"If the budget is late by just a few days, there is little harm to school districts, nonprofit agencies and the many businesses that rely on state funding or services. But the longer the budget remains open to negotiations, the worse the forecasts for revenues become and the less that can be spent."

Sounds like someone rushing to max out the credit cards before declaring bankruptcy.

A recession means tough times. But we are going into it with a bunch of unmet needs, massive debts, unearned privileges that take priority over everything else -- and future revenues already encumbered by past deals. We are talking long-term damage here.