Budget Battles Taking Place Across Country

Pennsylvania is not alone in its budget battle. The tough economic times have also made spending plans elusive in several other states.

Douglas Roberts, a researcher at Michigan State University who once served as Michigan's treasurer, says the recent dip in that state's auto industry has not helped things. "Year to date, we're down about 13 percent in revenue from a year ago. I've been in Michigan a long time, and I can't remember anything even close to this. "Pennsylvania has taken significant hits in its own manufacturing sector over the last couple of years.

Meantime, Stephen Fehr, a writer for stateline-dot-org, says California's 26 billion dollar budget deficit is not just bad news for that state. "When people don't buy cars in California it affects the entire automobile industry because more cars are sold there than anywhere else. They send more tax revenue to the federal government than any other state."

While Pennsylvania and California have missed their budget deadlines of June 30th, Michigan still has until October first to pass its fiscal plan.