Ensuring that there is an effective consumer protection framework to address the balance of power between financial institutions and their consumers is vital in order to  enhance public confidence in the financial system and the use of innovative financial services. There is no need for me to overemphasise that consumer education, consumer empowerment is fundamental across all levels.
If the economy continues to strengthen at about the pace projected by the Federal Reserve and many private forecasters, states and localities may start to get a little breathing space. Tax collections will rise with income and spending, and the use of Medicaid and other income support programs should ease as the labor market improves.