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States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds
For Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D), the convergence of bad economic times and a depleted state emergency savings account is a familiar experience. When Baldacci stepped into office in 2003, he inherited a recession-battered economy and an empty reserve account, also known as a rainy day fund. As a result, he and the Legislature faced […]
Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement
Looking to shield their work forces from tumultuous cutbacks, at least six cash-strapped states have decided this year to spend millions on incentives to encourage government employees to retire. As the job security traditionally associated with state employment becomes increasingly uncertain in the face of large-scale layoffs and furloughs, these buyouts give states the chance […]
Ga. Hotline Aims to Cut Mental Health Costs
Even as the recession chips away at mental health services across the country, Georgia’s around-the-clock psychiatric hotline is finding a way to weather the storm – and other states are watching closely. The Peach State’s Crisis and Access Line’s philosophy is simple: By making it easier and faster for patients to get the psychiatric care […]