Special purpose governments

and the perceived inefficiencies.   Mosquito abatement, West Nile Virus.....necessary but effective?   If the wages and pensions are more than the insecticide, that is the question!   Illinois is featured in its prominence with the most local governments.   More than any other state.   The article refers to these as feifdoms that provide handouts to a select few.   There is a chart to look at the other states as comparison across the nation.   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-28/reagan-revolution-misses-tax-fiefdoms-flourishing-in-u-s-.html

Survey results of public pension administrators

http://www.ncpers.org/Files/%282013117%29%20NCPERS%20Public%20Retirement%20System%20Study%20Report%20-%20Final%20Public%20Version.pdf

From the overview: The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS)undertook a comprehensive study exploring retirement practices of the public sector.  241 responses, 82% local governments and 18% state.   Study found the governments are continuing to respond in ways to keep the pensions sustainable.   The 41 page pdf is accessible at the link

Federal government shutdown costs billions

here's wishes for a speedy resolution to this issue.
http://www.fiercegovernment.com/story/shutdown-costs-economy-billions/2013-10-10?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

State and Local governments taking too long to

get their financials ready.   Issues for muni bond investors who want timely information http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/08/municipals-reports-timing-idUSL1N0HY1J620131008

Vatican published annual report - a first

Here is the press release:  http://www.ior.va/Portals/0/Content/Media/PressReleases/Comunicato%20stampa_IOR_Rapporto%20Annuale%202012_ENG.pdf

The overall website is accessible from http://www.ior.va

A couple articles follows:

http://www.mondayvatican.com/vatican-finances/vatican-finances-the-ior-will-publish-its-balance-sheet-2


http://247wallst.com/banking-finance/2013/10/01/the-vatican-bank-annual-report-now-open-a-true-first/?utm_source=247WallStDailyNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=OCT022013A&utm_campaign=DailyNewsletter

Lesson in reckoning with obstacles as they occur

rather than "kicking the can" down the road.  http://www.thestreet.com/story/12059944/1/political-popular-obstacles-block-pension-changes.html