[duffbeer703]

States like California and New York are mostly the victims of politicians in the 60's - 80's who deferred all sorts of costs to the future to make the books work. Welcome to the future.

Examples: "No money to give raises to state workers, cops and teachers." Solution to get contracts signed: Richer pensions, bigger benefits

"Crime is out of control. Drugs are bad. Rural economies are collapsing from de-industrialization." Solution: Build prisons.

"We're enlightened and want the poor to get better healthcare." Solution: Spend more on Medicaid. (In New York, pass the bill down to the county while you're at it)

"The Mayor can't afford a 7% raise to the Police and Fire Departments. The arbitrator will give them 6% that we can't afford if we go to arbitration." Solution: Allow employees to bank unlimited sick time that gets paid out at retirement and free healthcare for life.

Hopefully a crisis will fix things.