[little jeremiah]

Maybe it’s already explained down the thread (I’m sort of running in and out) but could you explain what you mean in simple language? Essentially, is what Roberts said good or bad?

[IbJensen]

Roberts' comment is somewhat bad as it suggests that the states have had their snouts shoved in the trough for a long time. Your question, therefore, is answered in the first sentence of the article.

Roberts said states have been compromising their sovereignty for decades through increased reliance on the federal government for money and accompanying directions on the governance of state affairs.