An example of US government bailout mismanagement is the state of Arizona. The state of Arizona’s massive budget deficit is the second largest in the nation (California, which represents the world’s fifth largest economy, is first), and is projected to be $3 billion in 2010.
Of the $2.4 billion of its current baking debt, $0.86 billion is revolving and $1.59 billion is non-revolving (such as auto loans, student loans and other personal loans).
As for Calirnonia, a large percentage of the original investment capital came from California pension funds, including the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), the largest US teachers’ retirement fund with a membership of 833,000, and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) that manages retirement benefits for more than 1.6 million California public employees, retirees, and their families.
After an extraordinary infusion of liquidity by the federal government, banks and lending institutions are making money again (along with big bonuses for executives) with relatively few bankruptcies.
This is because unlike residential mortgages, which are largely held by the top 10 banks and mostly guaranteed by the US government, commercial real estate mortgages are held by thousands of mid- and small-sized regional and local banks.
Also, unlike residential mortgages, there was little predatory lending to commercial real estate borrowers, who are much more financially sophisticated than someone buying their first home or car.
Ongoing challenges to the economy, even with government bailout of banks are include underwater mortgages and foreclosures, which are at historic highs.
Decreased retail means a weaker economy and increased unemployment.
The combined effects of unemployment, a real estate crisis, the recession, low savings, and over-extended lifestyles, have placed great strains on banks and other lending institutions in all three categories.
Unemployment, devalued home prices and market psychology pose significant challenges.
The recession changed people’s attitudes.
Prior to the recession, people were maxing out credit cards often on extravagant or unrestrained lifestyles.
Right now, one out of every two homes in Phoenix is underwater or in foreclosure.
This fact makes a potential commercial real estate crisis even more troubling, since it points to a structural flaw.
For example, in January 2010, the owners of one of the largest apartment complexes (Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village) in Manhattan strategically defaulted on their commercial real estate holdings by simply turning over the keys to the lenders and walking away.
The chapter concludes that while many believe that all these government bailout money recovery efforts are necessary, many others feel that the mounting national debt and unforeseen consequences of government meddling may pose a greater threat to recovery. Unfortunately, most of this money is not reaching the people who need loans to stay in their homes, maintain or start businesses, complete construction projects, go to college, buy automobiles, or pay off personal debts.