Excess in the state’s special funds may help ease budget concerns

A perfect storm is about to crash into many states

A perfect storm has arrived on the ledgers of many state budgets, bearing down on the people who often need help the most.Federal and state policy decisions, the end of pandemic aid and long-term fiscal trends — such as people aging into Social Security benefits — are requiring states to take a toug...

A perfect storm is hitting state budgets — and the most vulnerable will feel it most

A combination of funding pressures have left many states struggling to figure out how to survive with less money as they create their budgets for the coming year. (Photo illustration by Iuri Gagarin / Getty Images)A perfect storm has arrived on the ledgers of many state budgets, bearing down on the people who often need help the most. Federal and state policy decisions, the end of pandemic aid and long-term fiscal trends — such as people aging i…

Excess in the state’s special funds may help ease budget concerns

More than 200 special financial accounts at 20 state agencies are being examined by Hawaii lawmakers for excessive holdings that could help pay for general state expenses amid a challenging budgetary environment. A bill was introduced in January targeting 212 special accounts for potential transfers of “excess” balance amounts to the state’s general fund. Senate Bill 2921 doesn’t specify how much money is being eyed for transfer but notes that a…

Federal funding cuts shift state budgets

CAPTION: A combination of funding pressures have left many states struggling to figure out how to survive with less money as they create their budgets for the coming year. (Photo illustration by Iuri Gagarin / Getty Images)A perfect storm has arrived on the ledgers of many state budgets, bearing down on the people who often need help the most. Federal and state policy decisions, the end of pandemic aid and long-term fiscal trends — such as peopl…