Episode Details

Inflation's hidden tax effect, New York's #1 ranking for taxes and spending, an interview with Illinois Senate candidate Juliana Stratton, and Maricopa County's fight to end federal oversight on this episode of The States.

Inflation & tax revenue: Orphe Divounguy explains why rising prices don't automatically mean a windfall for state governments — sales tax revenue rises with prices, but government purchasing power stays flat since governments face the same inflation. Lower-income and fixed-income households are hit hardest; retirees with cash savings lose purchasing power while those with home equity or stock investments fare better. New home sales rose 6.4% in August, but Divounguy cautions it's not a recovery — sales remain below last year's levels, driven mainly by resilient buyers shifting to cheaper homes as builders build less.
- New York tops nation in taxes and spending: A Citizens Budget Commission report found New York state and local governments collected $12,357 per capita in FY2024 — the highest in the nation, 22% above California — and are the second-highest spenders per capita ($17,400). The report says New York would have saved $99 billion spending like New Jersey, or $143 billion spending like Texas, and calls the findings a "wake-up call" as Gov. Hochul faces reelection against Republican Bruce Blakeman, who's made cost of living central to his campaign.
- Illinois U.S. Senate race — Juliana Stratton interview: Democratic candidate and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton discusses affordability as the top voter concern, defends the Democratic record under Gov. Pritzker, and says she supports ending the Senate filibuster if Democrats retake the majority to pass voting rights and reproductive freedom legislation. She distances herself from some Hasan Piker/DSA positions while declining to fully denounce him, and criticizes immigration enforcement actions in Chicago under "Operation Midway Blitz."
- Maricopa County sheriff's office oversight fight: County supervisors are weighing an appeal after a federal judge rejected their request to end 12+ years of federal oversight of the sheriff's office (stemming from a 2013 racial profiling case involving former Sheriff Joe Arpaio). Supervisors say the oversight has cost taxpayers over $350 million since 2013 ($20-30M/year); Rep. Andy Biggs, running for governor, wants the presiding judge recused and backs federal legislation limiting court-monitor terms.
- America's Talking:
GA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_9800ef8b-d397-4a6c-ba5f-708a2f93a939.html
MI: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_7c9e2892-e76f-42ba-80b3-4594151a3125.html
CA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_be5ae69b-10a8-4436-8aae-01e0fde9ad67.html
PA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_2ecbd037-f095-4db9-92ea-e0fd8950e038.html

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