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.

• Fiscal Survey of States, Fall 2008
  State fiscal conditions slowed for most states in fiscal 2008 and have continued to deteriorate in fiscal 2009. While nominal general fund expenditures and revenue collections increased for many states in fiscal 2008, more than half the states saw negative growth in general fund expenditures and revenue collections after accounting for inflation. Conditions in fiscal 2008 varied widely across states, as certain states prospered significantly more due to a run in commodity prices, while other states were significantly more exposed to the economic downturn sparked by the housing crisis.
• Fiscal Survey of States, Spring 2009
  The 50 states are facing one of the worst fiscal periods in decades. Fiscal conditions deteriorated for nearly every state during fiscal year 2009, and weak fiscal conditions are expected to continue in fiscal 2010 and possibly into fiscal years 2011 and 2012. While general fund expenditures and revenue collections increased for many states in fiscal 2008, the economic recession, which began in December 2007, significantly changed the fiscal outlook, resulting in almost half the states experiencing negative budget growth in fiscal 2009, and nearly three quarters of states recommending fiscal 2010 budgets with negative growth. As the severe national recession continued, tax revenues from sales, personal income, and corporate income taxes continued to come in lower than expected during fiscal 2009. Substantial job losses and significant reductions in corporate profits resulted in declines in capital gains and other investment income, an important source of revenue for states. State fiscal conditions historically lag behind any national economic recovery, which indicates that state fiscal conditions will remain weak in fiscal 2010 and likely into fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
  

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State Expenditure Report

• State Expenditure Report 2007 Published December 2008
  Similar to fiscal 2005 and 2006, states experienced stable expenditure and revenue growth in fiscal 2007. States continued their revenue recovery from the slowdown of the early 2000’s, and were able to increase spending in areas that had been neglected during the fiscal downturn. Both spending and revenue totals increased for states in almost all categories. Total state spending in fiscal 2007 was more than $1.4 trillion, including both operating and capital expenditures. Compared to the previous year, that figure reflects a 7.1 percent increase in state spending from all sources, with state funds growing by 7.8 percent and federal funds by 3.3 percent (see Tables 1 and 2). Estimates for fiscal 2008 reflect an 8.2 percent increase in total state expenditures, with state funds up by 7.3 percent and federal funds 10.6 percent higher. Since 1987, total state expenditures have increased by an average of 6.5 percent. It should be noted that twenty-one states use a biennial budget cycle, and in many cases funds are not expended evenly in the two-year cycle. This may affect total expenditures in some states
  from year to year.
  
  Total general fund revenues grew by 5.2 percent in fiscal 2007, totaling nearly $642 billion. This was less than the 8.9 revenue growth of fiscal 2006. Corporate income tax revenues saw the largest growth in fiscal 2007 at 11.4 percent, while personal income tax revenues grew at 7.6 percent, and sales tax revenue grew at 3.6 percent. General fund revenue growth is estimated to slow to 2.6 percent in fiscal 2008. Furthermore, the economic events of the second-half of calendar year 2008 indicate that both state expenditure and revenue growth will likely slow in the coming years.
  
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State Health Expenditure Report

This report provides a perspective of the significance of state health spending within the context of the nation’s provision of personal health care services. As both employers and providers of services, states have felt the demands from rising health care costs. States also have additional expenditures for population health, including an expanded role to protect the public’s safety.

• State Health Expenditure Report, 2002-2003
• State Health Care Expenditure Report, 2000-2001
• State Health Care Expenditure Report, 1998-1999

Budget Processes in the States

This report is a state-by-state compilation of data on gubernatorial budget authority, budget agency organization and functions, balanced budget requirements and other aspects of the state budget process. It is a significant reference for state budget officers and others interested in the organization and operation of state government.

• Budget Processes in the States, Summer 2008
• Budget Processes in the States, January 2002
• Budget Processes in the States, October 1999

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• Budgeting Amid Fiscal Uncertainty, 2004
• Budget Stability: A Policy Framework for States: An overview of state strategies for maintaining a balanced budget. Specific state examples are included. July 1995.

Capital Budgeting in the States

Capital Budgeting in the States - Paths to Success: A comparative analysis of capital budgeting practices in the states. Good practices in capital budgeting are highlighted. November, 1999.

Washington Report

The weekly Washington Report provides timely information on current federal and national policy issues relevant to state budgets.

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Other Publications

• Restructuring and Innovations in State Management: This report provides state examples of innovations and recent trends with regard to privatization activities, budgeting and planning processes, and mergers and consolidations of state agencies. April 1996.
• Workforce Policies: State Activity and Innovations: A detailed inventory that identifies innovations in areas such as civil service reforms, pay plans, training, quality initiatives, work scheduling, diversity in state employment, productivity incentives and pension and health care systems. March 1995.
• Debt Management Practices in the States: This report provides an overview of some of the central themes in establishing and/or revising a debt management policy. Topics include debt affordability policies, linking capital planning to debt management, and integrating debt policies with the operating budget. April 1994.
• Good Practices in Revenue Estimating: A guide for Governors that includes ten practices to improve revenue estimates. Focuses on the estimating process and on gaining consensus when developing both economic forecasts and revenue estimates. December 1989.
• State Balanced Budget Requirements: Provisions and Practice: An examination of the scope and actual provisions of states' balanced budget requirements. Specific data is provided on types of funds included, enforcement provisions and the nature of gubernatorial veto authority. June 1992.

• NASBO Recommended Reading: State Spending for Higher Education in the Next Decade is the second report published by The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education that explicitly addresses the future financing of higher education. State Spending, like its predecessor, Federal Tax Credits and State Higher Education Policy, focuses primarily on the states and presents state-by-state data on important trends.  July 1999, Harold A. Hovey.

• About the Author: Harold A. Hovey, deceased, had a lifetime of experience in fiscal policy and in forecasting government expenditures and revenues.  Mr. Hovey was president of State Policy Research, Inc. and editor of its twice-monthly newsletters, State Policy Reports and State Budget & Tax News. He published extensively on issues relating to local, state, and federal fiscal policy and management, including two books and many articles and special reports.