The governor is expected to include funding for initiatives already announced, including $58 million for teacher pay raises tied to tighter job performance standards.

The effects of decades of mismanaged budgeting are catching up to states. State Budget Solutions presents a basic budget breakdown to encourage responsible, Priority Based Budgeting and dissuade lawmakers from utilizing another band-aid: the less manageable zero-based standard.

Gov. Sean Parnell unveiled his proposal for the fiscal year 2014 state budget, which weighs in at $1.1 billion "leaner" than the FY13 budget, he said.

A coalition of Republican leaders and conservative groups agrees that the Texas Constitution could use a tighter cap on state spending. Where they disagree is why such an amendment is needed.

Michigan faces potential losses of $362 million in state revenue and $102 million in local revenue related to various tax bills pending or already passed in the Legislature.

Maryland is approaching a General Assembly session with good fiscal news: Neither tax increases nor drastic budget cuts are likely to be needed to balance the budget.

Just as state governments are healing from the deep fiscal wound inflicted by the Great Recession, they are confronted by the dual threat of reduced federal help and ever increasing health-care costs, according to a new report.

Proposal anticipates surplus of more than $400 million.

The public hearing was part of the administration's budget-drafting process. All this month, Branstad and other top officials have heard requests from department and agency officials.

Of the highest-paid pension executives in those states last year, all but two worked at the Texas fund or the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, data show.