Since the late 1970s, all 50 states of the USA have undertaken new measures to strengthen their economies. The economic environment in which they have found themselves is more complex than before and results from both domestic and foreign economic pressures. This book studies a number of states with differing economies, examines the changing state roles, places their roles in historical perspective, and considers the implications for economic policy in the future. Four states are studied comprehensively: Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and California. Three other states are considered in shorter sections: Indiana, Arizona and Minnesota.