If it's true that misery loves company, Maine will have a lot to love as it gets ready for another tough budget season.

A report this week by the Pew Center on the States said Maine doesn't even make the top 10 when it comes to states in danger of a fiscal crisis like the one that's got California in its grip.

California leads Pew's list, and the other states on it share some common factors for Maine lawmakers to consider when they return to work.

Some of the most troubled states – California Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin –  have long series of budgets in which spending exceeded revenue. The out-of-kilter cycle went out of control when the recession hit.

Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Oregon have a limited ability to respond to crisis by raising taxes or cutting spending because of legal restrictions, including voter-initiated measures.

The study also found that lawmakers in California, Illinois and New Jersey used borrowing and other gimmicks to avoid making hard choices, hoping that the economy would improve before they had to deal with their problems.

In addition to the 10 states in "fiscal peril," the study found 16 states, including Maine, with serious budget problems caused by lagging tax collections during this economic downturn.

With more than half the states finding themselves in trouble balancing their budgets, this is becoming, in the eyes of some economists, a serious national problem.

Budget cuts achieved through layoffs and tax increases are the two main tools states have to bring their budgets into balance.

Both tactics also can slow down the state's economy, and even send it back into recession. If that happens in enough states, the fragile national recovery could also be undone.

That's what's leading some economists to call for a second round of stimulus money, targeted for states to keep workers on the payroll without raising taxes while waiting for tax receipts to rebound.

Bailing out the states with borrowed money creates its own fiscal problems and should be approached with caution.

So as Maine goes back to address its shortfall, it can't expect to get much help. But at least it won't be alone.