April 24, 2009

Rep. Barbara Bailey's statement on the state operating budget
10th District state lawmaker is assistant ranking Republican
on the House Ways and Means Committee  

"Five years of overspending at the state level and a downturn in the national economy have left our state with an operating budget that is painful for everyone. It isn't about the numbers; it's about the impact it will have on people's lives. In so many ways, state government has let down the people it is supposed to serve.

"While I acknowledge the majority party had difficult decisions to make, I simply disagree with their approach. In the end, a budget was put forth that relies too heavily on one-time federal dollars for on-going state programs, transfers money out of the capital budget that could have helped with job creation, and borrows against our state's future. This is irresponsible and unfortunate.  

"This budget also represents a missed opportunity to reinvent state government. At a time when our state agencies need to look inward and restructure for efficiency, the  majority party opted for the status quo. This inaction will continue to have long-term consequences for our state. 

"My biggest fear is we will be forced to make even deeper cuts in just two years because of the poor decisions of today. In fact, some people estimate that our state could have a $10 billion shortfall in the next budget cycle. This could lead to more talk of tax increases, and that is not fair to the families and employers of this state."

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