US States Budget Crisis
Michigan legislature enacts new attacks on workers, democratic rights
By Lawrence Porter, December 22, 2012
The Republican-controlled state legislature has passed a series of reactionary measures in its “lame duck” session.
Chicago diverts taxes to investors, plans privatization of services
By Alexander Fangmann, December 19, 2012
Two recent reports reveal the extent of redistribution of city tax revenues to corporate interests while cuts to services deepen.
Massachusetts governor outlines new round of budget cuts
By John Marion, December 13, 2012
The Democratic governor of Massachusetts, a close friend of the president’s, is calling for major cuts in social programs to close a state budget gap.
Michigan enacts right-to-work law
By Andre Damon, Jerry White, December 12, 2012
The inability of the UAW and other unions to mount any serious opposition to the anti-worker law reflects the political bankruptcy of these organizations and the erosion of support among workers for them.
Washington DC parents and teachers express outrage over schools plan
By Ed Hightower, Nick Barrickman, December 8, 2012
At a public meeting held by school authorities, parents and teachers spoke out against the consolidation of the district and the shutting down of 20 schools.
Washington, DC chancellor announces closures of dozens of public schools
By Nick Barrickman, November 19, 2012
The planned closures, consisting of mostly elementary and middle schools, would largely fall on the impoverished southeast section of the city.
California: Pension fund brings lawsuit against Compton
By Julien Kiemle, November 7, 2012
The California Public Employees' Retirement System filed a lawsuit against the city of Compton after it stopped paying its contributions to the fund.
Chicago mayor threatens to cut pensions of teachers and city workers
By Alexander Fangmann, October 15, 2012
In a speech to the city council, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced plans to lead an assault on teacher and public worker pensions by spearheading statewide pension “reform.”
New York Public Library backs off 42nd Street reconstruction plans
By Sandy English, October 6, 2012
After vehement opposition, the New York Public Library has altered plans that would have changed the character of the main research library in mid-Manhattan.
Poverty rises dramatically in Michigan
By Debra Watson, October 5, 2012
Poverty in Michigan increased a staggering 66 percent since 2001, the largest such increase of any state in the country.
Democrats, Republicans plot post-election assault on Medicare, Social Security
By Kate Randall, October 3, 2012
Discussions are underway in the US Senate to forge a deal on sweeping cuts to social programs in the aftermath of the November 6 election.
Detroit water workers go on strike
By Shannon Jones, October 1, 2012
Some 950 workers at the Detroit Department of Water and Sewerage struck Sunday morning over massive attacks on jobs, pay and benefits.
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