Passing the Buck: How Federal Policies are Worsening State Budget Problems

Federal policies have a major and far-ranging impact ont the fiscal situation of state government. Unfortunately, a whole set of federal polies are converging to worsen Oklahoma’s budget problems. This issue brief by OK Policy examines four broad examples of federal policies that are increasing the pressure on the state budget: 1) unfunded or underfunded federal mandates; 2) declining Medicaid contributions; 3) cuts to federal grant programs and funding streams, and 4) federal policies that restrict state taxing capacities. You can read and download the full 8-page brief or a 1-page summary fact sheet.