All articles tagged with #state budget
Virginia Senate Democrats advanced a budget amendment that would boost legislators’ pay by about 278% (nearly 300%), as part of their budget package. Republicans criticized the move as unaffordable and potentially raising taxes, and the proposal would still need approval from the House and a governor’s signature to become law.
PPIC’s February 2026 statewide survey finds Californians worried about a $2.9 billion budget gap and the cost of living, favoring lower taxes and fewer services with health and human services as a priority. About 62% of adults and likely voters approve of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget, while views on closing the gap split (43% via spending cuts, 39% via a mix, 8% via tax increases). An overwhelming 77% want voters to have a say on spending and taxes at the ballot box, and 61% support raising taxes on the wealthiest to reduce the gap. Newsom’s approval stands around 51% with the Legislature at 46%. Californians remain pessimistic about the state and national directions, disapprove of ICE and the president, and the governor’s race in June features five leading candidates (Hilton, Porter, Bianco, Swalwell, Steyer) in a close top-two contest.
The Washington Senate moved a 9.9% personal income tax on households earning more than $1 million to the House, arguing the measure would fund public defense, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and aid small businesses, while critics warn of potential economic harm; the tax would take effect in 2028 (revenues begin in 2029) and is expected to yield about $3.4 billion annually once fully phased in, with the plan exempt from the existing prohibition on new statewide income taxes and facing continued political and legal challenges.
California's governor Gavin Newsom projects a $9 billion revenue increase for 2026-27, relying on the AI-driven economy, while forecasting a modest $2.9 billion shortfall for the upcoming year, with concerns about the sustainability of the AI boom and long-term fiscal challenges including reduced housing and homelessness funding.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis claims that Jeff Bezos's move from Washington to Florida significantly impacted Washington's budget by removing its biggest taxpayer, highlighting the advantage of states without income tax like Florida amid discussions of new taxes in Washington.
Michigan House Republicans unilaterally canceled approximately $644 million in previously approved state funding for various projects, including a fire truck for Hamtramck, without prior notice to the affected groups, leading to bipartisan criticism and efforts to restore the funds. The cuts have sparked controversy over transparency, trust, and the impact on local services and projects.
Illinois lawmakers approved a $1.5 billion transit funding package without broad statewide tax hikes, relying instead on reallocating existing revenue sources and targeted sales tax increases in the Chicago area, aiming to address a significant funding shortfall for transit agencies.
Michigan House speaker Matt Hall opposes the Senate's $71 million food aid bill, citing procedural delays and preferring to use existing state funds to address the upcoming SNAP benefit pause caused by the federal government shutdown, which affects nearly 1.4 million residents relying on food assistance.
Budget negotiations between Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers have collapsed over disagreements on spending and tax priorities, with Republicans planning to proceed with their own budget proposal as the current fiscal year ends on June 30.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed the largest income tax cut in state history, aiming to make the state more affordable and reduce the exodus of residents. The new law will significantly reduce state income taxes for many working-class families and eliminate taxes for the lowest earners by 2031. However, critics worry the $5.6 billion reduction in state revenue by 2031 will lead to cuts in essential state programs and services.
The Illinois Senate approved a $53.1 billion state budget, which includes $750 million in tax hikes and a 5% pay raise for lawmakers and top officials. The budget, which now moves to the House, emphasizes education, public safety, and homelessness prevention. Despite some Democratic opposition and Republican criticism, the budget aims to address various state needs while also supporting the ongoing migrant crisis. The House must pass the budget without changes for it to reach Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk.
A cyberattack on the New York State Bill Drafting Commission has threatened to further delay the already overdue $237 billion state budget, impacting the legislative process as lawmakers and the governor work towards a full agreement. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the attack is expected to slow down proceedings and force the state to revert to older computer systems, while the state's cybersecurity team investigates the incident. Despite concerns, representatives for the State Legislature have expressed confidence that the attack will not disrupt their work on resolving the issue.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and state lawmakers have agreed to set aside the current budget plan and work towards a new budget document next month, averting a potential crisis. The bipartisan agreement aims to avoid a showdown over taxes and spending priorities, with plans to reject all of Youngkin's proposed budget amendments and then procedurally kill the underlying document. A special legislative session is expected to be held in mid-May to finalize the budget process well before the June 30 deadline.
Governor Hochul announced a conceptual agreement on key priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 New York State Budget, including addressing the housing crisis, cracking down on retail theft and illicit cannabis storefronts, fighting hate crimes, improving public safety, making record investments in mental health and healthcare, supporting students, advancing a consumer protection and affordability agenda, establishing an artificial intelligence computing center, providing funding support to mass transit systems, advancing infrastructure programs, and making record environmental investments. The total budget for FY 2025 is estimated at $237 billion, without raising income or statewide business taxes and maintaining state reserves at 15 percent.
Governor Ned Lamont is proposing the elimination of license application fees for certain jobs in education, childcare, and healthcare fields in an effort to encourage workers to fill available openings and save them about $3.5 million annually. The plan, to be included in the budget proposal presented to lawmakers in February, targets fees for educator certificates, home childcare licenses, and various nurse licenses. The proposal has garnered support from Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, who sees it as a step towards creating more opportunities and better-paying jobs in Connecticut.