There is no question that the economy is doing much better. And no surprise, state coffers are lined with cash…and spending measures will soon be debated in states around the country. Scott Pattison, the executive director of the National Association of State Budget Officers is right on when he notes that the memory of the recent downturn and the deficits remains strong in many states and that they should act as a brake for new programs. Unfortunately, states’ don’t have a strong track record here – that’s why state spending limits are so important.