Fiscal Road to Recovery Brief Series

Fiscal

This six-part brief series examines American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund allocation priorities a year after the program launched and showcases examples to help inform policymakers as they combat the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Federal Funds Boost Economic Recovery
Pandemic-induced business disruptions contributed to one of the most severe economic downturns on record. This brief outlines how states and territories have used fiscal recovery funds.

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Helping Schools Reopen and Recover
The pandemic disrupted American education systems at every level, from pre-school to college. This brief outlines common ways states are using fiscal recovery funds to address educational priorities.

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Healing Pandemic Health Woes
The pandemic disrupted longstanding trends in health outcomes, access to care, and healthcare workforce. This brief outlines the most common uses of fiscal recovery funds to address these challenges.

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Opening Doors to Housing Security
The pandemic deteriorated household incomes and increased housing instability for millions. This brief describes how states/territories have used fiscal recovery funds to alleviate housing hardships.

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Paving the Road for Infrastructure Development
The pandemic exposed deficits in water, sewer, broadband, and general infrastructure. This brief outlines how fiscal recovery funds have been used for infrastructure development.

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Funds Keep Governments Afloat
The pandemic forced states to modify routine operations to limit public health exposure and economic disruptions. This brief outlines how states used relief funds to ensure continuity of government.

Related Resources

Updated April 24, 2025

FY 2026 State Budget Status

This page tracks the status of FY 2026 state budgets as they are passed by state legislatures and signed by governors.

Fiscal

Map

Table

Updated April 22, 2025

How to Raise a Tax

When states experience budget gaps and slow revenue growth lawmakers are put in the difficult position of balancing their state budget. One way is to increase or impose new taxes, but doing so is unpopular and often met with resistance.

Fiscal

Table

Updated April 10, 2025

ARPA: Evidence-Based Investments Database

States, territories and the District of Columbia are required to submit Recovery Plan Performance Reports detailing the use of their funds. In those reports, recipients describe the projects and programs they are implementing and how evidence-based practices and program evaluation are incorporated into their plans. The information in the database was collected by reviewing Recovery Plan Performance Reports submitted to Treasury in 2022 and 2023.

Fiscal

Database

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Series Fiscal Road to Recovery Brief Series: A Look at How States are Spending Stimulus Funds

Related Resources

FY 2026 State Budget Status

How to Raise a Tax

ARPA: Evidence-Based Investments Database

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