This survey is published jointly with the National Governors Association twice a year in the spring and fall. Narrative analysis of trends and significant developments on the fiscal condition of the states, along with tabular summaries of state general fund revenues, expenditures, and balances are included in the report. It includes both individual and aggregate totals based on states' responses to a survey conducted by NASBO. The spring survey details governors' proposed budgets while the fall survey details enacted budgets.
To order a copy of the Fiscal Survey of States, please email nasbo-direct@nasbo.org.
- Fiscal Survey of States, Fall 2011 [download]
Although state fiscal conditions continue their slow improvement in fiscal 2012, they are likely to remain constrained due to the lack of a strong national economic recovery and the withdrawal of Recovery Act funds. This slow improvement in state finances is highlighted by the 38 states that reported general fund spending growth in 2011 and the 43 states that reported spending growth for 2012. However, 29 states still have lower general fund spending in fiscal 2012 compared to the pre-recession levels of fiscal 2008. Additionally, as states are beginning to experience some improvement in revenue collections, pressure for state spending in areas such as healthcare and education continue to grow.
- Fiscal Survey of States, Spring 2011 [download]
State fiscal conditions in fiscal 2011 are somewhat improved when compared to the difficult fiscal environment that states faced in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010. This coincides with the economic recovery occurring nationally. However, states face numerous fiscal challenges as they enter fiscal 2012 including the withdrawal of significant funding that was provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). As unemployment remains elevated and consumer spending remains soft, state revenue collections continue to be affected by the economic downturn while at the same time pressure for state spending in areas such as healthcare and education continues to grow. Even though states are experiencing an improvement over one of the worst time periods in state fiscal conditions since the Great Depression, fiscal 2012 will still present states with difficult choices as they manage their budgets.
Click here for archived surveys.
Staff Contact: Benjamin Husch