State Senate Republicans are filled with resolve. They have drawn a line in the sand that is reasonable, and modest. Given the significant increases in state revenue the past few years, there is no reason for California to adopt a 2007-08 budget that spends more than projected revenues. Today’s Commentary is guest-authored by FR friend and State Senator Bob Dutton…
Controlling Government Growth
By Sen. Bob Dutton
With the budget now 27 days late the mudslinging in the halls of the Capitol is in full swing.
My Republican colleagues and I have stood firm under the leadership of Dick Ackerman convinced that we must do all we can to get our state spending under control. We’ve been accused of stealing wheel chairs from the handicapped and earlier this week the Senate Pro Tem used the term “fiscal terrorism” when describing the alternative budget proposed by Republicans that limits the growth of government.
I’ve always believed that name calling will not solve problems, so I choose not to join those who have decided to use the media to sling mud. Instead, I believe in presenting the facts and letting the truth speak for itself.
Revenues to the state’s General Fund are expected to top $101.2 billion for the coming 2007-08 fiscal year- an increase of $25 billion over the last four budget cycles.
You would think that kind of revenue increase would make it easy for this legislature to balance the budget. However, you would be wrong! Spending is projected at $104.3 billion.
I believe it’s time that we take whatever steps are necessary to limit the growth of state spending. You will notice that I didn’t say cut spending, because we aren’t. The Democrats propose a 3 to 4 percent growth in bureaucracy. However, if that growth was limited to 1 or 2 percent the budget proposal balance this year. If we can’t agree to get our spending under control this year, how will we be able to cut the $5 to $6 billion deficit projected for the 2008-09 budget?
To solve the chronic deficits I believe we need a Constitutional Amendment that would limit state spending to the prior year’s levels with increases allowed for population growth and cost of living.
Sen. Tom Harman (R-Costa Mesa) has introduced such an amendment, SCA 8, which would put back the spending provisions of the Gann Initiative that was passed by nearly 75 percent of the voters in 1979. Unfortunately, a series of propositions passed in the years since the Gann Initiative was passed has rendered this “common sense” provision virtually useless.
I’m proud of Senate Republican Leader Ackerman for holding our caucus together on these vital issues that not only make sound “common sense” but also sound “fiscal sense.”
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