Dire straits for state budgets

[Bindare_Dundat]

States like California have used fiscal triage this year: service cuts, fee hikes and federal aid. But they still must close a combined $121 billion gap by July.


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Even as they await billions in federal stimulus funds, states are racing to close a combined $121 billion budget hole in the coming weeks, according to a report released Thursday.

Governors and lawmakers, hammered by plummeting tax revenues caused by the worst recession in decades, have already slashed spending and raised fees to close a combined shortfall that exceeded $100 billion this fiscal year, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported.

States have made widespread cuts in funding for education, social services, health care and public safety. Some might have to take additional measures in the coming weeks.

In the vast majority of states, the 2009 fiscal year ends on June 30 and state law requires they maintain balanced budgets.

"For many states, the current revenue situation is nearly unprecedented, at least in recent years," the report said. "As one official noted, 'This is the most dire fiscal situation in the state's recent history.' "

http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/23/news/economy/state_budget_crises/index.htm?postversion=2009042308

[24KT]

States like California have used fiscal triage this year: service cuts, fee hikes and federal aid. But they still must close a combined $121 billion gap by July.


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Even as they await billions in federal stimulus funds, states are racing to close a combined $121 billion budget hole in the coming weeks, according to a report released Thursday.

Governors and lawmakers, hammered by plummeting tax revenues caused by the worst recession in decades, have already slashed spending and raised fees to close a combined shortfall that exceeded $100 billion this fiscal year, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported.

States have made widespread cuts in funding for education, social services, health care and public safety. Some might have to take additional measures in the coming weeks.

In the vast majority of states, the 2009 fiscal year ends on June 30 and state law requires they maintain balanced budgets.

"For many states, the current revenue situation is nearly unprecedented, at least in recent years," the report said. "As one official noted, 'This is the most dire fiscal situation in the state's recent history.' "

http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/23/news/economy/state_budget_crises/index.htm?postversion=2009042308

And guess how these states plan on raising revenue?

Be prepared for some hefty fines if you don't meet more stringent emission standards.

14 states are raising them to CA codes, ...and it's going to be brutal. There'll be blood in the streets (figuratively speaking)

[Soul Crusher]

And guess how these states plan on raising revenue?

Be prepared for some hefty fines if you don't meet more stringent emission standards.

14 states are raising them to CA codes, ...and it's going to be brutal. There'll be blood in the streets (figuratively speaking)

Tell me about it!

NY is raising every tax and fee on the books.  Everything from tolls, drivers licenses fees, etc.

[24KT]

Tell me about it!

NY is raising every tax and fee on the books.  Everything from tolls, drivers licenses fees, etc.

NY is one of those states. Many have even come straight out and said they plan to target out of state trucks.
When they issue fines or ticket drivers from out of state, they know they don't come back to fight them.
Many more states that don't even do emission testing will start. It's gonna be brutal for some. A cash cow for others. Guess which side of the equation I've positioned myself to be on? 

In addition, they're bringing in mandatory urea tanks, requiring drivers to incur an additional expense by filling up another tank, in addition to the fuel they'll have to buy. Actually, not entirely accurate. Installing the additional tank is mandatory, but filling it isn't. The sad part is, it also comes along with an additional 16 O₂ sensors. You're looking at about another roughly 450 - 500 lbs in weight. Ratings will have to change as will broker rates, ...and who do you think get's screwed in the end? Yep, you guessed it. But there is a way out. There are solutions that will bring a rig into compliance without increasing operating costs. In fact, it will lower operating costs, and increase profit margins for the drivers and truck owners. People just need to want the solution more than they want to bitch about the problem.