Slideshows

Budget-Busting States

Biggest Budget Gaps

As the financial crisis unfolds and the economy weakens, many states are having a hard time paying their expenses. In all, about 35 states have reported a budget gap for the 2009 fiscal year. Put together, it amounts to some $56.4 billion, according to estimates compiled by the research organization Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Click ahead to the ten states with the biggest budget holes, as a  percentage of the annual budget. The total dollar amount of the gap is based on the states'

As the financial crisis unfolds and the economy weakens, many states are having a hard time paying their expenses. In all, about 35 states have reported a budget gap for the 2009 fiscal year. Put together, it amounts to some $56.4 billion, according to estimates compiled by the research organization Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Click ahead to the ten states with the biggest budget holes, as a  percentage of the annual budget. The total dollar amount of the gap is based on the states' mid-year budget assessment.

Arizona

: 23.4 %: $2.4 billion
Photo: combusean

Gap as percentage of total budget: 23.4 percent

Gap: $2.4 billion

California

: 22.0%: $22.2 billion
Photo: moonlightbulb

Gap percentage: 22.0 percent

Gap: $22.2 billion

Florida

: 19.9%:  $5.1 billion
Photo: alexdecarvalho

Gap percentage: 19.9 percent

Gap:  $5.1 billion

Nevada

: 16.0%: $1.2 billion
Photo: OctopusHat

Gap percentage: 16.0 percent

Gap: $1.2 billion

Rhode Island

: 13.9%: $456 million 
Photo: Payton Chung

Gap percentage: 13.9 percent

Gap: $456 million 

Virginia

: 12.8%: $2.2 billion
Photo: rvaphotodude

Gap percentage: 12.8 percent

Gap: $2.2 billion

South Carolina

: 11.7%: $804 million
Photo: Smudge 9000

Gap percentage: 11.7 percent

Gap: $804 million

New York

: 10.8%:  $6.1 billion
Photo: wwarby

Gap percentage: 10.8 percent

Gap:  $6.1 billion

New Hampshire

: 10.0%: $310 million
Photo: Hyku

Gap percentage: 10.0 percent

Gap: $310 million

Alabama

: 9.5%:  $784 million
Photo: Southernpixel

Gap percentage: 9.5 percent

Gap: $784 million

» Replay Slideshow