"Too many local units of government in Michigan fail to fund in their current operating budgets' pension and retiree health-care (e.g. legacy) costs, as recommended by an actuary. Often, the refusal to fund arises as a concession to employee groups seeking to avoid an impact today that can be pushed into a future year's budget. But the future is now and legacy funding has become a staggering financial burden on many local governments. These costs are no longer merely the elephant in the room; they are a giant mammoth that threatens even core services.... The future of Detroit's next generation has been mortgaged."  MORE >>