State Economies Archive
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State Revenues Plummet
Updated November 12, 2008
Newly available data compiled by the Rockefeller Institute of Government show conclusively that state revenue dropped sharply in the July-September 2008 quarter, creating large, additional state budget shortfalls.[1] All indications are that revenue collections will worsen further in coming months. Of the 42 states for which … -
The Impact of State Income Taxes on Low-Income Families in 2007
October 29, 2008
Poor families in many states faced substantial state income tax liability for the 2007 tax year. In 18 of the 42 states that levy income taxes, two-parent families of four with incomes below the federal poverty line were liable for income tax. In 15 states, poor single-parent families of three paid income tax in 2007. And 26 … -
Video: Testimony of Iris J. Lav on "Economic Recovery: Options and Challenges"
October 20, 2008
Hearing Titled: “Economic Recovery: Options and Challenges” There are 29 states that closed shortfalls of $48 billion in enacting their fiscal year 2009 budgets (for the year beginning July 1, 2008 in most states). The shortfalls equaled 9 percent of these states’ general fund (operating) budgets. Since fiscal year 2009 budgets … -
States Face Two Immediate Financial Issues: Short-Term Borrowing and Big Budget Deficits
Updated October 10, 2008
States face two distinct financial problems right now. First, California and Massachusetts officials last week raised concerns about their states’ ability to access credit markets for short-term borrowing. Second, most states have been facing budget deficits that have forced, or … -
House Stimulus Plan Effectively Targets Fiscal Relief to States
September 26, 2008
The House Leadership’s new stimulus proposal includes more than $14 billion in fiscal relief for states. This is designed to help states avert budget cuts and tax increases that they otherwise will have to institute to balance their budgets but that will make the economic downturn worse by withdrawing demand from the … -
Key Components of House and Senate Economic Recovery Packages Would Boost the Economy and Provide Needed Relief to Struggling Families
September 26, 2008
Congress is properly focused on designing an appropriate measure to address very serious problems in the financial markets, which many experts persuasively argue is essential to help avert a meltdown in the financial markets and a potentially severe recession. The problems in the financial sector, however, are not the only ones the … -
Policy Points: Four Helpful Hints for States Dealing With Deficits
March 12, 2008
States, facing their worst fiscal problems in five years, should consider the following four policy options when dealing with deficits: (1) protect their revenues from the effects of federal tax changes, (2) tap their "rainy day funds," (3) don't rule out revenue increases, and (4) avoid "stimulus" tax cuts. At least 25 states, including several of the … -
Economic Data Can be Used to Target State Fiscal Relief Effectively
March 3, 2008
States are experiencing major budget problems; more than half faced or are projecting deficits for the 2009 fiscal year. To meet their balanced budget requirements, many states have had to raise taxes and/or cut expenditures for services such as health care and education — actions that deepen the nation’s economic problems and offset some of … -
Fiscal Stimulus at the State Level?
February 29, 2008
Policymakers in many states are proposing tax cuts or rebates that they hope will “stimulate” their economies. Such proposals have been issued by governors and/or leading legislators in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, among others. The proposals vary, but many are modeled at … -
New Federal Law Could Worsen State Budget Problems
Revised February 28, 2008
The federal “economic stimulus” package enacted on February 13 not only cuts federal taxes, but also threatens to reduce many states’ corporate and personal income tax revenue this year and next year. The potential revenue loss comes at a particularly problematic time for states, because about half the states … -
Is It Raining Yet? Yes, and It’s Time for Many States To Use Their Rainy Day Funds
February 21, 2008
Executive Summary After they emerged from the fiscal crisis earlier in the decade, many states began preparing for the next economic downturn by setting aside “rainy day funds,” or reserve accounts designed for use when revenues decline or expenditures increase unexpectedly because of downturns, natural disasters, or other events. A rainy day fund serves … -
Using Income Taxes to Address State Budget Shortfalls
February 21, 2008
States are on the brink of their worst fiscal problems since the 2001 recession. At least half the states are anticipating budget shortfalls for next year (fiscal year 2009). For those states that have estimated the size of the gap, estimated deficits range from $34 billion to $38 billion in total. Among affected states, … -
29 States Faced Total Budget Shortfall of at Least $48 Billion in 2009
January 15, 2008
For the most up-to-date information on state budget shortfalls, please view our newer analysis: "State Budget Problems Worsen: 13 States Face New Shortfalls" At least 29 states plus the District of Columbia, including several of the nation’s largest states, faced …




