SOME STATES CUT CONSTRUCTION, BUT FLORIDA MULLS STIMULUS PLAN

摘要

As many states struggle with wors-ening finances, some are cutting spending. But in one big state, Florida, the governor has proposed a spending boost to invigorate its economy. Scott Pattison, executive director of the National Association of State Budget Officers, says more than 30 states are facing budget shortfalls totaling at least $14 billion this fiscal year, which for most states ends next June 30. The slowdown started to hit some central and southern states in the summer, he says, but the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks "kind of pushed things off the cliff."