The difference between Federal Government and State Government budgets is state budgets HAVE to be balanced. So they cannot do the borrowing to create deficits to hold their obligations. Illinois and several other states are having the same issue. People work, they agree to a pension, company or state should pay it. Problem is, it's easier to get elected talking about cutting taxes, than promoting good responsible government.
An entertainer will capture some of your votes over the economist with advanced account degrees every time. Even in liberal California. Well, of course California. They held a special election to get rid of a good public servant for Arnold, and Reagan beat Pat Brown, after Nixon and some other republican loser failed to do it. Anyway, my point, you get the government you deserve.