State fiscal condition is multifaceted and difficult to measure. Using a method developed in previous research, I create the cash, budget, long-run, and service-level solvency indices using fiscal year 2012 data to measure the dimensions of fiscal condition. The five states with the...

During the most recent recession, many state governments faced substantial budget shortfalls.State politicians often blame the fiscal crises created by those shortfalls on factors largely outside their control, such as the declining economy or reductions in federal aid. Others have suggested...