Every state is facing record deficits, and the GAO predicts the budget gaps for state and local governments will steadily worsen through 2060 absent any policy changes.

Insanity is the one word to describe the news that California is planning to borrow $21.6 billion to cover cash shortfalls that might leave the state without enough money to pay its bils. The legislature's failure to take action on solving the state's budget deficit is the reason why California is now the leader in fiscal irresponsibility.

Love is in the air, but not just for romantic couples. In Illinois, Governor Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly love giving tax breaks to keep big business in Illinois.

It is time for New Jersey to follow the provisions in the state Constitution, the highest law of the state, and both address their massive deficit and create more responsible budgets in the future.

It is time for Massachusetts to start making tough budget decisions and unfortunately Gov. Patrick's budget doesn't do that. Massachusetts needs a leader who will not play games and implement gimmicks with the state's budget.

State Budget Solutions urges all states to use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and our Reality-Based Budgeting to "reset" state spending now.

If governors and legislators make and stick to these resolutions, policy changes will be implemented and states will eliminate their budget deficits and improve the economic conditions in their state.

Gov. Jerry Brown refused to implement a reasonable, rational and responsible budgeting approach. Piecemeal use of effective budgeting techniques and the continued reliance on gimmicks might look like reform and austere decision-making, but they are only a cover-up for California's irresponsible business-as-usual.

there is a lot of work that needs to be done to move states toward Reality Based Budgeting and away from the same fiscal practices that have landed them in their current situation. State Budget Solutions is thankful for this year's reforms that set good examples for other states to follow, such as Utah's pension plans, Wisconsin's public sector legislation, and the education progress made by Gov. Walker, Gov. Corbett, and Gov. Daniels. Here's to many more like them in the year to come.

Due to budget gimmicks and tricks many legislators can convince themselves that they are not in the hole as much as they really are. However, looking at the actual numbers paints a different picture.  If legislators don't act immediately and decisively, our country will be facing a budget crisis that we have never seen before.