Shouldn’t the state be responsible for my brother’s cremation since he was still a ward when he passed?

I don't know.

Whether or not he was a "ward," he still belonged to someone. If no one claims the body, I guess the State will dispose of his remains. I will bet that the coma was drug induced.

Where do you get the idea the government is responsible for personal debt? That is what is wrong with the country now.

Consult with your State's Attorney General's Office for assistane and response to your inquiry.

Yes they should. Compared to the cost of continued incarceration of your brother and possible expensive medical care if he had not died but instead gone into coma, the denial seems very petty indeed. I advise you to have the cremation, pay for it, and then picket the governor's mansion with the amount of the cremation charges as your demand. You can write letters, but the TV station might cover your complaint if you called them the day before and told them you would picket starting at 9 am. You need to be dramatic, but legal. If the cops roust you, don't fight or they will arrest you. Go directly to the local newspaper and talk to the editor.