Why U.S. states are in financial trouble

Twenty-seven U.S. states lack the cash to repay their debts, according to researchers at Truth in Accounting. The debts relate to public pension systems, which provide lifetime benefits to state and local government employees. About $800 billion in federal aid during the pandemic obfuscated the long-term challenges of states. As that extra aid expires economically powerful states are tightening their budgets. That could lead to tax hikes or cuts to public services like education and transportation.