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Lean Times Prove Taxing for State Budgets

Shortfalls mean serious cost-cutting, fee hikes across US

By Jim O'Neill,  Newser User

Posted Jul 24, 2008 9:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – Reduced sales, income, and corporate taxes are forcing states to cut back on services and consider laying off workers as they look for ways to slash spending and balance budgets, the Wall Street Journal reports. The National Conference of State Legislatures says states face a $40 billion budget shortfall as the US economy continues to wallow.

"We expect it to get worse before it gets better," said an NCSL rep, with numbers backed by the Fed. Governors have implemented belt-tightening measures, cutting costs while increasing fees like tuition at state universities. “For us it was a matter of, ‘Are we going to take professors out of the classroom, or are we going to raise tuition?’” said a rep at Virginia Tech, which has raised tuition 11%.

With gas prices soaring, state police agencies nationwide are scrambling to find the money to cover costs.
With gas prices soaring, state police agencies nationwide are scrambling to find the money to cover costs.   (AP Photo)
The slumping economy has translated into lower tax revenues, like sales taxes, at the state level, forcing states to resort to a variety of belt-tightening measures.
The slumping economy has translated into lower tax revenues, like sales taxes, at the state level, forcing states to resort to a variety of belt-tightening measures.   (AP Photo)
People wait in line to enter a job fair in New York.
People wait in line to enter a job fair in New York.   (AP Photo)
Kelly Mayes shops for vegetables in Omaha, Neb.
Kelly Mayes shops for vegetables in Omaha, Neb.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
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