[ARCHIVE] Make Your Move

The Pros and Cons of Increased State and Local Government Spending

Jan. 18, 2013

States are spending more, but they need to take a longer-term view.

A recent Bloomberg article states “State and local governments expect 3.9 percent revenue growth, and are expanding hiring and construction.” There is no doubt that this is good news for contractors and that construction jobs will be created as government construction spending ramps up on increased federal, state, and local revenues. There is also no doubt that the infrastructure in the US needs help. I also believe there is little doubt that there will be a lot of wasted money on needless projects, but that is how the game works.

What bothers me is that underlying the good news is the fact that as soon as governments get a little more money they are going back to their old spending ways without apparent regard to the fact that they are facing increased Medicare costs, retirement costs, and most likely less federal assistance as Washington grapples with a trillion dollar deficit.

But current expenditures still exceed revenue, a fact which means more borrowing at the state and local level. It would be consistent with sound fiscal management to use the increase in revenue to build up rainy day funds and reduce the debt burden in an effort to keep a light or at least a flat tax burden. The current course will only lead to higher state and local tax needs in the future.

About the Author

Alan Beaulieu Blog | President

One of the country’s most informed economists, Alan Beaulieu is a principal of the ITR Economics where he serves as President. ITR predicts future economic trends with 94.7% accuracy rate and 60 years of correct calls. In his keynotes, Alan delivers clear, comprehensive action plans and tools for capitalizing on business cycle fluctuations and outperforming your competition--whether the economy is moving up, down, or in a recession.

Since 1990, he has been consulting with companies throughout the US, Europe, and Asia on how to forecast, plan, and increase their profits based on business cycle trend analysis. Alan is also the Senior Economic Advisor to NAW, Contributing Editor for INDUSTRYWEEK, and the Chief Economist for HARDI.

Alan is co-author, along with his brother Brian, of the book MAKE YOUR MOVE, and has written numerous articles on economic analysis. He makes up to 150 appearances each year, and his keynotes and seminars have helped thousands of business owners and executives capitalize on emerging trends.

Prior to joining ITR Economics, Alan was a principal in a steel fabrication company and also in a software development company.