Most States Held Off Draining Savings in Response to Pandemic
Only 15 tapped rainy day funds in fiscal 2020 and reserves remained near record levels. Now, better-than-expected tax revenues and federal aid could limit the need for further withdrawals.
Analysis: How Governments Can Effectively Spend American Rescue Plan Funds
If they spend wisely, states and localities can put their budgets and economies in a better position—now and in the future, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts.
To Budget for Equity, Cities First Must Define Equity
COMMENTARY | Without a clear and shared definition of equity, city leaders cannot understand the underlying conditions that create existing disparities in their community, let alone make informed budget decisions that foster equity.
One State’s Plan to Ease the ‘Invisible’ Diaper Gap for Families
A third of families nationwide experience diaper need, regardless of age, race or income, data shows. Washington state will allocate funding for diaper banks in its latest budget to help close that gap.
Texas’ Pandemic Budget Shortfall Disappears, as Latest Forecast Shows a Surplus
The latest revenue estimate doesn’t take into account all of the federal relief that has been sent to Texas over the past year by Congress through pandemic relief packages. State lawmakers have wrestled with how and who has the authority to spend that money.
As Influx of Aid Nears, Some Spending Principles For States and Localities to Consider
Billions in federal coronavirus relief payments to states and localities are expected in May. Important choices lie ahead about how to best put the money to use.
Why States Didn’t Go Broke from the Pandemic
COMMENTARY | The predictions were for a massive downturn in state finances because of COVID-19 but the predictions were wrong.
It’s Time to Reject Fines and Fees as a Solution to Budget Problems
COMMENTARY | State and local governments must dramatically reduce their reliance on this hidden regressive system of taxation that worsens racial and economic inequities.
Major US Cities Face Challenging Budget Shortfalls, Report Shows
The Pew Charitable Trusts studied 13 major cities and found they face fiscal 2021 budget shortfalls of up to 17%, and they are using creative methods to try to balance their budgets.
Local Corrections Costs Rose by $25 Billion in Last 40 Years
But the coronavirus has ushered in creative lower-cost alternative jail programs that could last long after the pandemic, local leaders say.
Could Online Sports Betting and Gambling Help Close State Budget Shortfalls?
COMMENTARY | Taxes on online betting and gambling can help government leaders boost their budgets and create sustainable economic growth.
Biden's Budget Would Up Spending on State and Local Programs
The president's initial fiscal 2022 blueprint, released Friday, calls for a 16% federal spending increase on a broad slate of domestic programs. Republicans swiftly criticized the plan.
Grading State Budget Practices at a Turbulent Time
The Volcker Alliance’s latest state budget report cards come as the pandemic has tested public finances and as historic sums of federal aid flow toward states and localities.
Which States Have the Lowest and Highest Tax Burdens?
The state with the largest total tax burden has more than double the smallest, a new ranking finds, but there is great variation in tax collection throughout the states.
States' Covid-era Budget Surpluses Could Pay For Infrastructure
Some states want to put unanticipated surplus dollars into transportation infrastructure projects.
The Overshadowed Plight of City Budgets
New federal aid offers welcome relief for many local governments, which have seen their financial difficulties upstaged at times by better-than-expected state revenues.
State Lawmakers Split Over Need for Federal Aid
Despite dire budget projections earlier on in the pandemic, many states are now anticipating surpluses this year.
Equity Budgeting in Cities: Directing Dollars Where They’re Needed Most
A growing number of cities are turning to their budget offices to help treat historically underserved communities more fairly.
Carefully Targeted Cuts Can Help With Managing Covid-19’s Hit to Budgets
COMMENTARY | Cities, counties and states are in some cases making broad spending reductions to manage the financial impacts of the pandemic. That might not be the best approach.
Covid Response and Budget Basics at Forefront for States
State governments are in a better financial position than initially thought, but pandemic-related initiatives will likely take up most of their time and resources this year, with more innovative lawmaking taking a backseat, experts said.
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