unlike your leftovers, not disposing of nuclear waste properly has proved to be quite expensive. Washington has defaulted on its promise to transfer waste to repositories, … Continue reading
This post was originally published on the Public Notice: Bankrupting America Blog. With uncertainty surrounding spending cuts in the debt ceiling deal, lawmakers in states and municipalities are bracing for potentially weaker streams of federal cash. And the amount at stake is sizable, with states set to receive $586 billion from the federal government this year, and … Continue reading
This post was originally published on the Public Notice: Bankrupting America Blog. Marshalling a NASCAR race and flying to an Apple Festival provide “essential services” to the citizens of Virginia, at least according to Gov. Robert McDonnell’s recent use of state planes. As reported by The Washington Post, Gov. McDonnell traveled 140 days during his first 17 months … Continue reading