(2003-07-28) -- Donations have begun to pour in from Americans shocked and concerned about budget crises in dozens of state governments. The flood of contributions follows a New York Times story which indicated that state governments have to tighten their belts due to sagging tax revenues.

Minutes after the Times posted the story to its website, state treasurers began receiving donations via PayPal, an online bank, in amounts up to $25,000.

"We appreciate the contributions," said one unnamed state treasurer, "but what really gets me are the emotional notes that come with them. One factory worker said he was saving up money to buy a computer for his children, but he believes the state needs the money more. He sent $800."

As the New York Times story indicated, the hardest hit states are those with progressive tax schemes which apply higher rates to people in upper income brackets.

A California farmer sent a $75 donation, and wrote: "I know that the wealthy helped state budgets double during the Internet bubble, but their investments have tanked. Now, it's time for all good men to come to the aid of their state government."

A single mother in Minnesota wrote, "We must make sure state spending stays strong. Government employees are the experts we trust to spend our money. Here's $90 which I probably would have wasted on food and medicine for my kids."