State Fiscal Panels Can't Cure the Budget Blues

Policymakers in 19 states have created blue-ribbon commissions to help stabilize finances. While useful, they cannot rescue us from the budget crisis

July 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year for most states, marks a brief milestone for governors and state legislators who have faced down budget blues. But the fiscal challenge will be severe for years to come without a more dedicated focus on the long-term.