TaxVox: State and local budgets

State Tax Debates Could Use Some (Customized) State Economic Data

November 12, 2019 –

Politicians love to make claims about tax policy. This tax cut will create jobs! That one forced the school district to fire teachers! But too...

State and Local Issues

Colorado and Texas Voters Face Big Tax Questions This Year

October 28, 2019 –

Like most states, Colorado and Texas do not have legislative or gubernatorial elections in 2019. Still, their voters are facing tricky, and potentially far-reaching, tax...

Fiscal 2019 Was A Strong Revenue Year For Most States But 2020 May Be Less Robust

October 14, 2019 –

State revenue growth was strong in fiscal year 2019 (July-June for 46 of the 50 states), but not as robust as in 2018. And temporary...

States Must Be Aware Of How Big Changes In Federal Law Affect Their Revenue Codes

August 19, 2019 –

All states with an income tax link to the federal tax system to some degree. This system of federal-state conformity helps taxpayers by standardizing the...

State and Local Issues

The Federal Government Can Help Baltimore And Other Cities in Trouble, But It Takes More Than Money

August 13, 2019 –

The recent feud between President Trump and Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD) over conditions in Baltimore may have one benefit: it lets us reopen a debate...

Why Future Tax Reform Must Look Well Beyond Itemized Deductions

July 24, 2019 –

For decades, the debate over tax reform has focused on lowering rates and broadening the tax base. That is, curbing or even eliminating the annual...

State and Local Issues

The Census Is About Nearly $1 Trillion In Federal Spending, Not Just Elections

June 27, 2019 –

The US Supreme Court’s decision to leave a US citizenship question off the 2020 Census ( for now ) has focused unusual attention on the...

State and Local Issues

Your Guide to States and Localities: The Governments That Are Still Open

January 25, 2019 –

Whenever the federal government goes completely nuts , it can be comforting to remember the United States is a highly decentralized country . Fifty states...