MARYLAND’S DEBT PER RESIDENT is twice Virginia’s.

Maryland's soaring pension deficits are racking up $3,069 in debt for every taxpayer in the state, while their Virginia neighbors are paying only $1,362, according to a report from Moody's credit-rating agency.

[Also] Maryland taxpayers also owe nearly twice as much as Virginians in state-issued bonds, or long-term debt.

We thought seriously about moving to Maryland instead of Virginia when we came here in 2000. I’m glad I took my wife’s advice. That said, though, Virginia isn’t doing much better with its own pension liabilities.