Hold the
line on
spending
The Maine Legislature, which meets twice as often as its peer in Texas and is nearly four times the size of its peer in Nebraska, is in full session. Draft bills are being numbered by the hundreds and hearing schedules are being posted.
Maine’s lawmaking body is big and it’s busy.
Next week, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will hear a number of proposals, all of which will require additional state funding. At a time when the governor is working to cut the budget to bridge a $1 billion funding gap, legislators are proposing new laws to spend more money.
Here’s an example.
Rep. Ted Heidrich, an Oxford Republican who well represents his constituents, has pitched a bill to fund scholarships for the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Otisfield. The cost to taxpayers would be $50,000 over the next two years. While that doesn’t sound like much, this bill is one of hundreds set to come under consideration and there is no way the governor can justify trimming existing services while the Legislature considers new spending.
Heidrich is right to acknowledge the good work of the Seeds of Peace camp. It is a model of peace building and the world has taken note, but scholarships are frequently available through private foundations. Maine doesn’t have to spend this money.
School districts across the state have already been told to expect flat funding for the next budget cycle. Social service agencies can expect the same, but because the governor is set against raising taxes, anyone who relies on government funding is bracing for significant cuts.
Knowing how limited the state’s checkbook is, legislators must understand that when they propose new spending that the money must be subtracted from other sources.
When lawmakers consider bills at hearing they usually limit their scrutiny to the worthiness of the legislation, leaving the worry about how we pay for it to the end of the session.
Worthiness and cost must be considered together.
If Heidrich, or any other legislator, is suggesting Maine spend additional funding they must also present a payment plan.
One savings to consider might be to trim the size of the Legislature. Not only would we save on salaries and expenses, we’d reduce the number of spenders in Augusta.
Budget exercise
Gov. John Baldacci has posted the state budget online and invited us to work it, look for savings and make suggested cuts to balance spending. It’s an invitation dozens of Mainers have already accepted, and one that none of us should ignore because it’s our money to spend or save.
If you don’t have a computer at home, go to the library and consider the state budget as you might consider your household budget. Go to www.maine.gov and click on the “Balancing the Budget” icon. Tinker with some cuts and don’t be shy about sharing the results with the governor and your representative and senator.
Baldacci intends to present his budget tonight, but that doesn’t mean Mainers should stop watching our money and offering the governor advice.
jmeyer@sunjournal.com
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