Publications

During the Great Recession, states faced enormous challenges related to funding a number of vital programs. One of those programs was adequately financing their unemployment insurance trust funds, a program that originated in the 1930s. As a result of the doggedly high unemployment rates in so many states during the Great Recession and previous actions taken by states (such as expanding unemployment benefits and cutting unemployment insurance taxes), the unemployment insurance funds in a majority of the states were thrust into perilous shape. By 2013, the funding position of these funds improved as a result of an advancing economy and a series of actions initiated by states.

Like many programs, state tourism efforts took a significant hit during the Great Recession. Experts argue, however, that cutting tourism marketing programs can have long-term negative consequences for state economies.

The federal government will have 50 good examples of how to make its information more transparent, as it tries to meet requirements of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, or DATA Act, which was passed by the U.S. Senate April 10.

Every state maintains a website that has at least “checkbook level” transparency for government spending as of last year. A recent report ...