Free Republic

Illinois ranked No. 48 in an analysis of the state’s ability to pay all of its bills, including public employers’ pension benefits, according to a new ranking of the states’ fiscal health by Truth in Accounting (TIA). Illinois was found to be short $216.1 billion to pay its bills ... The amount of the state’s shortfall in funding to pay off its bills amounts to $50,800 per taxpayer

Rural states with a history of conservative leadership generally fare better than urban ones with a history of progressive leadership — but there are exceptions in this latest study by George Mason University, ranking the 50 states in terms of their governments’ financial health.The Mercatus Center, a pro-market think tank at George Mason, released this year’s version of “Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition,” a remarkably well-named look at how each of the 50 states is faring when it comes to stewardship of public funds.Alaska tops the rankings, with the Dakotas, Nebraska and Florida rounding out the top five.Illinois is...

More bad news for Gov. Chris Christie: New Jersey is dead last in the nation in terms of its fiscal solvency, according to a new report. The study, released this week by the free-market Mercatus Center at George Mason University, ranked each state's financial health based on a variety of measures, such as cash on hand to pay its current bills, budget surpluses or deficits, unfunded liabilities and ability to provide adequate public services. The Mercatus study used 2012 data. New Jersey came in last on two of those measures — budget and long-term solvency — and finished in the...

I assure you that after meeting her and her city, your view of what politicians can accomplish will be changed permanently. When I first viewed this story, I wondered several times whether I was watching a "Daily Show" spoof. It's real. This mayor, Mayor Hazel McCallion, 88, has won 11 straight elections. Her city has no debt and over $800 million cash reserves! It's the third largest city in Ontario, Canada... Mississauga. You must meet this spunky woman. Oh yea, she plays hockey for relaxation, and played professionally earlier in life. (Video)