States fear new era of deficits (AS ECONOMY SPUTTERS)

``Local officials are raising alarms across the country about a potential economic slowdown that could blow holes in state budgets still struggling to get above water less than a decade after the worst recession in generations. Preliminary budget data from the end of the 2016 fiscal year show tax revenue grew by just over 2 percent last year, well below historic norms -- and below the growth rate of state spending and obligations. States hoping they'd see their first surpluses since the recession are instead grappling with projected deficits.''