About 2 years ago, my big, little brother had the opportunity to visit with the ... either Governor or Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. It was an informal conversation. But as discussions with state officials usually go, the subject gravitated towards budgets.

My brother asked, "How is it that Indiana is able to run their budget in the black when many other states (especially Illinois) are in such a disarray?"

My brother's host said to him, "I am really not at liberty to discuss it, but since I trust you, I'll tell you." He leaned in towards my brother, looking over his shoulder, then in a hushed voice said, "we... we don't spend more than we take in."