The highest priorities for state government spending of tax dollars are health and human services and education. State government spending for health and human services is largely driven by the Medicaid program which accounts for half of the entire category. State spending of tax dollars for education is almost entirely for higher education. (As a reminder, more than $700 million of state aid to schools is considered local spending, not state spending.) Not surprisingly, roads and public works are another priority.

• State Government Uses of Major State and Local Taxes (by function)