The State of the States: Fiscal Crisis in the 1990s

Abstract

Our first purpose is to tell the story of the development of the fiscal crisis of the states and to examine why it has taken on a new economic and political importance. Then, on the basis of that analysis, we argue that progressive forces have an opportunity now to affect both immediate responses to the crisis and the longer run economic role of government. Our examination of the fiscal crisis of the states leads to some particular proposals for a progressive response — a response based on principles of democracy and equality.