[Joshua]

"First, many states are in dire financial shape. We can all say, "screw them" because the legislators in those states increased spending bills when times were good, but the fact remains that California is facing a $35 billion shortfall, and $10 billion in Texas. Nebraska, my state, is facing a $650 million shortfall over 2 years. "

Why should a dime of my money go to bail out states that elect politicians that promise them the moon. They elected the idiots that made the mess, live with it

[irish_lad]

Why should a dime of my money go to bail out states that elect politicians that promise them the moon. They elected the idiots that made the mess, live with it

Because if we don't bail them out in the short term (and that's only what I'm speaking about), then the economy will stagnate because of negative growth and debt default. Again, it's easy to say "live with the mess" but these are difficult problems that impact millions of people across our nation.

I suggest that the Feds, before any loans to states, establish spending agreements not only to repay Washington, but also to force states to get their fiscal house in order. Sadly, this makes too much sense for politicians to implement.