Legislators in more than a half-dozen states, their revenues evaporating in the recession, frantically worked Tuesday to stave off government shutdowns and devastating service cuts.

In Illinois, the sputtering drive to come up with a state budget broke down completely, leaving the state without any plan for paying its employees or delivering government services.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell said Tuesday night that he didn't think an agreement with lawmakers would come soon

The end of June marked the end of the fiscal year in many states, meaning lawmakers worked late Tuesday to pass budgets in a year that has seen the recession take a devastating toll on government finances.

Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Connecticut and Mississippi also were among the states that raced against the clock to pass budgets -- and avoid crippling consequences.

In most states, the debate centers around whether states should be raising taxes to bridge the budget gaps.