A Perfect Example Why You Need To Reign In Spending Before It Gets Too Bad

Today, the Detroit schools were ordered to close half of their schools because of severe financial problems.
From the Detroit News: Swift and severe changes are coming to Detroit Public Schools.
State education officials have ordered Robert Bobb to immediately implement a financial restructuring plan that balances the district's books by closing half of its schools, swelling high school class sizes to 60 students and consolidating operations.
This week, Bobb, the district's emergency financial manager, said he is meeting with Detroit city officials and will set up a meeting with Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency to discuss consolidation opportunities in areas such as finance, public safety, transportation and other areas.
Bobb also is preparing a list of recommended school closures and Friday said layoff discussions are under way and would be announced closer to April, when notices would be issued. "We are moving forward with the plan," he said "Right now my focus is on my transition plan and the DEP (deficit elimination plan)." From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110221/SCHOOLS/102210355/Michigan-orders-DPS-to-make-huge-cuts#ixzz1Ef1DuZC0
Michigan and Detroit refused to acknowledge that there problems and used financing schemes. Detroit and until recently the State of Michigan, have been ruled the state and this is the mess they caused. Now, thousands of families will be be inconvenienced and hundreds, if not thousands of teachers and other staff will be laid off.
This is another reason why we need reform in local and state government. Most states are in financial difficulty and they need help and until recently, most government employee unions have not acknowledged this and just say give me more. Otherwise, many areas will end up like Detroit.