“We wanted to know how much money we owe our retirees, and how much of that money we don’t have.”
~ Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas (June 22, 2011)

We know the Federal and State governments are in serious fiscal trouble. Having overspent and over borrowed, they are now faced with the real prospect of having to reduce jobs, spending programs and retirement related benefits.

But the States and the Federal government are not alone.

During the boom times of entitlement spending and government largess leading up to the financial crisis, local governments that include cities and counties spent their share of forward earnings as well. And now those uncontrolled fiscal policies are coming home to roost.