State Policy Reports

For those interested in subscribing to State Policy Reports, a recent issue is available for review:

Index of State Economic Momentum
March 2018, Volume 36, Issue 6

The Index of State Economic Momentum ranks states based on their most recent performance in three key measures of economic vitality: personal income growth, employment growth, and population growth. Reports updates the index each quarter. In the first quarter of 2018, Nevada reclaimed the top spot, while the District of Columbia most closely approximated the national average economic performance.

Annual indices are also available:

February 2019, Volume 37, Issue 3

Millennials and Boomers Go Their Own Ways

A recent paper focuses on migration patterns for two demographics: young adults and retirees.

Growing Organics

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports on the number of certified organic farms, acreage, and sales by state and by commodity.

January 2019, Volume 37, Issue 2

Stress Testing States

Moody’s Analytics has begun stress-testing states to assess their vulnerability to economic downturns and their capacity to respond.

A SNAP Gap

Some households could see as much as a 55-day gap between their February and March SNAP benefits because of the recent government shutdown.

January 2019, Volume 37, Issue 1

Disaggregating Population Changes

In addition to the annual change in state population, recently released census estimates include births, deaths, and domestic and international migration. This detail can provide insights into what’s driving changes in a given state.

SALT in the Wound

Federal and state revenue officials—as well as individual tax filers—are about to learn the impact of limiting the federal deduction for state and local taxes to $10,000.

December 2018, Volume 36, Issue 23-24

Index of State Economic Momentum

The Index of State Economic Momentum ranks states based on their most recent performance in three key measures of economic vitality: personal income growth, employment growth, and population growth. Reports updates the index each quarter. In the final quarter of 2018, Nevada claimed the top spot, while South Carolina most closely approximated the national average economic performance.

Continuum of State Fiscal Stress

Reports developed the Continuum of State Fiscal Stress to highlight four measures that can signal state fiscal stress. This edition of the continuum focuses on fiscal year 2018, a low-stress year for state budgets.

November 2018, Volume 36, Issue 22

Assessing State Tax Systems

Last month, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy released the 6th edition of its analysis of the tax burdens faced by non-elderly voters in each state.

A Turnaround in Children's Health Coverage

A new report from Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute includes data on health insurance coverage for children.

November 2018, Volume 36, Issue 21

The State-Federal Balance of Payments

An enduring question in state-federal fiscal relations is, “How much does each state get back for every dollar it sends to Washington?” A recent analysis from New York’s state comptroller provides an answer.

October 2018, Volume 36, Issue 20

State Business Tax Climate

October 2018, Volume 36, Issue 19

State and Local Finances in FY 2016

September 2018, Volume 36, Issue 17

Defense Spending by State

August 2018, Volume 36, Issue 15-16

The Potential of Regional Price Parities

July 2018, Volume 36, Issue 14

About the Sales Tax

July 2018, Volume 36, Issue 13

Count Your Children Well