Midatlanticspenders's Blog

Another Bump in the Road for Delaware Budget

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:47:17 +0000

Delaware was ready to pass a bill allowing for government records to be open to the public until they ran into yet another finanical issue. The bill could add around an additional $61,000 needed from the states budget, which is already near a $560 million deficit. Since the bill has such a costly effect, it will have to go through more stringent review in order to be passed. Delawares Speaker of the House, Bob Gilligan, is determined to have this bill passed and is going to push hard to have it passed through state legislature.

The idea of creating an open government in Delaware, where its citizens are able to gain access to the records and dealings of the government meetings is a very good idea, however, it just may not be able to be done at this time. With Delaware facing so many other financial struggles, the last thing they need is to pass a bill that will continue to let the deficit pile up.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090126/NEWS02/901260343&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Is Cutting Funds in Education the Right Choice?

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:16:02 +0000

Governor Minner layed out an out line of possible budget cut options for the new governor elect Jack Markell. Some of the plans outlined in her budget cut include laying off state employees, reducing their salaries as well as the number of sick days they are given. Minner also proposes to reduce funding in medicaid and health centers, cutting out government jobs and reducing higher education funds. This would follow at $19 million cut that took place in k-12 education funds last year.

Although Delaware is in dire need of fixing their state budget shortfall, taking money away from education and medical assistance is not the place where they should be looking to get the money from. As it is, teachers themselves do not make a lot of money, and by reducing the schools funding, their salaries would continue to decrease. Also, the smaller funds would cause for school programs, such as art and music classes, being taken away which would be a large disadvantage to the students. Similiarly, those who rely on medicaid would be in big trouble if the state put less money towards those funds. If the state can’t help take care of it’s citizens who cannot fully afford to take care of themselves, then who do they have left to turn to? There are many families, elderly and disabled who depend on the medicaid system.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090115/NEWS/90115051&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Greg Record: $820 Billion Stimulus

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:34:10 +0000

The Federal Stimulus plan keeps growing and growing but when will it be enough? President Obama is working hard to put through a so-called “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan” which he states, “is critical to jump-starting the economy, which lost 2.6 million jobs last year.” What is very different about this stimulus package is that it promises to reach out to the average American citizen who has come to suffer from the recent economic meltdown. By attempting to protect workers from losing their health-care coverage, modernizing public schools, roads and sewer systems, lowering energy costs and taxes, and by making college more affordable average people will see immediate benefits.

I am in strong favor of this recovery plan because it looks to give aid to the individual. In my opinion the large corporations who made their own mistakes, given a lack of government oversight, made poor investments and really just hurt themselves. And although I do recognize that the failure of certain large corporation such as the “Big 3″ automakers would be a catastrophic blow to the economy, and thus it is a necessity for federal aid, but many other companies who simply tried to squeeze profits in an exceedingly booming market do not deserve relief. We are a capitalist country and that is how a capitalist system works.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090125/NEWS02/901250375/1006/NEWS

Greg Record: Dare They Tax Sales

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:00:40 +0000

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but is establishing a sales tax truly that desperate of a measure? When our economy is in as serious of a recession as we are today, it seems that not too have a sales tax is really quite silly. Delaware should sacrifice its pride and incur the tax. Consumers will take a slight hit, and although implementing the tax is to break a long-lasting history without it, a sales tax would provide stimulus at the state level that is greatly needed. Is it really fair for Delaware to hold out on implementing the tax and at the same time demand federal aid? Upon further examination you will see that withholding from the sales tax has very little effect on the relative level of taxation in the state. In fact, Delaware has the 24th highest taxes in the nation (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090125/NEWS02/901250374/1007).

Currently, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are the only states without a sales tax so one might ask: What is it that makes not having a sales tax appealing to these states? Particularly in Delaware, by not having a sales tax, shoppers are enticed to hop state borders and shop in Delaware. This usually provides boosts in the state’s commercial sales, but in the current state of the economy shoppers are spending less, which has lowered inputs into their economy.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090125/NEWS02/901250374/1007

Ben Roosevelt: On Lib. Part & Spending Cuts

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:28:44 +0000

This article is about the personal views of the Libertarian Party in Pennsylvania. They are discontent with the way PA state government has been spending money. This article brings up some great points, the problem isn’t that were in a deficit, it’s that we continue to spend money frivolously and seek bailouts. I am not saying that every PA state wide funding project has been a waste, it just seems ridiculous that governor Ed Rendell is seeking a bailout when he has made no personal attempts to cut back spending. Ed Rendell is waiting for a solution to a problem that he has been contributing to. It’s hard to sympathize with that.

-Ben Roosevelt

Ben Roosevelt: On School Spending Boost

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:25:08 +0000

This article deals with the PA state government increasing state spending for education. Can’t really complain about that. However, this new program included a 28.3 billion dollar spending plan. We could think of worse things to spend our money on than education. Schools should always be a priority especially pertaining to the inequity of “quality education.” There’s an increasingly large gap growing between those individuals who have received a “quality education” and those who haven’t. This needs to change. Hopefully this proposed bill will serve as a step in the right direction. Besides, I’d personally rather have my money go towards education than the construction of another new road or bridge.

-BENJAMIN ROOSEVELT

Focused Spending Cuts in Delaware

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:09:34 +0000

At a recent town hall meeting, held by governor elected Jack Markell, the focus was placed on cutting back the states medical expenses as well as making its offices more efficient. In turn, by having targeted cuts, the government would be able to increase its efficiency. The primary way in which Delaware plans to approach saving money in medical expenses is by re-evaluating the way in which they handle the expenses. One topic they plan to look into is the closing certain nursing homes, which could save them millions each year. It was also suggested that the state should try and do more to gain federal grants. If the state is able to focus and successfully implement spending cut backs in medical expenses than the state could really benefit. The only concern that I find with this is if the state cuts back too much they may not be able to meet the medical needs of its citizens, particularly the elderly.

Delaware is facing a $560 billion dollar budget short fall and needs to start fixing things fast. Some other suggestions at the meeting revolved around raising taxes, yet the new governor elect, Jack Markell, says that a tax raise would only come after effects to cut expenses. An increased cigarette tax was also suggested. Although raising taxes would give the state more money, at a time like this when our country is facing massive economic problems, I see it that a tax increase may not be in the best interested for the citizens of Delaware.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081217/NEWS02/812170359

Ben Roosevelt: On a New Health Care Program For PA

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:53:25 +0000

Recently, Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell has signed a bill proposing a new healthcare plan for PA residents. This plan essentially calls for a small increase in state health programs including new programs for children and the mentally disabled. Is this a good idea? YES. Do we have the money for it? NO.

The funding for this project will exceed 480 million dollars. Where will this money come from? BY INCREASING SALES TAX. As much as I’m opposed to pretty much everything Ed Rendell does, health care is important. Although I hate to see the price of my junior bacon cheeseburger inflate by 5 cents, healthcare is probably a slightly “better” investment. The next logical question is….480 million will just increase our current deficit, right? The answer; YES. The big picture is to keep people alive and healthy. Life is a bit of a priority, don’t you think?

-BENJAMIN ROOSEVELT

New Jersey: Airing Out the Dirty Laundry

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:56:24 +0000

The Trenton Times editor has a suggestion for the New Jersey Legislature, why not create a user friendly sight that would should the expenditures, revenues, and debt? This idea had been support by Republican Senator Pennacchio, who says “that [this] way everybody can see where there money is being spent.” This idea comes after Missouri, Texas, and Kansas have had huge successes and even saved money by user suggestions from the site. Considering that there is widespread cynicism in the State about how officials are spending money, this idea would help to create an ease of mind about the capital in the capitol. However, Sen. Pennacchio is in the minority party and a similar bill that create a more transparent government in New Jersey has sat unattended to for ten years since its introduction.

The idea of a more transparent government, one that is for the people by the people, seems to be too much in the Garden State. Could you imagine the embarrassment and retaliation that New Jersey would face if its budget sheet were exposed? The republican minority in the New Jersey legislature has sued Gov. Jon Crozine to disclose his ‘secret & broad’ cuts that he wants to write into law in March. He still remains candid on this subject. Since the government of New Jersey is refusing to open its door to be scrutinized, it ultimately falls to the people of New Jersey to elect a government that will work for it.

Link: http://www.nj.com/jjournal/stories/index.ssf?/base/editorials-1/1231313128325420.xml&coll=3

K.H.

New Jersey: False Hope on the Horizon

midatlanticspenders — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:33:26 +0000

In his third state address, Gov. Jon Corzine offers hope to the people of New Jersey. Stating that despite turbulent economic times, New Jersey will emerge strong. He noted that during his time as a New Jersey Governor he helped to pass family leave legislation and noted that the economy was “propority one, two, and three”. Interestingly enough he failed to mention how he plans on dealing with the fiscal crisis, besides more cuts to the budget. This speech comes on the the news that former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie is running as the Republican opponent against Governor Corzine for his seat.

It is sad to see that in the face of such an economic crisis politicans in New Jersey are going to put their careers ahead of thier consistuents needs. So rather than actually put the economy first, second or third Corzine finds that now is the time to brag about his ‘accomplishments’. New Jersey knows that it faces an economic downturn, they understand that rough times are ahead, why not give them something besides a resume? It’s time for Jon Corzine to make a substancial promise to the state in which he runs that he will mainstream its agencies and work to get rid of waste. Talk is cheap, its time for action.

Link:

http://www.nj.com/gloucester/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/123192150391610.xml&coll=8&thispage=2

K.H.