America in the red: State budget gaps

Across America, state finances are in trouble. Revenues have fallen sharply in recent months as the US economy has slipped. But many states are also coping with rising expenses, particularly from Medicaid and other programs.

As the National Conference of State Legislatures says in its report, “the combination of lower revenues and rising costs has trapped many states in a budget vise.” Moreover the situation is bound to get worse as the economy slows further.

In this interactive graphic we take a look at which states are projected to have the largest budget gaps in fiscal year 2009. Scroll over the individual states for more details.