Liz Farmer, Route Fifty

Liz Farmer

Route Fifty

Frederick, MD, United States

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Recent:
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Past:
  • Route Fifty
  • GOVERNING

Past articles by Liz:

The Big Debate Around Statehouses: What to Do With Budget Surpluses

States had another year of exceptional revenue growth driven by a number of factors, but the conversation around how to reward taxpayers is complicated. → Read More

The Overshadowed Plight of City Budgets

New federal aid offers welcome relief for many local governments, which have seen their financial difficulties upstaged at times by better-than-expected state revenues. → Read More

Public Pensions Rally in Chaotic Stock Market, But Bigger Bills Still Coming for Governments

Pension earnings came up short this year. Eventually, that will require bigger contributions to make up the difference. → Read More

Coronavirus Will Have an Unequal Impact on School Budgets

Districts that can largely support themselves with local tax dollars are in a better position as the economic downturn continues. → Read More

Too Much Food at Farms, Too Little Food in the Stores

Faced with a supply chain disrupted by the coronavirus, agriculture departments and farm bureaus are striving to connect farmers with food banks and potential buyers. → Read More

What the Coronavirus Stock Meltdown Could Mean for Pensions

It’s not looking good, but don’t panic just yet. → Read More

Taxing Online Sales Won’t Save Cities From the Retail Apocalypse

The Supreme Court’s year-old Wayfair decision allows most U.S. states to collect sales tax from online shopping. Can cities expect a revenue bump? → Read More

Are Public Golf Courses Up to Par?

Once-popular public golf courses have become a strain on many cities’ budgets. Are municipal greens still up to par? → Read More

Poll: Americans Want More Education Funding, But Not Higher Taxes

The public is willing to raise some taxes, but only ones that create unreliable revenue streams. → Read More

This Bill Could Save Rural Governments Millions in Infrastructure Financing

A proposal before Congress would expand a provision that gives small governments and districts access to cheaper financing. → Read More

What Crisis? The Case for Not Panicking Over Pension Debt.

New research released this week shows that even pension plans with big unfunded liabilities are likely to survive in the long term. → Read More

How Nevada Plans to Solve the Marijuana Banking Problem

The state is drawing inspiration from the gambling industry to get cannabis businesses access to banks. → Read More

Small City, Big Goals: How an Unconventional Mayor Is Beating the System

West Sacramento, Calif.'s Christopher Cabaldon has revived his town and become a player on the national stage. → Read More

Late State Budgets Are Less Common This Year. There's 2 Big Reasons for That.

Still, a few states may miss the July deadline, leading to a government shutdown in some. → Read More

What's in the Disaster Aid Package for States and Localities?

Congress passed a long-delayed bill to help places recover from past (and future) natural disasters. President Trump is expected to sign it. → Read More

Funerals Are Now Unaffordable. Local Governments Are Paying the Price.

Funerals have become a luxury that many Americans can’t afford. Cities and counties are paying the price. → Read More

After San Francisco Ends 'Twitter Tax Break,' D.C. Ditches Some Tech Incentives

A week after San Francisco ended its "Twitter tax break," Washington, D.C., ditched some incentives for tech companies. → Read More

If a Recession Hits, These Are the Worst 2 States to Live In

Most states have improved their finances since the last one. → Read More

The Keys to Helping Kids Overcome Poverty

New studies shed light on how low-income children can beat the odds that are against them in school and beyond. → Read More

Should Tech Companies Be Taxed for Using Our Data?

There's a growing movement to, but some say it's a misguided policy. → Read More