With yesterday's news that Connecticut had resolved its budget crisis, Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation without a spending plan in place.

The difficulties involved in resolving Pennsylvania's budget impasses are no different than the fiscal struggles faced in many other states. Until a few weeks ago, Pennsylvania, California and Connecticut were the only states without a budget.

Now, Pennsylvania stands alone. And the attention is unwelcome as it suggests a dysfunctional state government. But given the fact that this is the seventh year in a row that Gov. Ed Rendell and state lawmakers have failed to pass a budget on time, it's not really a surprise to Pennsylvanians.

The problems facing Pennsylvania's governor and state Legislature are very difficult, but no more difficult than those faced in California, Connecticut or other states. The national recession has reduced revenues to the state treasury, and taxpayers living with declining or stagnant wages are not prepared to accept higher taxes.

Still, every other state in the nation managed to find some mix of spending cuts and revenue increases to balance and pass a budget.

It should be noted that passing a budget does not end troubles. California's bitter budget battle ended a few weeks ago, but the state is bracing for the impact of serious spending cuts that will hurt education, health care and social services.

Still, Pennsylvania's distinction as the only state in the nation without a budget is a dubious distinction. But that singular dishonor is something the Keystone State has been a top contender for since Rendell first took office. It's worth repeating that this year's budget battle is the seventh year in a row that the governor and the Legislature have failed to pass a budget by the June 30 deadline.

Judged by the inability to pass a state budget on time, Pennsylvania should hold the title as the most dysfunctional state government.

But that's not the only title that resides in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania also has the largest, most-expensive Legislature in the nation.

In a related claim to fame, Pennsylvania also employs the most legislative staffers in the nation.

According to a recent report by Democracy Rising PA, based on information from the National Conference of State Legislatures, Pennsylvania represents just 4.1 percent of the U.S. population, yet our General Assembly employs 10.6 percent of all full-time legislative staffers in the country.

New York, which once held the title for most legislative staffers, cut 401 positions this year due to its budget crunch. In Harrisburg, just 27 positions have been trimmed this year, allowing Pennsylvania to surpass New York as the home to the most legislative staffers.

According to Philadephia Daily News columnist John Baer, Pennsylvania's legislators employ 3,156 staffers, an average of 12.5 staffers for each state lawmaker.

New York's cuts in legislative staffing appear to be a realistic attempt to reduce costs and boost efficiency. Pennsylvania's paltry reduction of less than 1 percent in legislative staffing suggests a less-than-serious concern over the cost of government by lawmakers.

Why should state lawmakers care about the cost of the Legislature. It's paid for with other people's money.

Baer repeatedly has argued that the state legislature is too large, and now we know, adding insult to injury, that support staffing also is excessive. In a column from earlier this year, Baer concludes, "Our bloated Legislature has a bloated underbelly."

So, it's not just sports fans in Pennsylvania who can proclaim "We're Number One."

The state's lawmakers now stand alone in failing to pass a state budget. The state's General Assembly has more people making very generous wages and benefits, so Pennsylvanians are funding the most expensive Legislature in the nation. And, that expensive Legislature employs more staffers than any other state in the nation, presumably to help lawmakers get their job done.

Like passing a state budget.

— J.L.W.III