State Should Be Cautious On Spending
Last updated Friday, February 23, 2007 5:22 PM CST in Opinion
It may seem a bit odd, but we may all wind up being thankful for judges and politicians.
If the state Legislature winds up with no spare change to divvy up this year -- due to the old Lake View school case and the new grocery tax cut -- we may be spared the ritual spending spree from the state's coffers.
With the state Supreme Court having ruled that spending state money for local projects does indeed violate the state Constitution, we'd like to see the legislators and the governor spend their time planning a budget that meets the state's most pressing needs, beginning with education.
Then, and only then, should the state consider what, if anything, to do with "surplus" funds that wind up in the General Improvement Fund.
We've never liked the scramble for money that marked every session. Yes, our area got some money in the process and, yes, some worthwhile projects were funded.
But, overall, it was a purely political process and subject to purely political considerations and influences. Projects caught up in the political infighting among legislators could fall victim to conflicts of ego or personality. Regional rivalries could skew the process. Powerful legislators could get money for their constituents. Worthwhile projects without the right connections could easily get passed over.
What's the alternative? Proponents of the Legislature will argue that giving the governor more authority over the GIF only changes the politics involved. It doesn't remove it. That may be so but it's not an argument for leaving the system essentially unchanged.
The first solution proposed -- a commission appointed by legislators -- was strictly a dodge, an effort to skirt the court ruling. It was likely to be challenged in court and end up being thrown out itself.
We're not sure a revised commission -- with appointments made by the governor as well and scheduling the grant process so decision are made while the Legislature is not in session -- is entirely proof against judicial scrutiny. But it could be a starting point for discussion.
That why, in a perverse sort of way, we're glad there are so many demands on the state's dollars this session. The Legislature could very easily, and quite responsibly, spend the money on hand on education, health care, prisons and other immediate state needs.
We wouldn't mind leaving the question of how to handle any surplus for future consideration. In fact, we'd prefer it be handled when the temptation of ready cash wasn't quite so strong and the perceived need for urgency has abated.
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