The five states in the worst financial condition–Illinois, New York, Connecticut, California and New Jersey–are all among the bluest of blue states. The five most fiscally fit states are more of a mix. Three–Utah, Nebraska and Texas–boast Republican majorities and two–New Hampshire and Virginia–skew Democratic.
Please go read the entire analysis. Especially take the time to view the “In Pictures” slideshow. The difference in per capita debt is staggering. (How Connecticut stays afloat, I have no idea.)
Massive spending and insane levels of debt are killing these states – and we are well on our way to much worse with the Obama spending frenzy at the national level. The Democrats are, quite literally, stealing candy from babies with these lunatic spending amounts. Because our children, grandchildren and out as many generations as can be imagined, will be saddled with the gargantuan debt they are accumulating.
We need a balanced budget amendment and a spending limit tied to real growth in GDP. (Mandating that they can only raise spending by a (small) percentage of real growth.) There simply appears to be no other way to rein these spendthrifts in. They are killing this country.
Thanks for the Forbes link, Gaius.
As for a balanced budget ammendment, even if it were to happen, what would be the enforcement mechanism? The courts? They have a very spotty record on upholding the Constitution.
BTW, Gram-Rudman….. remember that? It was supposed to be a cure for runaway spending. Is that law still on the books? Congress will always do as it pleases because outside of the voters, there is no one to call them to account.