As they see it.

"We're not Europe. We're not comfortable being in this position."

--William A. Strauss, senior economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, referring to the U.S. unemployment rate during a presentation at NCSL's Legislative Summit in Louisville.

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"I'd be a burden on my kids. I'd rather be a burden to these people."

--Curtis Ballard, an elderly inmate in Washington state, whose medical expenses are paid for by the state, to the Associated Press.

"Through this process, I think the feds will get the message. These are desperate times. You can't blame states for taking action."

--Utah Senator Luz Robles, who is working on an immigration bill, to the Washington Post.

"I'm truly astonished. Congress has unequivocally carried out the constitutional responsibilities of this state and this Legislature."

--Utah House Speaker David Clark, about the recent federal money for education and health care, to The Salt...