9/30: States reeling from falling tax revenues

Wall Street Journal: States reel from falling tax revenues

Census Bureau figures show that state tax revenues are down 17% in the second quarter compared with a year ago. Rising unemployment and reduced spending are to blame for the lower sales- and income-tax collections.

bout two-thirds of state revenues are derived from sales and income taxes. The numbers aren't adjusted for inflation or changes in tax rates.

Falling revenues, combined with growing demand for social programs like Medicaid, have forced states to slash spending and scramble to raise revenue through changes including new taxes, legalized slot machines and pricier fishing licenses.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: New laws go into effect on Thursday

ARKANSAS: More than $1.2 million in scratch-off tickets sold on first day

FLORIDA: Big outcry over Mayors Against Illegal Guns group

GEORGIA: Energy-saving products' sales tax holiday begins Thursday

KENTUCKY: Poverty rate in the state remains at 17.3%

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Louisiana should keep college graduates

MISSISSIPPI: Fee hikes possible for new state budget

NORTH CAROLINA: State budget cuts force closure of seven minimum-security prisons

SOUTH CAROLINA: State borrows $16 million a week to pay unemployment checks

TENNESSEE: State to lose $190 million in federal funds for roads

VIRGINIA: Tax amnesty to begin October 7

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