State finance (8)
I believe the answer is:
maintain
This clue is a double definition.
'state' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'finance' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for maintain that I've seen before include "Keep up - carry on" , "Look after the upkeep" , "Preserve or contend" , "declare" , "Keep in safety and protect from harm and decay" .)