1/5: States prepare for more belt-tightening

USA Today: States prepare for more belt-tightening

A USA Today survey shows that states across the nation are beginning the year facing tough budget shortfalls -- and this could mean additional service cuts, layoffs, furloughs, and an increase in fees.

In Georgia, legislators will debate cuts of about $1.3 billion, says state Sen. Jack Hill, appropriations committee chairman. "We won't have any money to spend for a long time," he says.

And in Virginia, legislators return Jan. 13 to deal with a shortfall estimated to reach $3.5 billion over two years. "We're hoping 2012 might be ... better in terms of revenue performance," says Betsey Daley, Senate Finance Committee staff director.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Commentary on proposed changes to state's paid tuition contracts

ARKANSAS: Medical marijuana proposal rejected by AG in Arkansas

FLORIDA: Freeze could harm state's citrus crop

GEORGIA: New forms of cyber stalking hard to prosecute

KENTUCKY: Legislators convene today; budget to be a top issue

LOUISIANA: Unemployment claims drop in Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour says state will lead the nation in new technology

NORTH CAROLINA: State could soon offer Mega Millions tickets

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Supreme Court refuses to suspend cuts to disabled

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen 'surprised' teachers' union balking at proposals

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect McDonnell faces transportation quandry

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