over $500 million shortfall
We’ve just finished a special finance committee meeting today to discuss the possible targeted spending cuts to balance the $500 million dollar shortfall. Even though the bill must originate in the SC House of Representatives, the Chairman wanted to give us a heads up on what we can expect. We should get the bill from the House next Wednesday, so we’ll see what’s in it. The common consensus is that k-12 education and corrections would be left alone. The department of education may see a 2% cut, with restrictions that classroom expenditures must not see the result. I am pleasantly surprised that there is agreement that the competitive grants will be raided to help balance the books.
I am disappointed in the notion that this situation is because we cut taxes too much. This is wrong for two reasons. First and foremost, Government has an insatiable appetite for gratuitous spending. Also, in these down economic times, SC would be struggling even more had we not cut taxes when we did. You’ve seen me take the floor several times to cut pork barrel spending out of the budget, yet PORK has been victorious over PRIORITIES.
Since the beginning, I’ve been telling ya’ll we’ve got to quit spending and making obligations that we can’t afford in the future. I began this blog in 2005 after first being elected. I quickly learned of the overflow of cash comming into the coffers of the state. Instead of spending every penny that come’s in, why not build up trust funds and make one time improvements on our roads?
It’s not a revenue problem, it is a spending problem as I have been telling you this: Here05.04.17, Here05.06.17, Here05.12.14, Here06.21.06,
Here06.02.09, Here06.02.08, Here06.04.30, Here06.05.18, Here06.05.12, Here06.06.05, Here06.12.07, Here07.01.28, Here07.03.15, Here07.04.30, Here07.04.27, Here07.04.26, Here07.04.24, Here07.04.24, Here07.04.21, Here07.04.12, Here07.05.20, Here07.06.21, Here07.06.06, Here07.08.31, Here07.10.19, Here07.11.08, Here08.01.31, Here08.01.09, Here08.02.20, Here08.02.19, Here08.02.14, Here08.03.26, Here08.03.20, Here08.03.13, Here08.04.30, Here08.04.16, Here08.04.15, Here08.04.10, Here08.04.09, Here08.04.08, Here08.04.04, Here08.05.27, Here08.05.20, Here08.06.19, Here08.06.09, Here08.06.05, and Here08.07.29,
October 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Kevin,
I do not want or expect public education to be cut. The only way we are going to get good quality teachers for the future is to provide them with the tools they need to teach our children. Also, we need to keep every attractive scholorship such as Teaching Fellows funded through CERRA available to entice prospective teachers. Also, the high school teacher cadet program has been successful in motivating students to become teachers while at the same time weeding out those that change their mind about teaching before they are hired down the road and leave the profession. I took time today away from my job today to go and help my wife that teaches kindergarten because her assistant was out and there isn’t enough money left in their budget to get any subs to help. Kevin, this is unacceptable. I want you to know that I am as Republican as you can get when it comes to voting. However, it concerns me that you are willing to take money from public education and use it in the private sector. As far as cutting my taxes, I am not concerened if my taxes are cut. I want the extra wasteful spending cut. Crack down on excessive welfare spending. Raise the taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. These aren’t needed items and the purchase of these type items should come with a cost. Kevin, I know I have jumped around. I would welcome a phone call to discuss this with you.
Thank You
October 17th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I HAVE TRIED TO ASK DEMINT ND LINDSEY ABOUT THE FOLLOWING AND RECEIVED NO REPLY. I SAW AN ADVERTISEMENT ON TV OF CSX RAILROAD THAT CLAIMS TO HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF DELIVERING A ONE TON LOAD 423 MILE ON ONE GALLON OF FUEL. NOW IF OUR CARS COULD PERFORM LIKE THIS OUR ENERGY USE WOULD BE MINIMAL. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO AROUSE SOMEONE TO CHECK OUT SUCH A CLAIM AND APPLY SUCH TO AMERICA’S NEEDS????????
October 17th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
energy will be a top priority when the legislature begins in January