Question of the Month - February 2005

What were the General Fund (Nominal) Expenditure Changes by Percentage in the SLC states in fiscal years 2004 and 2005?

Most states in the region experienced modest budget growth between fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, with three states (Maryland, South Carolina and Texas) experiencing declines over this period.  Between fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2005, state budgets are expected to grow across the region (with one exception, Oklahoma).  Interestingly, while budget growth in the region was below the national average for fiscal 2004, it is expected to be above the more robust growth anticipated for fiscal 2005.   

State

Fiscal 2004

Fiscal 2005

Alabama

0.3

7.9

Arkansas

8.5

2.9

Florida

5.0

11.6

Georgia

1.5

0.7

Kentucky

1.6

4.0

Louisiana

4.4

1.7

Maryland

-0.8

8.7

Mississippi

3.9

3.0

Missouri

4.4

7.6

North Carolina

6.1

8.2

Oklahoma

3.9

-1.4

South Carolina

-2.6

4.3

Tennessee

5.6

9.1

Texas

-4.0

0.1

Virginia

2.2

8.2

West Virginia

2.9

10.0

SLC Average

2.7

5.4

US Average

3.0

4.5

 

Source:                  National Association of State Budget Officers

Note:                     Fiscal 2004 reflects changes from fiscal 2003 expenditures (actual) to fiscal 2004 expenditures (prelim. actual).  Fiscal 2005 reflects changes from fiscal 2004 expenditures (prelim. actual) to fiscal 2005 expenditures (appropriated).