How will state leaders address $200 billion shortfall?

By Chris Kromm / January 7, 2009

Governors and other state leaders are gearing up for what promises to be a difficult year, with the combined 50-state budget shortfall projected to be $200 billion over the next two years.

States are scaling back big projects and seeking creative ways to bring in new money. Stateline reports that Florida -- which has seen food stamp requests skyrocket by 49% and faces a $2.3 billion deficit -- is pushing to finalize a gambling deal with the Seminole Indian Tribe and drawing on tobacco trust fund money.

It will be interesting to watch how state leaders articulate these challenges to voters and what leadership they'll provide for getting out of the crisis, especially governors. Stateline has a useful list of upcoming "State of the State" speeches governors will be giving in the coming months; here's the Southern list:

<b>STATE OF THE STATE SPEECHES
Southern Governors</b>

Alabama - Feb. 3
Arkansas - Jan. 13
Florida - March 3
Georgia - Jan. 14
Kentucky - Feb. 4
Louisiana - TBA
Mississippi - Jan. 13
North Carolina - TBA
South Carolina - Jan. 14
Tennessee - TBA
Texas - Jan. 27
Virginia - Jan. 14
West Virginia - Feb. 11

As for the rest of the state leadership, here's when the Southern legislatures will come into session:

<b>2009 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS
Start dates</b>

Alabama - Feb. 3
Arkansas - Jan. 12
Florida - May 1
Georgia - Jan. 12
Kentucky - Jan. 6
Louisiana - April 27
Mississippi - Jan. 6
North Carolina - Jan. 28
South Carolina - Jan. 13
Tennessee - Jan. 13
Texas - Jan. 13
Virginia - Jan. 14
West Virginia - Feb. 11

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