How states can raise taxes successfully

Economic conditions and crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can pose fiscal challenges to states. Accordingly, it is critical to understand when and how states and localities can raise revenue through taxation. How do institutional barriers, partisanship, and the state of the economy impact the chances of a state successfully raising tax revenue? Does linking tax increases to popular spending have political benefits? Do progressive tax bills fare better or worse than broad-based tax increases?   

On September 24, Governance Studies at Brookings held a webinar to discuss state tax politics and policy. Panelists brought academic research and practitioner knowledge from across the country. 

Viewers submitted questions for speakers by emailing [email protected] and via Twitter @BrookingsGov using #RaisingStateTaxes.