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Here is what I think is the AP’s sloppy logic:

“High school dropouts are costing some $1.8 billion in lost tax revenue every year”

— is like saying “people who don’t drive their cars seven days a week are costing the government billions in lost gas tax revenue.

The revenue is what it is. Could it be more? Sure. But the fact that more is not coming in is not “costing” the government anything. Someone should inform the AP that it’s just tough luck for the government that people make decisions — whether to get a diploma, whether to drive. Government does not “deserve” any tax revenue from anyone.

“Lawmakers in state capitols are making tough choices . . . “

The AP doesn’t observe lawmakers very accurately, does it?

” . . about whether to raise taxes to keep classroom lights on or to sell off state agencies to provide health care to seniors.”

False choices. Is there no other way to balance their budgets? Do they not have an option to cut wasteful spending and programs, or downsize? Not according to the AP.

And what is this bull about “sell off state agencies to provide health care to seniors”? Even the master exaggerator, Obama, didn’t go far as to claim that. What “state agencies” are states contemplating sellng off in order to fund health care, AP? And to whom? Or did you just make it all up?

You know, I’m beginning to doubt that the AP has actual facts in front of them before they write scare stories about “what could happen.” I mean, if they did, wouldn’t they include them in the article, by way of illustration, if not by way of proof?

P.S.: AP, although the situation that the states find themselves in has been decades in the making, and has nothing to do with this one “sequesterization” battle, can you by any chance link this story to it anyway, as if it is the root cause of all these woes?

“Federal officials, meanwhile, are looking at some $85 billion in automatic spending cuts that are set to take hold at the end of the week”

Good job, AP! I knew you could!