In recent years states have taken a variety of approaches during 2002 to balance their budgets, reducing Medicaid eligibility, instituting hiring freezes, delaying capital projects, shutting down state parks and furloughing non-violent felons. Districts in seven states have adopted four-day school weeks. A number of states were forced to tap into their rainy day funds. In 2002 eighteen states raised taxes by over 1 percent.

At the end of the 2004 fiscal year things looked brighter — with 32 states projecting surpluses — after cuts, of course. However, in only 5 states did the surplus even reach 5% of total state spending. For fiscal year 2005, 33 states face gaps they must close — for a collective shortfall of $36.3 billion.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has recently released a detailed study about the effect that the federal budget deficit and associated cuts have had on state budgets. "Passing Down the Deficit" contends that "federal policies have cost states and localities more than $175 billion over the four-year course of the state fiscal crisis — averaging 8.4 percent of total state general fund budgets during that time." Continued deficits at the federal level, the Center argues, will continue to force states to make hard decisions for years to come.

Below, see what the financial situation is in your state and what programs are being curtailed. Additional information for each state comes from state budget offices and state governor's offices.

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FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 5
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0.4%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,300
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 24.2%

In 2003 Alabama cut costs by suspending some jury trials. The state Web site includes complete to-the-penny lists of appropriations for each year through 2005.

State of Alabama Executive Budget Office

Alaska
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 600

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 490
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 20.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 896
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 37.8%

In his 2004 report to the State Legislature Alaska's governor for the first time stressed the need to find sources other than oil revenue to run the state's programs.

Alaska Office of Management and Budget

Arkansas
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 0
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 223
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 7%

In a November 2002 address Arkansas Governor Huckabee broached the issue of raising taxes. The FY 2005 budget notes :One out of every six Arkansans is eligible to receive assistance from at least one of two major economic and medical assistance programs: Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

Arizona
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 333

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 500
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 15.8%

For fiscal year 2002 Arizona's income from the personal income tax was 14% below forecast, and the corporate income tax was 6.6% below forecast. In 2003 personal income tax revenues again fell short.

Arizona Office of Strategic Planning and Budget

California
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 15,000

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 6,100
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 7.8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 15,000 to 25,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 19.5% - 32.5%

Only $700 million of savings have been enacted to meet the shortfall thus far.

California Department of Finance
California Legislative Analyst's Office

Colorado
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 148.2

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 558
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 9.2%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 900
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 13.4%

As of December 2002, state estimates showed that the Colorado General Fund would need to be tapped for an additional $738 million to balance the budget.

Colorado Office of State Planning and Budget

Connecticut
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 72.6

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 495.5
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.1%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,000 to 1,200
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.6% to 10.3%

"Today I am asking you to act on a problem that threatens the economic health of Connecticut. Our budget is out of balance. We have a deficit. The Constitution requires us to fix it, and the people of Connecticut expect us to take responsible action." --Gov. Rowland to Connecticut General Assembly, Dec. 18, 2002.

Connecticut State Office of Policy and Management

District of Columbia
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 100
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

In September 2002, the District of Columbia issued a revised revenue estimate for FY 2003 that was $322.7 million lower than the estimate released in May. The revised estimate reflected a $285.2 million drop in tax and non-tax revenues and a $37.5 million downward revision in anticipated Medicaid revenues.

District of Columbia Budget and Key Priorities

Delaware
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 44.2
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 1.8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

In November 2002, Delaware's governor announced a fourth round of budget cuts, totaling another $34.8 million. The state now instituted a hiring freeze and the governor asked the Department of Education to cut 1% from operating budgets. In 2004 the governor introduced her 2005 budget with these words "Perhaps for the first time in four years, I stand before you today…smiling."

State of Delaware, Office of the Budget

Florida
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 0
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 2,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 10.1%

Florida is one of the few states to report an stable outlook for the next fiscal year and to report a surplus in 2004.

Florida Budget Reports

Georgia
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 450
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 3.1%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 900
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.8%

Georgia is one state where cuts won't come from Medicaid because the state has a law mandating that Medicaid bills must be paid.

Georgia Office of Planning and Budget

Hawaii
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 6.3

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 162
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

The state legislature has adopted a $35.5 million cut to make ends meet and expects an addtional $22.6 million in health fund savings.

State of Hawaii Budget Office

Iowa
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 265

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 50
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 1%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

After Iowa's governor released "Families First FY 2003 Budget." According to which, Iowa [wa]s experiencing the "lowest revenue growth in 50 years," the governor embarked on a series of town meetings to determine citizen's budget priorities.

Iowa Department of Management

Idaho
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 160
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.1%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 160
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.1%

Idaho Division of Financial Management

Illinois
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 1,7000

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 200
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0.9%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 2,774
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 11.4%

The legislature rated Illinois 2004 fiscal outlook as "pessimistic." The 2005 state budget equates the last three years of budget crises with "The Perfect Storm" due to the decline in tax bases, growing healthcare costs and flat revenues.

Illinois Bureau of the Budget

Indiana
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 1,7000

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 900
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 3%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 850
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.8%

Closing the gap in the 2002 budget included across-the board budget cuts, employee furloughs, tax increases, fee increases, tapping rainy day and other funds, early retirement programs, delayed capital projects and gaming expansion. Concerned citizens can track the process of the state's budget through the legislature by signing up for the state's online BillWatch program.

Indiana State Budget Agency

Kansas
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 126.5

xFY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 254.3
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 700
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 15.7%

Cuts for 2002 in Kansas included elimination of a SIDS program and pregnancy program; raising MediKan eligibility to 18 months; reduction in support of state historic sites and many other changes. In 2003 an anticipated 31,000 senior citizens will be cut from a program offering free meals.

Kansas Division of the Budget

Kentucky
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 400

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 220
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 360
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.1%

Governor Paul Patton commuted the sentences of 567 low-level felons just before Christmas to save the state money for FY 2002. Balancing the 2003-2004 budget required a revenue increase of nearly 10 percent. The General Assembly adjorned without a budget, the governor has proposed an emergency plan.

Kentucky Office of State Budget Director

Louisiana
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 573

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 86
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 1.3%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

The appropriation process in Louisiana is atill underway. Some proposals include renewing sales taxes. Louisiana Department of Elections and Registration

Massachusetts
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 1,5000

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 547
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 2.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,400 to 2,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 6.1% to 8.8%

To meet the budget crunch in 2002 Massachusetts reinstated a levy on capital gains and trimmed $2 million from the budget by cutting back on flu vaccine. The 2005 proposed budget includes increased to education funding.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fiscal Affairs Division

Maryland
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 523.9

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 590
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.5%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,200
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 11%

The state of Maryland had a hiring freeze in place for over a year. In late November 2002, the governor proposed an additional 4.9 percent cut in funding for most state agencies. The 2005 budget begins somberly "Maryland continues to face the worst financial crisis in its history."

Maryland Department of Budget and Management

Maine
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 138

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 148.2
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 375 to 475
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 14.5% to 18.4%

Some recent actions include three furlough days for state employees, travel and hiring freezes and capital expenditure freezes. The state is experiencing overcrowing in jails. The governor has propposed increasing Medicaid tax and match intitiatives in 2005.

State of Maine Bureau of the Budget

Michigan
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 900

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 600
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 6.5%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,800
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 19.6%

During 2002 all state agency funding, with the exception of primary and secondary education, was cut. Higher education was spending was cut 2.5 percent. Legislators have proposed eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing laws for drug offenders in order to save money.

Michigan Office of the Budget

Minnesota
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 185

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,690
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 11.5%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 2,442
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 18.7%

In 2002 outgoing Governor Jesse Ventura shut down the governor's mansion and laid off most of the staff. The state's projected budget gap for 2005 showed a slight decrease in recent months.

Minnesota Department of Finance

Missouri
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 325

Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 10.7%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 13.1%

According to the Associated Press, In 2003 lawmakers contemplated putting an end health-care coverage for 36,000 low-income parents. Appropriations for higher education faced deep cuts in recent years, forcing the University of Missouri to raise tuition 8.4% and to add a $ 9-per-credit-hour surcharge.

Missouri Division of Planning

Mississippi
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 96.8
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 2.8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

Mississippi made deep cuts in Medicaid in order to balance the 2004 budget.

Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration

Montana
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 24.5

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 58
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 66
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.9%

In 2003 Governor Judy Martz presented a budget that for the first time in years proposed tapping the coal tax trust fund — to the tune of $93 million.

Montana Office of Budget and Program Planning

North Carolina
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 500

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,700
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 11%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,700 to 2000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 12.4% to 14.6%

While North Carolina's fiscal picture has improved for 2005, but the new budget proposes $350 million in budget reductions to state agencies.

North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management

North Dakota
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 7.6
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0.9%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

North Dakota is projecting a stable budget outlook for next year.

North Dakota Office of Management and Budget

Nebraska
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 210.7

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 160.5
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.9%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 337 to 449
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 21.2% to 28.2%

During a special session in 2002, the Legislature enacted changes that included across-the-board budget cuts, cuts in higher education, Medicaid, and local revenue sharing, fee increases, and tapping state funds. The effects of an ongoing drought have also lowered state revenues. Nebraska law does not permit deficit spending.

Nebraska Budget Division

New Hampshire
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 490
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 20.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 896
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 37.8%

In 2004 New Hampshire's governor implemented a hiring freeze, banned equipment purchases, consultant expenses and out-of-state travel. "It's probably one of the toughest years in history," said Administrative Services Commissioner Donald Hill.

New Hampshire Budget Office

New Jersey
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 4,000

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 6,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 25.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 4,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 19.0%

In 2003 year New Jersey's budget initiative focused on collecting corporate taxes. For FY 2004 the legislature is considering $1.5 billion to eliminate the gap and create a surplus.

New Jersey Division of Elections

New Mexico
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 30
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0.8%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

In 2003 Medicaid spending was currently $28 million over budget. Corrections spending growth is running at 8% a year.

New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration

New York
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 5,100

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 2,500
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 6.3%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 7,000 to 10,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 17.0% to 24.3%

In 2004 the governor suggested the state should cut spending in all areas of the next budget except for public security.

New York State Division of the Budget

Nevada
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 206
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 10.5%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 400 to 534
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 21.2 to 28.2%

A three percent reduction in FY 2003 appropriations was imposed on state agencies by the governor (does not include K-12) at an estimated savings of $37.5 million.

Nevada Budget and Planning Division

Ohio
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,941.6
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.4%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 2,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 9.2%

The FY 2005 budget proposes $200 million cuts.

State of Ohio Office of Budget and Management

Oklahoma
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 5.3

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 291.7
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 20.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 800
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 15.9%

The state implemented across-the-board cuts for an annual reduction of 6.5% ($291.7 million) in 2002. Additional cuts made during the course of the year included employee layoffs and furloughs and a travel ban. Funding to public schools has been cut $158 million. Plans for FY 2005 include gaming legislation and using the cash reserve (rainy day) fund to meet the gap.

Oklahoma Office of State Finance

Oregon
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 500
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.6%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 950 to 1,267
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 20.4% to 27.2%

All areas of the state budget have experienced spending reductions of some magnitude. Prosecutors will stop handling minor crimes, such as shoplifting.

Oregon Budget and Management Division

Pennsylvania
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 500
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 2.4%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 500 to 2,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 2.4% to 9.6%

In December 2002 the state announced an immediate spending freeze in many agencies. The state also took an additional $50 million from the Rainy Day Fund (on top of $700 million).

Pennsylvania Office of the Budget

Rhode Island
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 170.7

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 300
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 11.2%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 100 to 130
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 3.8% to 4.9%

The governor has proposed tax and fee increases to meet the shortfall.

Rhode Island State Budget Office

South Carolina
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 350

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 331
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 6.1%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 700
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 13.6%

South Carolina is required to have a balanced budget.

South Carolina Budget and Control Board

South Dakota
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 36.1
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.1%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 54
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 6.4%

South Dakota Bureau of Financial Management

Tennessee
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 800
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.2%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 896
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 37.8%

In late 2001 Governor Sundquist closed a number of state parks.

Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration

Texas
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 0
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 2,500 to 8,000
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.2% to 26.2%

In 2004 the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) needed $32 million and Medicaid $122.1 million in additional funding to balance the budget.

Budget and Planning

Utah
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 173
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.7%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = n/a

On December 16, 2002 Governor Michael Leavitt addressed the state's budget crisis saying "We have already trimmed $197 million from operating budgets, nearly exhausted our reserves and increased our debt. We are operating a state government with less funds than two years ago although we have more citizens, more unemployed workers, more children, elderly and others in need."

Governor's Office of Planning and Budget

Virginia
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 500

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 950
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 7.7%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,116
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 9.3%

Virginia's Budget

Vermont
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 38
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 4.2%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = n/a
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = N/A?

Vermont expects a shortfall of $40 million in Medicaid (16% of the state's budget).

Vermont Finance and Management

Washington
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 500

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 120
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 1.2%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,000 to 1,334
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 8.2% to 11.9%

Washington Office of Financial Management

Wisconsin
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 32.2

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,117.3
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 5.0%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 1,300 to 2,868
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 11.5% to 25.3%

The state has recently refinanced $175 million in debt.

Department of Administration, Division of Executive Budget and Financing

West Virginia
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = 120

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 0
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0%
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 200
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 7.1%

West Virginia's deficit was eliminated by cuts and lottery funds. The governor proposed increasing cigarette taxes and tapping the tobacco settlement but the legislature did not approve those measures.

West Virginia Budget

Wyoming
Projected FY 2005 Budget Gap (millions of dollars) = N/A

FY 2003 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 0
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0
FY 2004 Budget Deficit (millions of dollars) = 0
Deficit as Percent of State Budget = 0

Wyoming reported an optimistic outlook for 2004 and anticipated no deficit.

Wyoming Election Administration