Symposium introduction

Abstract

In this introductory essay, the authors describe a new public finance characterized by enduring revenue constraints; mounting budgetary claims from accruing liabilities for post-retirement benefits for government employees, rising health care costs, and an aging population; and uncertainty about future budgetary demands and resource limitations. The new public finance is described as a convergence of economic and demographic forces with past practices that increased the fiscal vulnerability of states and local governments. The authors explain that states and local governments will not overcome challenges by relying upon traditional ways of thinking about and conducting business but instead must revamp frameworks for practice. Symposium papers are described as tackling several of the most pressing issues facing governments today with an eye towards rethinking customary approaches.

Citation

LaPlante, J.M. and Honadle, B.W. (2011), "Symposium introduction", Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 189-214. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBAFM-23-02-2011-B003