Illinois' path offers lesson

[Beet]

Last year, Illinois and Wisconsin each faced serious budget crises. Projected revenue could not cover expected spending, and massive deficits threatened the fiscal stability of both states.

You're probably familiar with the budget-repair efforts by Gov. Scott Walker. I'd like to tell you more about the route Illinois took, which was vastly different and over the past year has proven itself a failure.

Link

[Beet]

Yet after reading that article, I'm still unclear on what 'lesson' it supposedly is.

I think it's that the huge tax hike removed pressure on politicians to cut spending. The tax hike was probably necessary, but the fact that Illinois today is in worse fiscal shape than ever despite of it is an embarassment. It's very depressing to see this side of politicians.