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Depleted sales tax revenue means states have to cut budgets

Jun 4, 2020
Texas is already near the bottom in per capita spending on education, and cuts would only make it worse.
A bar boarded up in Austin, Texas, in May. Texas is one of seven states without an income tax, so it relies more heavily on sales taxes.
Tom Pennington/Getty Images

State and local governments pinched as pandemic hits tax revenue

Apr 30, 2020
Many will be forced to tap rainy-day funds or turn to the bond market to make ends meet.
Union Station in Los Angeles. States and municipalities may turn to the bond market to support transportation systems and other facilities.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Could tax reform lead to millionaire tax flight?

Nov 21, 2017
Local politicians worry that eliminating state and local tax deductions could send the rich packing.
A U-Haul truck sits in front of a U-Haul store in Morton Grove, Illinois.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Illinois lottery: You're a winner! Oh. No, you're not!

Sep 14, 2015
Officials say they can't pay some winners because of a state budget impasse.

California's budget goes from red to black

Jan 11, 2013
California governor Jerry Brown has pulled an impressive disappearing act. After years of being severely in the red, Brown says the state's huge budget deficit is now gone.

Brice Harris: California community colleges face education 'rationing'

Nov 5, 2012
Through the recession, community colleges have assumed a heavy burden: Get people ready for jobs at a time of tight employment and tight budgets.

California budget surplus turns into shortfall

Feb 22, 2012
The Golden State didn't collect as much income tax from wealthy residents as it had predicted.

For public good, not for profit.

Budget surplus, weather important to Michigan economy

Feb 22, 2012
The state of Michigan actually has a budget surplus on its hands, in large part due to big cutbacks put in place by the governor.

California faces more budget cuts

Nov 17, 2011
The state of California is receiving much less in revenue this year than it projected.

Anatomy of a State Budget, Now Try to Balance It

Feb 9, 2011
If you're curious what it takes to keep a state budget balanced this amazing visual explainer from infographic-star Jess Bachman of JessNet break...