Here’s a roundup of this morning’s must-read budget and economic stories:

The Hill reports the federal government ran a $232 billion dollar deficit for the month of February – the largest ever for a single month. The Washington Times says that the U.S. is on track for a another $1 trillion plus deficit this year.

Bloomberg and The New York Times examine Republican negotiations on the fiscal year 2013 budget.

The Hill says Republicans are lining up behind a temporary tax break for small businesses. Meanwhile, Politico says the Senate will soon take up a small business bill passed by the House last week.

The Wall Street Journal says states are continuing to cut spending as they face a cumulative $47 billion in deficits.

USA Today looks at how rising gas prices are affecting Americans’ travel decisions.