It’s a little hard to get your head around how, with so much turmoil, pain and the unpredictable job market, that so many states are thriving with boatloads of money in their coffers.

Along with the tax rebates and bonuses, states are paying down debts and pension obligations and investing in short-term infrastructure projects. In addition, states’ reserve funds have reached a record level of nearly $113 billion for the 2021 fiscal year.