Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors 2024

State government budgets have grown substantially in recent years with the influx of federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. That aid has now started to wane, but rising tax revenues have fueled continued budget growth. At the same time, large surpluses in many states have prompted the passage of major tax cuts and reforms. That is the backdrop to this year's 17th biennial fiscal report card on the governors, which examines state budget actions since 2022. It uses statistical data to grade the governors on their tax and spending records: Governors who restrained taxes and spending receive higher grades, while governors who substantially increased taxes and spending receive lower grades. Six governors receive a grade of A: Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Jim Pillen of Nebraska, Jim Justice of West Virginia, Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Greg Gianforte of Montana. Six governors receive an F: Tony Evers of Wisconsin, John Carney of Delaware, Jay Inslee of Washington, Janet Mills of Maine, Kathy Hochul of New York, and Tim Walz of Minnesota.