The most recent recession, which started in Dec. 2007, is believed to be the worst economic downturn the country has experienced since the Great Depression. In response to this recession, Congress passed the Recovery Act, which provided state and local governments with $282 billion in fiscal assistance. The Recovery Act requires an evaluation of how national economic downturns have affected states since 1974. This report: (1) analyzes how state and local government budgets are affected during national recessions; and (2) identifies strategies to provide fiscal assistance to state and local governments and indicators policymakers could use to time and target such assistance. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.