‘State of the States’ report issued by Pew Center

Struggles to support education and infrastructure are just a few of the problems facing state governments during — and after — the national recession, according to a new report from The Pew Center on the States.

The Pew Center, with operates www.stateline.org, uses the report to summarize state political and policy actions from the previous year and looks at potential policy directions and issues for 2009.

The report could provide insight into what Arkansas legislators face in the 87th General Assembly that began Monday. For example, the Pew report predicts some legislators will soften their stance on crime when faced with pressures to contain funding needs for criminal justice budgets. A softer stance is exactly what was recently suggested by Arkansas Senate President Bob Johnson, who said in an interview with Roby Brock that the “three strikes” rule needs to be reexamined. Johnson’s concern is that the Arkansas prison system is holding too many non-violent criminals as a result of the “three strikes” law.

“State of the States 2009 contains valuable information for those interested in state policy issues and trends,” said Susan Urahn, managing director of The Pew Center on the States. “Last year Stateline.org received more than 21,000 requests for the report and is pleased to offer it again.”

Highlights of the “State of the States 2009” report include:

• Recession trends
“The year after a recession ends is typically when state budgets are hit hardest.”

• Education
“States traditionally have been reluctant to cut school funding during hard times … This time, up against the worst economic crisis in decades, schools are not immune.”

• Corrections
"Criminal justice reform — for years a controversial issue for legislators wary of being labeled ‘soft on crime’ — is finding new proponents as public officials seek ways to save money.”

• Energy
“After being in the forefront of energy and environmental policymaking for nearly a decade, states may be thrust into a more subordinate role in 2009.”

• Infrastructure
“By 2055, as much as $338 billion a year could be needed to maintain the nation’s transportation system.”

• Medicaid
“Even before the recession, states struggled to pay their share of $330 billion in fiscal 2007 for Medicaid coverage for more than 59 million low-income Americans and $8.6 billion for 7 million children and parents covered by the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.”

Copies of State of the States 2009 may be downloaded in PDF form or requested in print form at www.stateline.org.