Reexamining Federalism Through the Pandemic

Our View on Linking Government Relief and Reform

Introduction In the face of dire projections about state and local government, our national leaders have resumed their familiar roles in another partisan skirmish. The Democratic House has passed a $3 trillion aid package for state and local governments, but Senate Republican leaders have expressed reservations. The truth is that many jobs—teachers, police officers, firefighters…

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Our View on the Need for Government Reform

Introduction As Congress debated another Covid-19 stimulus package, Senator McConnell shared his skepticism about government aid, suggesting that we should allow states (especially those with distressed pension funds) to go bankrupt. Looking past its dubious legality (states cannot declare bankruptcy under federal law), unintended irony (Kentucky has a dismal pension funding ratio) and breathtaking cynicism,…

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