Opinion of state government down.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

The favorability ratings of state governments have declined from a year ago, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted last July. Overall, 50 percent of the public now holds a favorable opinion of their state government, down from 59 percent in April 2008. The decline in positive views has been greater in states with large or moderate budget shortfalls than in states with small budget gaps.

VIEWS ON STATE GOVERNMENT Favorable...