Like Rats From a Sinking Ship...State Politicians Battling to Save Themselves

State shutdowns loom as deadlines near
At least 19 states still have to approve their fiscal 2010 budgets before next Tuesday. If they don't, staffers might not be paid and services might shut down.

By Tami Luhby, CNNMoney.com senior writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- One week and counting. An unprecedented number of states have only days left to pass their fiscal 2010 budgets.

At least 19 states are still hammering out their spending plans as the recession wreaks havoc with their finances and sparks fights between governors and lawmakers. If spending plans aren't approved, state workers may not receive their paychecks and some government offices may shut down.

"A lot of states are coming down to the wire," said Todd Haggerty, research analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. "More than what's typical. The unprecedented economic situation is creating a lot of difficulty this year."

Some 46 states end their fiscal years on June 30 and all but one require balanced budgets be adopted.

States are struggling to close shortfalls totaling $121 billion for fiscal 2010 as the recession decimates tax revenues.

Read More Here: http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/24/news/economy/Clock_ticking_on_state_budgets/index.htm?postversion=2009062412