And this is why I
A) live below my means, and
B) live in Texas


Some 29 states are recommending tax and fee increases for the coming fiscal year -- for a total increase of $24 Billion:

California, which is struggling to close a $21.3 billion budget gap, accounts for $11.3 billion of the hike. Illinois makes up another $4.4 billion, while New York is proposing $4 billion in additional levies.

Hikes in personal income taxes account for $8.8 billion, while sales taxes are set to rise $6.5 billion. Higher cigarette taxes would bring in $1.5 billion, while corporate taxes would rise $539 million.