The non-governmental organization said with U.S. states facing an estimated $97 billion in budget gaps during the next two years, state officials will be forced to make billions of dollars in budget cuts or increase taxes, Stateline.org said Friday.

"These budget gaps are approaching those seen in the last recession, which were the worst since World War II, and show every sign of growing larger," NCSL Executive Director William T. Pound said in a statement.

The possible budget cuts could also result in a significant decline in available healthcare coverage for the poor or reduced-priced school lunches.

The organization said among those states with the largest budget gaps are New York, California, Minnesota, Kansas and Wisconsin. Arizona tops all states in predicted budget caps for 2010.

Stateline.org said all U.S. states are required to balance their budgets, unlike the federal government.