We had previously discussed the problems facing the US Government in handling its budget deficits, but what about the states? The states are reliant on two things: 1) the receipts of their taxpayers and 2) help from the US Government. The US Government has a nice little tool in its tool-belt: the ability to print money…something that California and Schwarzenegger are entirely jealous of. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a piece titled “New Fiscal Year Brings No Relief From Unprecedented State Budget Problems“. A few of the juicy details:
- At least 48 states have addressed or still face shortfalls in their budgets for fiscal year 2010.
- At least 33 states already anticipate deficits for 2011. Initial estimates of these shortfalls total almost $51 billion. As the full extent of 2011 deficits become known, shortfalls are likely to equal $160 to $180 billion.
- Combined budget gaps for the next two years — state fiscal years 2010 and 2011 — are estimated to total at least $350 billion.
Best of luck to the taxpayers in Arizona, California, New York, Nevada, & Illinois. Not many are far behind, but the deficits in these states can only mean much higher state taxes. That should be great for unemployment and job growth…
I hear a tax bill being written...
