Ultimately, whether it's in the constitution or not, if there's no money there, it can't be paid.
I am terrified of the actual argument that:
1. It's in the Constitution;
2. State declares Bankruptcy;
3. Constitutional Provision "X" is viewed by Bankruptcy Court as being a burden on the Bankruptcy proceedings;
4. Bankruptcy Judge vetoes Constitution.
Think about it:
"Law enforcement costs due to gang violence, terrorism and senseless gun crimes are expensive epidemics that plague the coffers of our State, draining money from our Constitutionally Mandated Health Care. As such, as Bankruptcy Judge in this proceeding, I'm nullifying the [2nd? depends on the State] Amendment to the State Constitution permitting the citizens of this state to keep and bear arms. Citizens must turn in all firearms after these proceedings are concluded."
How is that any different than yanking Health Care out of a Constitutional Provision?
I hate Health Care and Socialism... but if a State put them in the Constitution, then it seems to me that the only body that can pull it back out would be the State legislature proposing it and then putting it to public referendum.
Judges CANNOT strike the State Constitution, any more than SCOTUS can strike the Constitution of the United States.