Research Details

Abstract

We find a negative association between a state?s fiscal condition and the use of discretion in applying Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules to understate pension funding gaps. We also find that the use of discretion is negatively associated with states’ decisions to increase taxes and cut spending. In addition, we find that the funding gap understatement is positively associated with higher future labor costs. Importantly, this association is primarily attributable to the GASB methodology, which systematically understates the funding gap. This suggests that the GASB approach is associated with policy choices that have the potential to exacerbate fiscal stress.

Type

Article

Author(s)

James Naughton, Reining Petacchi, Joe Weber

Date Published

2015

Citations

Naughton, James, Reining Petacchi, and Joe Weber. 2015. Public Pension Accounting Rules and Economic Outcomes. Journal of Accounting and Economics.(2-3): 221-241.