Opinion polls show a big gap between the public's desire for services and its willingness to pay for those services

Persistent budget shortfalls have created subtle spending shifts and a kitchen-sink mentality to close budget gaps without cutting services

State and local government spending has steadily increased across the district, and states have unique spending priorities

The fall in state tax revenue during the current recession and the one in 2001 highlights an increase in the variability of this source of revenue that has been observed over the past two decades or so. But states have sources of revenue other than taxes. However, while providing a relatively...

Macroeconomic conditions and tax structures jointly determine the growth and volatility of state tax revenues. Since a variety of economic conditions exist among states, government policymakers should carefully anticipate and consider the possible impacts of proposed tax reform and revenue...

In recent years, a growing number of scholars and policymakers have concluded that the federal government has become too large and powerful, intruding into affairs better handled by states and municipalities. Based on this premise, they have argued for a reduction in federal aid, the conversion...