US States Budget Crisis
Unemployed California workers face termination of benefits
By Rafael Azul, Roseanna Donatello, May 21, 2012
California’s unemployment rate has declined from 11 percent in March to 10.9 percent in April because many workers have simply stopped looking for work, according to figures released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Redford, Michigan schools support staff oppose privatization
By Shannon Jones, May 17, 2012
Close to two hundred people packed a school board meeting in Redford Township, Michigan to protest plans to privatize school bus, custodial and maintenance services.
California governor demands massive new cuts in response to budget revision
By Rafael Azul, May 16, 2012
On Monday, California’s Democratic Party Mayor Jerry Brown called for drastic cuts in health care and government worker pay, two days after the state announced a projected deficit increase of nearly $7 billion for next year.
Officials move to dismantle Philadelphia public school system
By Trent Novak, May 3, 2012
As part of a nation-wide attack on public education, officials in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are utilizing a budget crisis to close 64 schools and drastically restructure the public school system.
California budget crisis continues to grow
By Jack Cody, May 1, 2012
California state controller John Chiang last week reported that the state fell $233.5 million short of revenue expectations for the month of March; $125.8 million of that figure, or 54 percent, comes from a shortfall in corporate income tax revenue.
More drastic service cuts hit Detroit public transportation
By Debra Watson, May 1, 2012
Another round of cuts in Detroit’s bus service went into effect Saturday that will in some cases double the scheduled time between buses on over thirty routes in the city.
Distressed Rhode Island municipalities face bankruptcy
By John Marion, April 27, 2012
Like Central Falls before them, local Rhode Island governments are seizing on the financial crisis and the threat of bankruptcy as a pretext to tear up municipal workers’ contracts.
Detroit students walkout against school closures and deteriorating conditions
By Lawrence Porter, April 27, 2012
Over 200 students at two high schools in Detroit’s southwestern neighborhood walked out of class on Wednesday to protest school closures, poor conditions, and the growth of charter schools.
Kentucky universities to hike tuition
By Ryan Rahilly, April 25, 2012
The University of Kentucky announced Friday it is planning to raise tuition by 6 percent and suspend raises for faculty and staff.
Mayor of Yonkers, New York calls for draconian budget cuts
By A. Woodson, Alan Whyte, April 23, 2012
The Democratic Mayor of Yonkers, New York delivered a speech last week calling for a nearly 10 percent reduction in the city’s budget.
Long-term unemployed in Washington State to start losing benefits next week
By Christine Schofelt, April 20, 2012
As a result of legislation signed by President Obama, unemployed people in the state of Washington will see their long-term unemployment benefits reduced from 99 weeks to 73 weeks.
Detroit budget proposal contains drastic cuts
By Shannon Jones, April 16, 2012
Detroit mayor Dave Bing’s fiscal 2012-13 budget proposal cuts some $160 million in spending, and includes the layoff of 1,300 of the city’s 11,000 employees.
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