I knew I had read this somewhere, and I am not sure if I am placing it in the right thread but here it is and the link I got it and the snippet that makes the statement.
General Workforce Trends and Comparisons
Overview
The following observations regarding general workforce trends and comparisons can be made from an analysis
of the information in this section:
• In 2009, state governments nationwide had an average of 216 state workers per 10,000 in population.
Florida had 117 workers per 10,000 in population, or 45.8 percent less than the national average.
• In 2009, the state government national average was $72 in payroll expenditures per state resident.
Florida’s payroll expenditure was $38 per state resident, or 47.2 percent less than the national average.
Imagine what financial state of our state government would be if we were 100% on average. Now imagine what shape we'd be in if we were above average. (Actually, you don't have to imagine, just take a look at states like California.)