Government
States still facing big budget shortfalls
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 27, 2009
President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package adopted in February is expected to cover only 40% of the $350 billion to $370 billion revenue gaps states are facing in the next 2½ years, according to a March analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal research organization.
At least 34 states have cut programs designed to help vulnerable populations since the recession began, according to separate analysis by the center. At least 18 states have enacted cuts affecting low-income children's or families' eligibility for health insurance or their access to health care (link).
But at least nine states already have used stimulus funding to limit or prevent cuts to public services (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/27/gvbf0427.htm.