The author discusses public sector interest arbitration in New England (except NH), where each state has enacted statutory factors for which the parties must present evidence (or stipulations), and if they fail to do so, for which the arbitrator or board may be obliged affirmatively to seek such evidence from them. The arbitrator must then consider these factors. The author opines that, if the public has less money to spend on public employees, the logical consequence (excluding the possible effects of increased efficiency) is a reduction in services”; that the inability-to-pay should not require public employees to bear a disproportionate share of governmental belt-tightening.