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How California plans to solve its large budget deficit

Jan 12, 2024
It's not the only state with a problem.
Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom released a plan to offset a nearly $38 billion budget deficit.
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Why are some states experiencing a tax revenue surplus?

Jun 7, 2021
More than half of U.S. states took in as much or more in tax revenue between March 2020 and February 2021 than they did the year before.
In some states — including Utah, Idaho and Colorado — tax revenue went up at least 8%.
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States spend more on security facing continued threat of violence

Jan 14, 2021
It's another cost for states whose tax revenues are down due to the pandemic economic slowdown.
The continuing threat to statehouses across the country means more expenses for state law enforcement, and, in some cases, the National Guard.
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States battle over remote-worker income tax

Dec 24, 2020
Which state should get income taxes when out-of-state workers no longer go to the office?
A teacher works in her home office in Virginia. Some workers have stopped commuting across state borders, provoking skirmishes over tax revenue.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

What's at stake if states and local governments don't get more aid

Dec 8, 2020
The pandemic has squeezed state and local governments. Without more money, experts say we'll all feel the consequences.
As the pandemic forces state and local governments to cut spending, public schools deal with layoffs and furloughs.
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For state workers, revenue decreases mean job cuts

Sep 4, 2020
In Texas, leaders have already asked some departments to trim their budgets.
A Kentucky elementary school teacher leading an online class. Among the most vulnerable government workers are those in education and health care.
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A 2018 Supreme Court tax decision is helping state budgets during the pandemic

Sep 3, 2020
Ruling enabling states to collect sales taxes on online purchases turned out to be key.
States are collecting substantial online sales tax revenue while some other forms of commerce shrink.
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For public good, not for profit.

As tax income shrivels, state budgets face a pandemic reckoning

Jul 29, 2020
Many states don't have the luxury of borrowing to get through the crisis. Without more federal aid, they have few options
A cleaning crew disinfects a New York City subway car. Much of the money states received from the federal government has gone toward preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
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45 states just started a new fiscal year. None are celebrating.

Jul 8, 2020
Tax revenue is down, expenditures are up and the future's uncertain.
Public health workers in Denver check in with people waiting to be tested for COVID-19 in March. The fight against the pandemic has contributed to state budget shortfalls.
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States enter hurricane season with pandemic-strained budgets

Jun 3, 2020
Many states have already used their regular emergency funds battling the virus, and frontline workers may be exhausted.
Hurricane Irma reaches Florida in 2017. Scientists predict a destructive hurricane season this year.
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