where your treasure is, there also will your heart be

Update 9/27/09: since the original posting, an updated CBPP report shows the number of states with shortfalls has risen to 48 and the total deficit anticipated for the next fiscal year, 2010, is $168 billion.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, of 50 states, 47 face budget shortfalls over the next few years. The total budget shortfall for all states for fiscal year 2009 is $106 billion. Because states cannot run deficits, sharp and immediate cutbacks in social services and infrastructure are often seen. But these measures can be false economies, taking down systems that make our communities good places to live.

Last week, Congress passed another war supplemental funding bill. There was maybe a week of debate over some of the issues - but the outcome was never in doubt. Nothing like the pitched battle going on over whether we will join the rest of the civilized world and institute universal health care. The amount of the appropriation - $106 billion.

This is insane.