Desperate States

The BK Whopper Hiking Trail

California seeks sponsors for state parks

"State parks officials and nonprofit organizations scrambled Wednesday to find funding and possibly new corporate sponsors to keep as many as 100 parks and beaches open after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger slashed an additional $6.2 million out of the state parks system."

Ariz. lawmakers consider selling Capitol buildings

"PHOENIX — Desperate for cash, Arizona state lawmakers are considering selling the House and Senate buildings, then leasing them back over several years before assuming ownership again."

Cash-poor Connecticut may sell land, buildings

"Connecticut, one of a handful of states that missed its budget deadline, on Wednesday began drawing up a list of assets to sell, from buildings to a seaside site, to help close a two-year $8 billion deficit."

Cash-Poor States Raid Funds for 911 Upgrades

"NEW YORK More than $200 million collected from cell phone users for upgrades to the 911 system has been diverted in the last two years to plug state budget holes, to keep campaign promises and, in at least one case, to buy police uniforms, an Associated Press analysis has found."