State Budget and Tax
"The worst recession since the 1930s has caused the steepest decline in state tax receipts on record. As a result, even after making very deep cuts, states continue to face large budget gaps." Read more
Related:
- Additional Federal Fiscal Relief Needed to Help States Address Recession’s Impact
- An Update on State Budget Cuts
Basics
State and local governments are the main source of funding for K-12 education, public colleges and universities, health care, transportation, public safety, and many other services — including services for low-income and other vulnerable residents. They finance these services mostly through taxes and fees, primarily income and sales taxes. (Not every state has an income and sales tax.) Unlike the federal government, states must balance their budgets on an annual basis.
- Where Do Our State Tax Dollars Go?
- Property Tax Caps
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Featured Experts
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Nicholas Johnson
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Iris Lav
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Michael Mazerov
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Elizabeth McNichol
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Jon Shure
The Center’s State Fiscal Project works with state officials and state-based nonprofits to develop responsible budget and tax policies that take the needs of low-income families into account. We provide information and technical assistance on a variety of issues, including strengthening state tax systems, state budget priorities, and making low-income programs more effective. We also help state nonprofits understand how federal budget and tax decisions affect states and their residents.
New
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Relief for States and Struggling Families Provides Substantial Boost to Employment
November 20, 2009
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Additional Federal Fiscal Relief Needed to Help States Address Recession’s Impact
Updated November 19, 2009
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An Update on State Budget Cuts
Updated November 19, 2009
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Policy Points: Recession Still Causing Trouble for States
Updated November 19, 2009
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Recession Continues to Batter State Budgets; State Responses Could Slow Recovery
Updated November 19, 2009
- More:
- View All By Date
Of Interest
State Income Taxes Push Many Working-Poor Families Deeper Into Poverty
Promoting State Budget Accountability Through Tax Expenditure Reporting
Expanding Sales Taxation of Services: Options and Issues
Pulling Apart: A State-by-State Analysis of Income Inequality
Budget Cuts or Tax Increases at the State Level: Which Is Preferable During an Economic Downturn?
The State Fiscal Analysis Initiative
The State Fiscal Analysis Initiative brings together nonpartisan, independent, nonprofit organizations in more than 30 states. These organizations have diverse backgrounds and missions, but they share a commitment to rigorous policy analysis, responsible budget and tax policies, a particular focus on the needs of low- and moderate-income families.
