An update on how the sequester and possible future federal spending cuts could impact state budgets.

The surpluses that state lawmakers will find waiting for them this year may not go very far. more

When filmmaker George Lucas sold his company and the Star Wars franchise to Walt Disney Co. this fall, he saved hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal taxes by not waiting until next year when higher tax rates are anticipated. He’s hardly alone. more

Medicaid is still the biggest budget worry for the coming year, according to a new survey of state legislative directors to be released soon. Nowhere is the problem larger than in Texas, which faces a $4.3 billion Medicaid deficit. more

Massachusetts to tap private investors who want to help pay for money-saving public programs more