State Policy Reports

December 2019, Volume 37, 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 2019, Utah claimed the top spot, while Arkansas most closely approximated the national average economic performance.

The 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 focuses on fiscal year 2019, another banner year for state finances.

November 2019, Volume 37, Issue 22

Gee Whiz Data: Sin Taxes

Everything you ever wanted to know about sin taxes is available in a new Tax Policy Center analysis.

Tracking Unemployment Rates

Reports monitors state unemployment rates to look for signs of weakening state economies.

November 2019, Volume 37, Issue 21

State and Local Finances in FY 2017

The Census Bureau has released its state and local finance series for fiscal year (FY) 2017, which allows an apples-to-apples comparison of tax structures and burdens among the states. This issue highlights the revenue data.

October 2019, Volume 37, Issue 20

It Pays to Play

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released national and state data that measure the outdoor recreation economy in 2017.

Poverty Rates: Down but Up

Based on the recent release of 2018 American Community Survey (ACS) data, the Economic Policy Institute examines poverty rates by state.

Unemployment Rates: Low. But Rising?

Reports tracks changes in state unemployment rates in recent months.

October 2019, Volume 37, Issue 19

Disaster Relief, Fiscal Capacity, and Total Taxable Resources

The high cost of disaster assistance has been on the federal government’s radar for some time. This year, the feds took a step toward doing something about it.

September 2019, Volume 37, Issue 18

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 third quarter of 2019, Nevada retained the top spot, while Alabama most closely approximated the national average economic performance.