Desperate times call for desperate measures. Such is the case with the state of Arizona as politicians try to solve a huge budget deficit.

Members of the Arizona legislature are considering selling the house of representatives and senate buildings in Phoenix and then leasing them back. Eventually the state would buy the buildings back.

Other buildings owned by Arizona, such as a hospital and state fairgrounds, may also be sold and leased in an effort to fix a $3.4bn (£2bn) shortfall.

Under the arrangement, government services would continue as the state picks up $735m in cash.

For investors, the deal means long-term lease payments from a stable source.