Tight Expenditure Limits Can Impede State Economies

A strong state economy requires high-quality public services like schools, public colleges and universities, and well-maintained infrastructure, among other services.  Businesses need well-educated, healthy, and qualified workers.  They need convenient and well-functioning roads, bridges, and ports.   And they’re more likely to locate in places with a good quality of life that includes publicly financed amenities like parks and libraries.

Nevertheless, some states are considering adding or tightening restrictions on the growth of state expenditures — through either amending their constitutions or enacting statutes — that could make adequate public investments impossible.