Social Security goes cash negative earlier than expected

yes this year, and possibly 5X more the amount in 2012 with changes proposed.
  http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2011/10/social-security-story-s-driving-liberals-crazy/44324/

http://www.businessinsider.com/washington-post-discards-all-journalistic-standards-in-attack-on-social-security-2011-10

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/the-debt-fallout-how-social-security-went-cash-negative-earlier-than-expected/2011/10/27/gIQACm1QTM_story.html

States getting agressive with nonprofits

wanting NFPs to pitch in more for the services received.   Not a new problem, but getting more attention now http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/states-localities-squeeze-nonprofits.html

Pittsburg and Harrisburg

are two cities deep in debt, possibly involving state involvement.   This article gives a history of what is causing the current issues http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=607854

GAO avoids layoffs but possibly at

the expense of furlough days. http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20111019/DEPARTMENTS05/110190302/1001

Tax, tax, tax say the various states

as indicated by quarter 3, so many new taxes implemented.   548 changes from the year's beginning through the quarter.   This article puts forth some of the cities with the highest tax rates. http://www.accountingtoday.com/news/State-Sales-Taxes-Rise-Thomson-Reuters-60534-1.html

GASB proposes resolution to conflicting guidance

due to recent pronouncements (GASB 54 and GASB 62) Comments are due in December  http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Web/20114664.htm

Michigan moves new employees pensions to 401K

Is this a model for other states? http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-11/michigan-pension-changes-may-be-model-for-struggling-states.html

Satisfying state income tax debts through Treasury offset program

States are using the Treasury Offset Program to collect on income tax liabilities. The program allows states to intercept taxpayers’ federal tax refunds to satisfy state income tax debts, subject to certain restrictions  http://www.aicpa.org/publications/taxadviser/2011/october/pages/tpp_oct2011-story2.aspx

Older news

but novel, or is it a novel idea since it's not the first time to be discussed.  The idea: to tax toilet paper  by the roll   http://www.newsmax.com/US/Suttle-toiletpaper-tax-Omaha/2011/03/25/id/390738