As the Nation discusses the “fiscal cliff” and the financial state of our country, states and local governments prepare for cuts in funding for programs that assist their constituents. NCIL members must be aware of the fiscal circumstance of their states for the implementation of programs that allow people with disabilities to live an independent life. The Fiscal Survey of States report, released by the National Governors Association, is one of the financial tools that can assist NCIL members in their work.
Open The Fiscal Survey of States (PDF).
From the Introduction of the Report:
The Fiscal Survey of States is published twice annually by the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) and the National Governors Association (NGA). The series was started in 1979. The survey presents aggregate and individual data on the states’ general fund receipts, expenditures, and balances.
Although not the totality of state spending, these funds are raised from state own source taxes and fees, such as state income and sales taxes. These general funds are used to finance most broad-based state services and are the most important elements in determining the fiscal health of the states. A separate survey that includes total state spending, NASBO’s State Expenditure Report, also is conducted annually.
The field survey on which this report is based was conducted by NASBO from August through October 2012. The surveys were completed by Governors’ state budget officers in all 50 states. This survey also includes Puerto Rico; however, their data is not included in the 50 state totals. Fiscal 2011 data represent actual figures, fiscal 2012 figures are preliminary actual, and fiscal 2013 data reflect state enacted budgets.
Forty-six states begin their fiscal years in July and end them in June. The exceptions are Alabama and Michigan, with October to September fiscal years; New York, with an April to March fiscal year; and Texas, with a September to August fiscal year. Additionally, 20 states operate on a biennial budget cycle. NASBO staff member Michael Streepey compiled the data and prepared the text for the report.
