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Thursday, July 02, 2009States and the Bailout
By Lyle Hillyard
Senator, District 25 I was recently at a NCSL summit, along with legislators from 11 other states, regarding ways to help the poor survive the budget woes of the states. During my conversations with a Senator from another state, I was shocked when I asked her about how they were handling their budget shortfalls. She said that they are not concerned because they are sure there will be another bailout for the states next year. No need to worry. However, I was sick at her statement. If legislators harbor that attitude and continue to borrow rather than facing the reality of the financial situation, I am deeply concerned for the future of this country. She could not believe that Utah could be so harsh as to cut government-funded programs. She did not believe me when I told her that with our cuts, we have actually found many programs that needed to be trimmed and made more efficient. We are better able to serve the truly needy with the scaled back programs that remain. Some may not understand it, but I am hoping we don’t have another bailout next year.
posted by The Senate Site at 10:08 AM | Link
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5 Comments:
How much of that bailout money did you guys have to spend again? Millions I believe. To fill the holes in the budget the legislature caused. So without that bailout, I can't even imagine what you would've had to have cut, and how many disabled would now be going without care.
It is even worse than what you point out. All the bailout dollars are borrowed from the taxpayers of the future. It borders on the criminal. When I see the antics of the California (and Federal) legislators I am grateful I live in Utah.
Utah's budget would have been balanced on time with or without the stimulus money. When tax receipts are down some people feel the pain. When you don't balance your budget everybody gets hurt.
Pretty sad story, thanks for sharing.
Why not just reject all bailout proposals? Why not be completely self-reliant as a state every year and not accept any federal dollars at all?
Let me guess....was the Senator in question from California, New York or Minnesota? It sounds like something someone back in MN would have said.....
LL
The senator was not from any of those states, which causes me even greater concern because it sounds like other states may be "in waiting". I was glad to hear Sen. Reid say he was against another bail out. We will have to see how long that lasts.
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