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Is California The First Failed State?

npr.org
npr.org    

Experts assembled for a recent debate that featured 3 panelists arguing for the motion "California Is The First Failed State," and 3 arguing against.


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With a $20+ billion deficit, unemployment above 12% and just managing to stay afloat by massive borrowing, California is in the midst of a budget nightmare. Any tax hike would have to be approved by two-thirds of the state’s lawmakers—virtually impossible given the politically divided Legislature. Add to this situation the fact that most of the state’s spending is governed by voter-approved initiatives.

Will California find a bailout or has it become the first failed state? Are its problems unique, or could other high-spending states soon follow in its footsteps?

Those were the questions facing a group of experts, including former Governor Gray Davis, assembled on January 19th 2010 in NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts for an Oxford-style debate. Before the debate, the audience voted 31 percent for the motion and 25 against; 44 percent were undecided. After the debate only 5% were undecided. Listen to the arguments for and against and for the final audience tally.

 
Monday, February 08, 2010
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