Budget ideas
We asked readers to suggest ways for the state to correct their budget woes. Some letter writers offer thoughtful ideas, while some bloggers just argued.
With the state facing a $2.8 billion deficit, there has been plenty of news about new taxes proposed and cuts to existing services. Many people are intent on stopping any new taxes, as the state comes out of a recession. Just as many are opposed to cutting state programs, feeling the programs are essential to our recovery.
The answer may be a bit of both.
Last week we asked readers to respond with their suggestions to balance the budget — meaning what to add new taxes to or what to increase taxes on and what services could be cut, either permanently or for a short term.
Coulee City’s Susan Miller presented the best idea in a letter to the editor. It’s one we hope the senator and representatives for our district consider offering in a bill.
We also agree with one idea from the blogger self-named Taxpayer, who suggests freezing state spending. It would be a wise move and one Gov. Chris Gregoire could do easily with her power to veto bills.
This mess is long from over and we need to continue offering suggestions to help. If we don’t take part in the solution, then we remain part of the problem. We would also have to accept being happy with what our state government determines is the best for us. We all know how that would end.
Please continue with your suggestions. Please e-mail them to us at editor@columbiabasinherald.com, with the subject line of “Budget ideas.”
— Editorial board
Below are some of the responses bloggers offered to us through the Web site www.columbiabasinherald.com. Not all blogs are included.
Ken S. blogged: The trouble with this approach is it’s two or three years behind the curve. The governor and the Democrat controlled legislative bodies knew a downturn was in the cards — it always is. She and they blundered forward creating more spending programs — and spending money on enhancing programs when they couldn’t find another do-good program to fund when times were good — and now it’s time to pay the piper.
While your suggestion of not funding new programs or enhancing current ones is commendable I don’t think the Democrats can help themselves. It seems to be in their DNA to spend other people’s money.
Read Again Gail blogged: No Gail, she didn’t ask us for solutions. The Columbia Basin Herald editor decided that they would ask for her. Her question was a rhetorical question: ‘If we want to bring the budget into a more balanced state, but you cry foul every time we cut a program or raise taxes, what are we supposed to do?’ It’s a problem all states are facing right now. Basically the question is, ‘How can I keep you folks happy when you criticize any plan for getting us out of this mess?’ Is she bad at her job? I always ask myself, ‘What would Dino do?’ (shudder).
Taxpayer blogged: Here’s an idea, stop asking newspapers to find solutions. They report the news and should not be making the news. The solution is clear and simple — freeze all state spending! No hiring, no salary increases, leave vacant positions vacant for a while. The public sector has been forced to do this all while the state is asking for more money. Increase taxes on tobacco and alcohol. If a person on welfare gives birth while on welfare, their benefits are reduced. They should know this prior to getting pregnant. Welfare encourages laziness.
Gail blogged: She wants us to help her find solutions? What were her qualifications when she was elected for this job? I find this to be laughable. She hasn’t been asking our opinion up to this point and now that the ship is sinking, it’s suddenly all hands on deck. Even if those extra hands will be told to go back to their corners and sit down once she has a few extra bucks in her coffers by taxing everything we have, did have or may have. Is there at least one politician in this country that plans ahead for a rainy day? I for one am tired of irresponsible politicians ruining this country. We need a few good men and women to step up, talk straight to us and do the hard work it will take to get states and this country back on track.
Knows the truth blogged: If I ran my checkbook like the government, I would be thrown in jail!
Sound money is the answer blogged: This can all be solved by creating a competing currency backed by gold and silver. That phony money and the inflation tax that goes with it is destroying the middle class. Lets get rid of the minimum wage altogether. You know when a job pays to little? No one will apply for it!
Cenels2 blogged: Reduce the minimum wage and lower unemployment benefits. The reduced minimum wage will allow small business owners to hire additional employees. Reducing the unemployment benefit will encourage the unemployed to seek employment. When a prospective employee turns down $11.00 an hour to drive a forklift because he can make more on unemployment we have a problem.