Justin Theal

Justin Theal is a senior officer with Pew’s Fiscal 50 project and manages research on key state fiscal trends—including revenue, spending, and reserves—while providing data-driven insights that help policymakers understand and navigate complex fiscal challenges. He also plays a leading role in expanding Pew’s research on emerging risks to state budgets, advises policymakers on practices and policies that support long-term budget sustainability, and provides expertise in how federal spending and tax policy choices affect state finances.

Before joining Pew, Theal conducted research at Taxpayers for Common Sense.

Theal holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Arcadia University and a master’s degree in public management and finance from the University of Maryland.