March 31, 2009

Statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey on House Democrats’
state operating budget proposal released today
10th District lawmaker is assistant ranking Republican
on House Ways and Means Committee    

"I’m disappointed in what the House majority party has proposed. It is yet another loose-threaded, patchwork budget that relies on one-time federal dollars, state fund transfers and borrowing to just get us by the next two years. It is an unsustainable approach that avoids structural problems, and points tax increases at the public.

"Our state faces tough choices and needs budget leadership. I believe this includes restructuring state government and focusing on priorities such as education, public safety and the protection of our most vulnerable populations. We still have time to apply these principles to both the House and Senate budget proposals, and I will be doing all I can to convince budget writers that this is the most responsible and sustainable approach. 

"State lawmakers must use current budget problems as a blueprint for change. Our goal should be to prevent the problems of today from happening in the future. I am sponsoring proposals that support this goal -- including preventing unsustainable budgets from being passed, creating a spending limit and putting extraordinary revenue aside in good economic times. Without fundamental changes to our budget process, we can continue to expect large shortfalls and calls for tax increases every two years."

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