Gov's Office: Georgia doesn't need a bailout, thanks

We had a story from the D.C. bureau yesterday about states with budget problems wanting some of that sweet, sweet federal bailout money. Georgia was mentioned as a state with a budget deficit, but there was nothing in the story about whether we planned on asking for a bailout.

Bert Brantley, Gov. Sonny Perdue's press secretary, says Georgia can handle things itself, thank you:

In all the budget discussions we have had both publicly and with legislature leadership, you have never heard us talk about planning to fill gaps in the budget with additional federal funds.

State agencies are making tough decisions and finding spending reductions within their budgets to ensure we do not spend more than we take in.

I think Georgians expect the state to balance its checkbook just as families are doing every day at their kitchen table.