Fiscal health gives Indiana an edge Over Illinois

The Indianapolis Star reports:

Here's a tale of two states that should make Hoosiers glad they live on the east bank of the Wabash -- at least when it comes to paying for state government.

Last week in Indiana, the Daniels administration announced that the state's budget reserves had topped $2 billion, enough to trigger $100 rebates for individual tax filers and $200 for couples who file jointly. In total, the state will give back about $300 million to taxpayers, and although the individual sums are by no means large, the refunds are enough to provide hard-pressed families with a bit more cushion for a week or two.

In Illinois, meanwhile, the fiscal picture is far less cheery.

Last year, Illinois lawmakers scrambled to close a budget shortfall estimated at $11 billion. Despite substantial tax increases and deep cuts in services, the state ended the 2012 fiscal year, which closed June 30, with a shortfall of more than $8 billion. In fact, Illinois' auditor general recently released a report describing the state's deficit as the nation's worst based on the percentage of revenue.

Barack Obama's Illinois.