States across the U.S. Face Budget Challenges
from the office of Governor Phil Bredesen
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Alabama
Governor Riley’s budget cuts $400 million from the state education budget (more than half of that from four-year colleges). These cuts could lead to layoffs.1
Arizona
Efforts to balance the state’s budget include approximately $311 million in cuts to state agencies and more than $300 million in cuts to agency fund balances.2
California
An estimated 20,000 teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, and support staff may be laid off in response to a $4.8 billion cut in the state’s education funding.3
Florida
Considering cutting up to 2,000 prison workers — guards and probation officers. Cuts would be the equivalent of closing up to three prisons.4
Minnesota
Planned education cuts are expected to result in laying off at least 1,000 teachers.5
New Jersey
Governor Corzine has announced plans to close nine state parks and reduce operations at three others.6 Agriculture, commerce, and personnel departments could be cut, resulting in laying off or providing early retirement to 3,000 state workers.7
Missouri
Recent figures show the state’s revenues in April were approximately 10 percent lower than the same month in 2007.8
Other
At least 10 states have announced hiring curbs. In addition, 27 states face projected budget shortfalls in FY09.9
Swan, G. “Education budget cuts.” Press-Register. Feb. 16, 2008.
Benson, Matthew, and Pitzl, Mary Jo. “Governor, legislators agree on fix for $1.2 billion deficit.” The Arizona Republic. Apr. 18, 2008
“California Department of Education News Release.” March 14, 2008. http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr08/yr08rel31.asp.
“Budget cuts could cost nearly 2,000 prison workers their jobs.” Central Florida News 13. April 15, 2008.
Fitzgerald, John. “1,000 teachers to lose jobs.” Twin Cities Daily Planet. March 30, 2008.
Cowen, Richard, and Reitmeyer, John. “9 state parks may be shut.” The Record. April 2, 2008.
Hester, Tom. “Corzine holds his ground as budget critics press ahead.” Newsday. April 13, 2008.
Lieb, David A. “Mo. tax revenues drop sharply.” Fort Mill Times. May 4, 2008.
Simon, Ellen, and Borak, Donna. “State hiring curbs may chill hot market for government staff.” Associated Press. May 1, 2008