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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Pennsylvania's Capital Declares Bankruptcy

    It's been 20 years since Orange County, California filed bankruptcy under what's called " Chapter 9 ."  Now the capital of Pennsylvania, has invoked that little-used provision of the bankruptcy code. Harrisburg says it can't continue providing critical services at the same time it's paying off $300 million in debt for an incinerator project.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    It's been 20 years since Orange County, California filed bankruptcy under what's called "Chapter 9." Now the capital of Pennsylvania, has invoked that little-used provision of the bankruptcy code. Harrisburg says it can't continue providing critical services at the same time it's paying off $300 million in debt for an incinerator project. The city council's attorney says Chapter 9 will give it bargaining power with creditors and the state, which is considering a takeover. Are other cities in trouble, too? We ask Michael Pogano, Dean of the School of Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Caitlin Shamberg

      KCRW

    • KCRW placeholder

      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

      Sonya Geis

      Senior Managing Editor

    • KCRW placeholder

      Michael Pogano

      University of Illinois at Chicago

      NewsNationalPolitics
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