Issue Position: Budget

Issue Position

Anticipating a budget shortfall for the next session of our state's government is entirely possible. For far too long we have been putting off the difficult decisions, or getting caught up in political infighting that generally ends in the residents of the state being the losers. Any debate in reducing the state budget has to take into consideration that we have a mandate to provide for basic education.

As good stewards of public funds and trust, we must weigh the impacts of our decisions on at-risk and vulnerable populations, public safety, and constitutionally mandated requirements. Given today's economy, we have to look at efficiencies, consolidation of services, and working smarter.

When we consider any kind of spending reduction, we must ask ourselves, "What will be the outcome?" Ultimately, what is our intent? In an effort to save monies, we have to avoid cuts that end up costing more money in the long run than they save. I believe in being fiscally responsible, avoiding the smoke and mirror aspect of budgeting. Any budget reductions must have a sound basis and be sustainable for future generations.

Lastly, there have been numerous cost savings and cost reduction recommendations presented over the last few years only to die without a hearing. For any meaningful budget reduction th

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