Publisher
The Bond Buyer
Michael Ballinger is Publisher of The Bond Buyer and has been with the publication for over 15 years. He was instrumental in the launch of The Bond Buyer's Trailblazing Women in Public Finance, Rising Stars and Hall of Fame programs and the National Outlook conference. Before joining The Bond Buyer, Michael was head of marketing and communications at bond insurers, MBIA and CIFG for over 20 years. Prior to that, he worked at United Brands Company in the public affairs department. Michael has a bachelor of arts degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a master's degree in communications from New York University.
The cost of victim compensation for past crimes against children resulting from AB 218 is sobering. Estimates of the direct liability of K-14 schools are more than $3 billion. Counties, cities, districts and non-profit service providers are faced with exposure that is expected to exceed the K-14 liability many times over. How will agencies already challenged with structural imbalances pay for the deluge of judgements and settlements? This program will bring into focus the magnitude of the financial storm facing agencies across California, and it will also examine the condition of the insurance safety net that is recognized as the first line of fiscal defense. Lastly, experienced issuers and market professionals will explore the public finance strategies that agencies may use to overcome a fiscal challenge that may appear insurmountable.
Introductory remarks will be provided by the Bond Buyer and conference chairs.