Strengthening State Fiscal Policies

As the economy slowly begins to recover, many families are still facing difficult challenges. For state policymakers to successfully support these families it is critical that they make decisions that lead to effective and efficient policy solutions. A new report issued by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Strengthening State Fiscal Policies for a Stronger Economy, provides guidance on fiscal policies that can create jobs now and lead states to long-term economic prosperity. The report suggests that in this year’s legislative sessions policymakers should:

• Restore state revenues quickly and target investments to get the economy back on track;
• Avoid ineffective strategies and gimmicks that weaken the state’s economy;
• Protect state services and investments that create jobs over the long term to ensure a sustained recovery; and
• Strengthen opportunities for families and children to contribute to the economy by avoiding cutbacks in their purchasing power while also making sure they have the supports they need into the future.

Each recommendation in the report links to analysis describing the best practice in greater detail.

For more resources on making sound policy decisions for families in difficult economic times visit our Policymakers’ Corner, which provides a fact sheet series on Jobs, Economic Growth and an Educated Workforce for the Future.

For results-based public policy strategies for families visit PolicyforResults.org and check-out What Works.