Increased federal funding, Gov. Janet Mills’ targeting of coronavirus relief funds and the state’s relative success in fighting the pandemic have helped.

Minnesota was staring at a $1.3 billion gap in its next budget cycle just a few months ago, but the new revenue and economic forecast projects a $1.6 billion surplus.

S&P said the proposed budget represents a step in the right direction but it will weigh the final budget and other developments before acting on its BBB-minus rating.

The governor wants the first full actuarial contribution in 25 years, spurring discussion about what else one of the nation's lowest-rated states should do.

The rating agency called the commonwealth's proposed rainy day fund withdrawal moderate.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal, rosier revenue estimates and the prospects of more federal aid are only short-term salve for the state's long-term fiscal strains.

All three phases of Maryland's public-private partnership would make it the largest P3 in the world.

Lawmakers will vote next week on a relief package agreed to by the governor and legislative leadership.

The governor has formed an Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, while committing $100 million for clean-energy initiatives that include vehicle electrification.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's says potential federal funding relief would go first to pay down short-term debts likes its Federal Reserve borrowing and the state's bill backlog.

Indiana, Michigan and Ohio budget proposals benefit from a revenue picture that is more optimistic than feared earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Howard Cure of Evercore and Maria Doulis, formerly of the Citizens Budget Commission, explore New York City's fiscal variables amid the pandemic. Paul Burton hosts. (30 minutes). Recorded Jan. 26.

Gov. Jim Justice outlined a vision to repeal the state income tax, which drives almost half of the state's general fund revenue.

The governor, in his $46 billion biennial budget proposal, called for both as the state seeks to plug a deficit from the effects of COVID-19. The plan also has a bond provision.

Local governments would get 40% of the $350 billion in direct federal aid to state and local governments.

J.B. Pritzker laid out a few details of his upcoming budget proposal, saying he won't seek a tax hike and will hold spending steady.

The state plans a series of municipal bond sales with tailwinds from upbeat fiscal news, including its first surplus on a GAAP basis.

Tom Kozlik of Hilltop Securities examines variables related to President Biden's first-stage rescue package, including market reaction, state-local aid and vaccine rollout. Paul Burton hosts; Recorded Jan. 27. (19 minutes).

The Pennsylvania governor can expect pushback from Republican lawmakers over budget-balancing plan aimed at higher wage earners.

Maria Doulis, named deputy comptroller, was vice president at the watchdog Citizens Budget Commission while Todd Scheuermann, assistant comptroller in the Division of Budget and Policy Analysis, had been secretary to Senate finance committee.