state budget

Incentive Solutions

The paper reviews the research literature relevant to economic development incentives provided by state and local governments, and recommends reforms in these incentives. The author argues that
the main problem with current incentive policies is that state and local governments often provide incentives that are not in the best interest of that state or local area.

Developments in State-Level Financial Incentives for
Stationary Fuel Cells in the United States 2003-2004

To update a March 2003 report from the Solar Center, which catalogues states’ efforts regarding fuel cell technology, the report highlights newly formed state programs and incentives in 2003 and early 2004. Summaries are given for 10 new incentives for which fuel cells are eligible.

Financial Incentives for Fuel Cells

The report provides a summary overview of the state-level incentives and policies that are listed on DSIRE. Such incentives include: industry recruitment incentives; corporate tax credits; net metering; grant, rebate and loan programs; production incentives; personal tax credits; tax exemptions; and other state-level policies.

Fiscal Survey of States: June 2003

The semi-annual survey presents aggregate and individual data on the states’ general fund receipts, expenditures and balances. States trimmed spending dramatically in fiscal 2003 and in governors fiscal 2004 budget proposals. Fiscal 2003 general fund spending grew by a meager 0.3 percent above fiscal 2002 levels.

Brief Overview of State Fiscal Conditions and the Effects of Federal Policies on State Budgets

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that state revenues actually dropped by a total of $21.6 billion during FY03. Adjusting for inflation and population growth, state revenues for FY 2003 were $56.9 billion less than in FY01, the center finds. California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virginia are singled out as facing the largest deficits going into the next fiscal year, which begins next July for most states.