Given the magnitude and complexity of the economic and social issues confronting the states, there is little likelihood that we are witnessing a crisis that will soon pass. Instead, all indicators point to a storm that is steadily gathering momentum, ensuring that statehouses will continue to be battlegrounds and crucibles of ferment, turmoil, and innovation for a long time to come.
Acknowledgment: The authors would like to thank Carolyn Wilcox, Choice editor for reference and online databases, for her valuable assistance in identifying resources to include in this essay.