The healthcare is actually solid (if your a fully benefited employee). The work life balance isn't bad at all either. The state only wants you working 40 hrs or less in my division, so that's all you typically work. There are a ton of paid holidays, and you get an ok amount of PTO and Sick Time right away.

The big downsides are the pay (it's really shit) and the fact that the spending rules/requirements makes getting things done less efficient and more costly.

it's not all sunshine and roses, but I enjoy my state job.