State Policy Reports

March 2020, Volume 38, Issue 6

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 first quarter of 2020, Utah remained in the top spot, while Virginia and California most closely approximated the national average economic performance.

March 2020, Volume 38, Issue 5

Opioid Funding by State

In recent years, Congress has increased funding for states to deal with the opioid crisis.

A Last Hurrah

The Urban Institute released a summary of state tax collections in January 2020.

A First Step

Congress increased state Medicaid matching rates in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

February 2020, Volume 38, Issue 4

Budget Process Challenges

The Volcker Alliance has updated its analysis of good state budgeting practices. The results vary by state and measure, but the report notes that retiree benefits and transparency remain challenging for some states. It also makes an argument for accrual accounting.

Intergovernmental Dependency: Is the Sky Falling?

Another recent report tackles intergovernmental finance, focusing on state and local reliance on federal funds.

February 2020, Volume 38, Issue 3

A Federal Budget Refresher

It’s been almost 20 years since the federal budget was in balance. This issue of Reports deconstructs the broad trends in federal revenues and spending that have contributed to a yawning budget deficit. It also touches on the president’s recent budget submission.

January 2020, Volume 38, Issue 2

Federal Spending Per $1 of Taxes Paid

States have an enduring interest in their “terms of trade” with the federal government. Because of persistent deficit spending, most states get more than $1 in spending for every $1 they send to the federal treasury. But a few states are net donors.

January 2020, Volume 38, Issue 1

New Year, New Minimum Wages

Twenty-one states began 2020 with higher minimum wages. Others will see increases later in the year. How do states compare once their minimum wages are adjusted for differences in the cost of living?