The Governor is holding out hope that the federal government will help states deal with the economic crisis.

Wisconsin is one of 41 states currently facing major budget shortfalls. Governor Jim Doyle says solving the problem is going to require help from the federal government. Otherwise, he warns we could school systems under financial stress that could cause them to collapse. Doyle also predicts that state health care systems may be unable to continue offering help to those who need it most.

Doyle says the financial crunch is already forcing difficult decisions, with states cutting back on basic state services such as parks and motor vehicles.

Even if the federal government comes through with an aid package, Doyle says it's not going to solve all of our problems. He says Wisconsin will still face a very difficult time, with a projected $5.4 billion budget deficit. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:00)

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