By passing a budget last night the Connecticut General Assembly punted on the tough choices that face our state. Borrowing to fund operational expenses and “securitizing” assets will not position us for the new economy nor does it address long standing systemic problems in the state budget.
Governor Rell had proposed some interesting and creative ways to begin to downsize state government and develop a state government that we can afford and a state government that will be sustainable-unfortunately, legislative leaders in the General Assembly decided to punt.
There is an important discussion in Connecticut that must happen, its one that nobody really wants to have, but the economics times that confront us demand that we have it.
It’s the Elephant in the room, the 800 lbs. Gorilla sitting in your kitchen or what ever metaphor you want to use.
It’s the downsizing state government, tackling property tax reform, redefining the core mission of state government discussion that strikes fear in the heart of ever big government advocate, and every legislator whose vision is clouded by whatever special interest group that is in front of them at the moment.
This is a difficult talk to have as a state legislator (as a former legislator, I can attest to this). Too often the conversation becomes about who wins and who loses. Once it is defined that way, it becomes a contest on who can advocate the best, and who can win the sound bite war. The talk becomes shouting, shouting becomes screaming, and then everybody hunkers down to a sort of political trench warfare.
These are difficult times. It is time to have the talk. The talk about what we want our state government to look like, the talk that will set our mission and our goals for the new economy.
Our state budget is a two year spending plan. It is as much a policy statement as it is a spending document. The budget should reflect our mission, our goals, and what we value as a state.
Our state spending plan should reflect the deliberations and discussions of the various budget writing committee’s in the public, with public hearings and transparency.
There are momentous decisions being made behind closed doors without input from the public, but that is another column. The “talk” should include a discussion of the process (or lack of).
We cannot sustain our state government if we continue down this path.
It remains to be seen if the Governor will sign this budget.
But either way, let’s have the “talk”..
Caution: Connecticut Lawmakers at Work:
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/09/01/caution-connecticut-lawmakers-at-work/
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-state-budget-0901.artsep01,0,583118.story
Comment by Artemus — September 1st, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
Mark Boughton has been able to “distill” the situation..however getting that 800-LB Gorilla(or tumor)removed is the general position of all..where does it all stand/since America is all about standing ON Principle–it does RING–that special interests and closed door processes do emerge at the height of a persons day2day affairs..never do we hear–organized crime–we hear “special” interest group–as the money disappears or tally’s for a prison term/..America is lost in its own..turbulent..mainstream..I think that Governor Jodi Rell has mentioned the “air” of reform..but lets be honest..the State of Connecticut is a messed up crimminal enterprise as much as a HOST-to-antiguity..its 2-headed monster and its “quivering” tentacles really are amused portions of lower class struggles to look middle class..when JOBS get back to Taxable–realities..Connecticut will see its head–heading for the surface..but actually hearing “sounds” when your head is below water–is quite comical.
Comment by Mark S. Mocarski — September 6th, 2009 @ 1:09 pm