Economic Downturns: Protecting State and Local Budget Priorities in Challenging Times
States have been hit unevenly, but all face long-term uncertainty
State governments play a fundamental role in the lives of residents by collecting taxes and using that revenue to pay for schools, transportation, public safety, and other policy priorities. In particularly challenging times, when revenue is volatile and priorities may need to be reassessed, it is important that lawmakers manage budgets effectively to mitigate fiscal stress. Although leaders cannot control many external factors that influence state and local fiscal health—such as global economic conditions, federal policies, or demographic changes—they do decide how to react to those events. And these actions can help determine whether a state or locality remains fiscally sound.
In this series of publications, experts at Pew explore the limits that states face when preparing for fiscal stress and provides key considerations for leaders making budgetary decisions. The series also details fiscal and economic policy recommendations for managing effectively during unforeseen events (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and preparing for future uncertainty.
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Fiscal 50: State Trends and Analysis
MORE FROM PEW
Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive
Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:
- Maps, trends, and customizable charts
- 50-state rankings
- Analysis of what it all means
- Shareable graphics and downloadable data
- Proven fiscal policy strategies
Welcome to the new Fiscal 50
Key changes include:
- State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
- Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
- A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.