While it's easy to come up with a list of ways in which states can spend more and more, coming up with ideas for fiscal restraint are harder to come by. Last month, the Raleigh-based John Locke Foundation proposed its Freedom Budget.

The alternative budget suggests nearly 300 changes to the governor's proposed budget. "Changes that would save taxpayers’ money include: redirecting spending on non-teaching positions in public schools to fund teacher pay raises; eliminating targeted corporate tax subsidies; reforming the Medicaid program; and converting the Smart Start program into a state income-tax relief package for preschool expenses and education."

The Freedom Budget continues a tradition of many state-focused policy organizations.