There are many interesting, and perhaps even exciting, topics associated with the finances of state and local governments. The following are some examples of the issues that are addressed in the course. One of biggest issues facing local governments is property taxation. It is the major source of tax revenue, particularly for schools, yet citizens are very unhappy with the property tax. Over the past 25 years, citizens have become increasing vocal, leading to major changes in how property taxes are structured.
Education is ranked as one of the most important issues facing the United States.
The way that schools are financed is a critical element in that discussion. State Supreme Court rulings have forced states to evaluate how they finance education. In other states, education reform commissions have addressed this issue. Some government services, e.g., fire protection, is provided by local governments, but other services, e.g., environment protection is largely the responsibility of state governments. But still other services, e.g., roads, are provided by both state and local governments.