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tangent4ronpaul
07-03-2009, 08:26 PM
http://www.examiner.com/x-9341-Manhattan-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m7d1-California-five-other-states-face-government-shutdowns

As the US prepares to celebrate its independence from King George, at least 15% of the country has recently pondered the unthinkable: state government shutdowns.
Besides California, which has infamously showcased its decline into bankruptcy, over many years – Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi and Pennsylvania hang in the midst of emergency scenarios that could ultimately leave some bankrupt and/or without properly functioning governments.

Faced with these prospects, the D.C.-based status quo continues, carte blanche. Quite literally, elected officials are demonstrating – through their actions – that they are arrogantly incapable of leading the nation they allegedly represent. With that in mind, if you thought the massive Tea Party protests in April were something to talk about, baby, you ain’t seen nothing yet; even larger protests are planned around this nation on Independence Day, no doubt highlighting the looming development of the Second American Revolution.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening in each of these states:

ARIZONA

Just this Monday, the state was brought within hours of a “total government shutdown”, according to The Arizona Republic. Facing a deficit in excess of $3 billion, or 30% of its annual budget, the state plans to cut public services, while increasing taxes over several years. If politicians in Arizona already had issues with popularity, I’d love to see what happens now.

CALIFORNIA

Widely reported as a near-bankrupt entity, California will literally run out of money tomorrow. At that point, the state will be forced to issue nearly $3 billion in “IOUs” (promises to pay…I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting to collect, though) for July alone. Faced with a reported $24 billion annual deficit, by far the largest in the US, California is expected to drastically cut public services, and even release some prisoners back into society, before their sentences expire. Once the bastion of American success, California is now on the brink of resembling a third-world hell hole.

CONNECTICUT

With a two-year, $8-billion-plus deficit, the state has been unable to compromise on a budget, though the state legislature – heavily Democratic – is prepared to increase taxes by as much as $2.5 billion; Republican Governor M. Jodi Rell has vowed to veto such moves. Should that happen, the state government would be moved to emergency measures – an Executive Order from Governor Rell – just to continue operating.

ILLINOIS

President Obama’s own home state has had plenty of embarrassment this year; former Governor Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office just months ago. Now collapsing under the weight of an estimated $9 billion deficit, the state is preparing for deep social service cuts – including care for the elderly – in addition to the possibility of a complete government shutdown.

INDIANA

Brought within a stone’s throw of a government shutdown, the state approved a budget late Tuesday; prior to that, lawmakers, along with the public, were warned that all critical services – from police to prisons – would have been closed at midnight today. Tragedy has been averted in Indiana, for now, at least.

OHIO

Yesterday, the state was reduced to implementing a seven-day emergency budget to continue operating; accordingly, Governor Ted Strickland’s government will be partially funded through July 7, and state agencies will receive a 30% cut in the meantime. All debts will continue to be paid at their full rate, ensuring the creditors’ interests are being looked after, of course. It is unclear, at this juncture, how the state will rectify a projected $3.2 billion, two-year deficit.

MISSISSIPPI

Like their counterparts in Indiana, state lawmakers narrowly avoided a Tuesday deadline to pass a 2010 budget. If missed, it would have resulted in a complete government shutdown. At the same time, there is no cause for celebration: two critical agencies, the Public Service Commission and the Public Utilities Staff, will remain entirely unfunded, pending a budgetary agreement between the state legislature and Governor Haley Barbour.

PENNSYLVANIA

Things aren’t looking very chipper over in The Keystone State; yesterday, Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, acknowledged that he and Republican lawmakers do not expect to resolve their ongoing budget standoff any time soon. While the deadline for a 2010 budget passed unfulfilled Tuesday, the state will be able to continue operating through remaining 2009 fiscal funds. Staring down a deficit that exceeds $3 billion, Rendell is proposing massive tax hikes, while Republicans prefer to focus instead on budget cuts.

FindLiberty
07-03-2009, 08:31 PM
too bad it will never be a COMPLETE gubermint shutdown. Fools.

t0rnado
07-03-2009, 08:52 PM
Damn, where's NJ? It should be on that list.

FSP-Rebel
07-03-2009, 08:59 PM
The Feds will just bail them out anyway. No biggie.

Optatron
07-03-2009, 09:02 PM
Damn, where's NJ? It should be on that list.

yesterday's news

t0rnado
07-03-2009, 09:12 PM
yesterday's news

Haha, yeah, but a lot more states are facing shutdowns than are on that list.