This pandemic is testing states’ fiscal health

Published April 15, 2020 4:00am ET



We are currently living through a frightening, historic crisis, with fatalities, closed businesses, and layoffs. Due to a shortage of ventilators, government officials and health providers around the world are assessing age and preexisting health conditions when determining which COVID-19 virus patients get priority.

To help families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government recently passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package. At the state and local levels, affected businesses and individuals are pleading for help. But unlike Washington, states and localities do not have the borrowing ability to provide adequate fiscal relief.

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