State Budget, State Budget Deficit | featured news

The expansion in public prekindergarten programs has slowed and even been reversed in some states as school districts cope with shrinking budgets. As a result, many 3- and 4-year-olds aren't going to preschool....

Pressed by the state to take more prisoners but facing tightening budgets, California counties face hard choices. A one-night stay in this city’s finest hotel costs $190, complete with sumptuous sheets and a gourmet restaurant. Soon, a twin metal bunk at the county jail, with meals served on plastic trays, will run $142.42.

California's economic recovery is so sluggish it will likely force automatic budget cuts that could shave up to a week off the school year, according to a report Wednesday from the legislative analyst's office.

After legislators worked all night, Gov. Mark Dayton signed new spending plans, ending the longest shutdown in state history.

As elected officials try to cash in on fireworks sales in cities and counties where they have long been banned, consumers will find it easier to buy fireworks.

As legislative Democrats and Republicans heatedly trade blame for the impasse, Brown says he is still seeking the four GOP votes needed to extend taxes and set a fall referendum.

State governments across the country are laying off teachers, closing public libraries and parks, and reducing health care services, but there is one place they could get $23 billion if they could only agree how to do it: Internet retailers such as Amazon.com.