It's also difficult to compare US states -- which can't print money, with the U.S. debt level (relatively acceptable in the developed world). Perhaps a better

It's also difficult to compare US states -- which can't print money, with the U.S. debt level (relatively acceptable in the developed world). Perhaps a better comparison is Illinois and California (the highest poverty rate in the nation, when taking into account cost of living) with eurozone countries like Italy and Greece, which cannot devalue their currency to remain competitive. Yet, unlike the Eurozone, there will be more significant federal distributions to these states which racked up debt and receiving more federal aid including Medicaid / ACA grants, educational assistance, and food stamps. But we will continue to experience what is happening in parts of Michigan and Illinois, where states and cities have to make material sacrifices to pay down the debt.