IN Scores Low on Budget Preps

A new report scores Indiana's state budget process as the second worst in the nation largely because the governor doesn't have a line-item veto and there's no requirement for a balanced budget.

Indiana scored just 45 points out of a possible 100 in the 2009 Index of State Budget Process Quality published by the Washington, D.C.-based Federal Funds Information for States. Only New Hampshire scored lower, at 23.

Indiana received no points in two the reports main area, on balanced-budget requirements, gubernatorial power to reduce spending. Indiana received high points for having a Rainy Day Fund and for having healthy reserves proportional to spending.