The document summarizes the impact of the Great Recession on state pension funding shortfalls. It finds that between 2008-2009, state pension funding levels declined from 84% to 78% funded and the total funding gap grew by 26% to $1.26 trillion. 31 states were below the recommended 80% funding level in 2009, up from 22 states in 2008. The recession severely impacted state revenues and constrained their ability to make required pension payments. Total annual pension costs grew from $27 billion in 2000 to $68 billion in 2009 but states only paid 83% of the required amount in 2009. Looking ahead, slow revenue growth may limit states' ability to fully fund pensions.