Legislature needs to cut state government waste (California)

Hollister Freelance ^ | January 15, 2004

[calcowgirl]

There’s plenty to quibble about in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal - the fact that it relies on a highly dubious and unlikely plan to pass a $15 billion bond measure; questions about the treatment of local governments; doubts about the wisdom of raising tuitions - again - at California’s community colleges, state colleges and universities; suspicion that not enough fat at the state level is being cut, whether it’s at state prisons, in legislative offices or buried in layers of bureaucracy. But we’ll leave the details of the budget proposal for another time. Right now, we’re concerned about the big picture.

California is a state teetering on the edge of fiscal collapse. Even if Schwarzenegger’s budget is adopted as proposed (and the chances of that are slim to none) and the companion mammoth bond measure is approved by voters (also looking doubtful, according to recent polls), Schwarzenegger’s $99.1-billion budget will still leave California’s accounts in a $3- to $6-billion hole. The governor’s budget is also disappointing because it’s based on rosy economic forecasts that predict that state tax revenue will increase by nearly $3 billion in fiscal year 2004-2005.

That’s not all. If the governor’s Hollywood persona and trite slogans fail to convince voters to approve a $15 billion loan to pay off the existing debt, the state’s deficit will increase to titanic proportions - $27 billion dollars by June 2005.

For an entity in such dire financial straits, we’re underwhelmed by Schwarzenegger’s tepid, more-of-the-same spending plan.

Between the wild growth of state government in the last decade and the proposition hamstrings voters have put on legislators, this state has woven quite a web of fiscal woe. Untangling it won’t be accomplished with shuffling funds from here to there or without pain.

We think most of that pain belongs at the state government level. For most people, their city and county governments and school boards have the greatest impact on their quality of life. Citizens also have the most control of funds spent at these governmental levels. Before taking money from those agencies, which provide the health care services, the roads, the police and fire protection and the educations Californians need, we’d like to see wholesale slashing of state bureaucracy.

We think the state should get out of the middleman business when it comes to funds earmarked for cities, counties and public schools. That way, the state can’t get grabby when it overspends itself into billion-dollar deficits.

We think radical ideas, a sense of outrage at government growth and waste and a budget ax aimed squarely at Sacramento ought to be the hallmarks of any state spending plan.

No more tired Hollywood one-liners. Let’s see some real action from our new governor: Balance the budget on the backs of Sacramento bureaucrats.

[NormsRevenge]

Good find! Thanks!!!

[Wooly]

The problems with California are not just at the state level it is also at the county and city level. In most cases Citys and Counties have spent money on stadiums, ice rinks, and other BS, like they though the money would just keep flowing. And now that it is drying up they are still trying to keep the BS going by cutting Police, Fire, and other basic function areas.

[calcowgirl]

Is it just me, or does it seem that the media is starting to notice that this budget has some major problems?

I know this is an editorial... but in general, I think coverage is lessening on the 'draconian cuts' descriptions and starting to focus on the billions in borrowing and smoke-and-mirrors tactics.

[Amerigomag]

After reading this editorial I can only suggest that Mr. Fitzgerald give up his day job and run for the California Senate.

His common sense is sorely needed.

[NormsRevenge]

BINGO!!!! This state IS in serious financial straits all the way around gubamint-wise.

Politicos and their contributors who blindly spent like crazy are now asking the taxpayers to bail them out once again.

Of course, scare tactics are the order of the day and will be used ad nauseum to "address" the issues that now face this state at all levels of government.

Spending OPM's money is so easy..

Before you know it, we will all hear the sucking sounds of black holes in our wallets and check books .. placed there by those entrusted to govern in a prudent manner, but who, in the end, could care less who ends up paying for their incompetence and greed.

[Carry_Okie]

For an entity in such dire financial straits, we’re underwhelmed by Schwarzenegger’s tepid, more-of-the-same spending plan.

It's one thing to act like a tough guy when you've already read the script and know how the story ends, it's another altogether to stand in the gap, put up the numbers, and take the heat.

Arnold doesn't have the guts to do it.