Archives: State Budgets / Articles
Archives: State Budgets / Articles (page 16)
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The Williams Report
Budget: Colorado: Colorado’s Budget Shortfall Grows State expenses are growing faster than revenue. Delaware: Governor Carney Presents Budget Reset Plan for Fiscal Year 2018 To close…
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State of the State: California
The governor is right: we cannot “construct some alternate universe of non-facts that we find more pleasing.” California’s economic outlook currently ranks 46th nationally, according to Rich States, Poor States. Ignoring the impending fiscal collapse due to unfunded pension liabilities, failing to reduce the onerous tax burden, and pretending that a state carbon emissions crackdown will alter global climate only will force others to flee Governor Brown’s vision of the future.
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State of the State: Kentucky
On a very bright note, Bevin signed legislation into law earlier this year that officially made Kentucky a right-to-work state, an important step in attracting business and expanding freedom of choice for workers on the decision regarding unionization. A continuation of this spirit of reform bodes well for the state’s future.
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State of the State: Texas
Republicans and Democrats in the Lone Star State surely can celebrate Texas’ resilience. Governor Greg Abbott began his State of the State address acknowledging the economic toll of falling…
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State of the State: North Carolina
Democratic Governor Roy Cooper began his first State of the State address highlighting the shared interests of all Tar Heel State citizens, but quickly turned to lambast certain Republican-sponsored policies…
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State of the State: New Jersey
The governor praised legislators for reducing the state sales tax and increasing the exclusions for the state’s estate tax; but he failed to mention the tax cut savings are almost entirely offset by the enormous 23-cent per gallon increase in the gas tax. This year’s sales tax reduction of 0.125 percent will save consumers a whopping $1.25 on a $1,000 purchase; meanwhile, the gas tax hike will cost twice this much on a single 11 gallon fill-up.
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State of the State: Pennsylvania
Enacting common sense budgetary reforms, eliminating some cronyism, and blocking attempts to increase taxes yet further are commendable. But this will not reverse Pennsylvania’s economic malaise. Accomplishing this will require bold reduction in twin burdens of bureaucracy and tax burden.
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State of the State: Maine
Under Governor LePage’s leadership, Maine’s economic outlook has improved from 48th in 2011 to 38th in 2016. But the tax hike and minimum wage increase threaten to roll back all of the recent progress. The governor recognizes this economic peril. His economic agenda address the problems created by the twin referendums from this fall. The outcome depends on whether or not state legislators heed his warnings.
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The Williams Report
Budget: California: San Diego Unified Approves $124 million in budget cuts San Diego may be facing layoffs after $124 million cut from the education budget. Illinois: 10…
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State of the State: Montana
With unemployment almost as low as it has ever been in Montana at 4 percent and household incomes on the rise, Governor Bullock should consider allowing this growth in income to drive increases in the state’s revenue instead of increasing the tax burden on Montanans. Given that there are “over 6,500 listed job openings” throughout the state that businesses are struggling to fill, Montana’s employers cannot afford tax hikes.
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State of the State: New York
Governor Cuomo’s discussion of important issues such as tax relief certainly is encouraging. However, picking winners and losers with taxpayer dollars and increasing spending will not help New York’s economy to thrive. Instead, legislators should focus on a continued reduction of the state’s burdensome corporate and personal income taxes. An unshackling of the ingenuity and dreams of New Yorkers will fuel a better life for all.
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State of the State: Oregon
Improving the Beaver State’s dismal 41 out of 50 economic outlook rank demands serious reforms. Streamlining government and reforming pensions can help address Oregon’s massive budget shortfall. Pro-growth tax reform would be another step in the right direction and would encourage more families, job creators, and taxpayers to call Oregon home.
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The Williams Report
Budget: Connecticut: Six Things To Know About The State Budget Governor Malloy attempts to address budget shortfalls through a combination of wage negotiations and increasing tax revenue.
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Priority-Based Budgeting is Right Solution for Wyoming
Wyoming can no longer afford to ignore the elephant in the room – budget shortfalls as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, Wyoming’s fiscal problems will not improve by…
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Arizona Celebrates Economic Outlook in Rich States, Poor States
Along with ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson, the Center for State Fiscal Reform hosted a celebratory event in Phoenix, Arizona, earlier this week. For the second year in a row,…
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Setting the Record Straight on Open Contracting
An interesting exchange occurred in the Wisconsin Senate last Wednesday. During discussion of a bill that would prohibit the state of Wisconsin or political subdivisions from requiring Project Labor…
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State of the State: Maryland
"It is encouraging that Governor Hogan is looking for ways to reduce tax burdens on hard-working taxpayers, which is a welcome departure from tax-happy past administrations that even taxed rain."
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State of the State: Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s economic outlook remains bright, despite the recent localized recession as the oil boom crashed to a halt. Rather than enacting these permanent tax increases, a continuation of temporary budget constraints more adequately will preserve the Sooner State’s economic competitiveness.
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State of the State: Indiana
Governor Holcomb should continue the legacy of his predecessors by ensuring a phase-in of the tax cuts, expanding educational choice, and minimizing intrusive regulations. But attempting to short-circuit organic jobs growth by redistributing tax dollars from the state’s venture capital slush fund strays from good government principles. Doling out favors to politically-connected businesses and attempting to centrally direct sector growth is not reflective of free enterprise. Indiana is well-positioned to benefit from previously enacted reforms. Now is the time to build on this progress rather than engage in transformative retrogression.
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State of the State: Tennessee
If lawmakers agree to the spending-heavy budget plan touted by Governor Bill Haslam, Tennesseans will pay more at the pump but could save more while shopping and could earn a tuition-free…