In Search of Solutions to States' Budget Gaps

New York State leaders and national experts on state finances explored fiscal problems facing the states and examined potential solutions at the Institute’s first national conference on states’ long-term budget gaps. New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch called on both elected leaders and citizens to demand greater budgetary discipline.
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Recession or Not, State Tax Revenues Drop

State tax collections for the third quarter of 2009 showed a double-digit decline from the previous year -- for the third consecutive quarter, according to this Institute report. While the revenue picture improved modestly from the preceding two quarters, budget woes are likely to linger at least through 2010.
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States, Counties to Act on Health Reform

As Congress considers health reform proposals aimed at providing insurance for more Americans, state and local governments will face major new challenges of cost and implementation, according to government and academic experts speaking at this Dec. 16 public policy forum.
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Talks on Fiscal Recovery, Health Reform

Donald J. Boyd spoke Jan. 28 to the Forecasters Club of New York about the economy and state/local government finances, addressing why economic recovery differs from fiscal recovery. Courtney Burke spoke Jan. 21 to the State Academy of Public Administration about federal health reform and New York State.
Boyd on finances Burke on health reform

From Our Experts...

A Dropout Crisis: Teachers Leaving Schools

By Kenneth R. Howey
The student dropout problem is a real crisis. And there is a second major dropout problem, which has not been chronicled as widely — teacher dropouts. The exodus of teachers is highest in urban, high-poverty schools, where they are leaving in increasing numbers and early in their careers.

New York's Budget: Thinking About Tomorrow

By Robert B. Ward
Governor Paterson’s proposed budget asks that state leaders start thinking about tomorrow as they consider today’s proposals. The budget gap looming a year from now is more than $14 billion – a problem no one in Albany or any other state capital knows how to solve.