The Impact of Federal Spending on the States
National Policy Leaders Join CSG Webinar to Discuss State Challenges, Opportunities Amid Federal Budget Changes
Featuring
David Adkins
Executive Director/CEO
The Council of State Governments
Justin Theal
Senior Officer, Fiscal 50
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Marcia Howard
Executive Director
Federal Funds Information for States
Federal dollars play a critical role in shaping state economies, supporting everything from infrastructure and innovation to public services and local budgets. With recent federal actions and legislative developments, it is essential for states to understand the shifting landscape of federal fiscal policy and its implications for their financial management.
To support state leaders, The Council of State Governments hosted a webinar on April 29 titled “The Impact of Federal Spending on the States.” The session provided a deep dive into how current federal fiscal policies are impacting state economies, budgets and long-term planning.
The full webinar recording is now available for anyone interested in revisiting the discussion to take advantage of the actionable insights provided by national thought leaders on state policy and fiscal strategy. Watch the session to hear experts break down the latest developments, exploring key questions like:
- How does federal spending impact a state’s economy?
- Where do states currently stand on intergovernmental transfers?
- How would recent federal DOGE actions and congressional approved budget resolutions (if enacted through appropriations) impact the states?
- What is the status of funds previously approved under the CHIPs Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?
To learn more about the topics discussed, presentations shared by the panelists are available for download below. Explore insights from Justin Theal of The Pew Charitable Trusts on weakening tax collections, rising spending pressures, potential structural budget risks, reserves and grants. Additionally, Marcia Howard of the Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS) provides an overview of fiscal year 2025 appropriations, reconciliation dynamics and the debt limit.