Thursday, August 30, 2007

Train Wreck Coming in 30 Days

In 30 days the budget year expires and a new one begins. The State Constitution mandates a balanced budget by October 1st. The House has passed spending bills worth $2 BILLION more than projected revenue. We are well behind schedule to get the budget balanced by October.

In spite of all that, guess what is the sum total of all the legislation this House of Representatives passed all week long: A bill (SB 624) to declare January 15, 2008 as Presidential Primary Election Day.

That's it. One solitary bill.

I should point out that the best intentions of any Republican, and for that matter, many Democrats do not matter. It is the Speaker of the House and the Majority Floor Leader, (both Democrats in this Dem majority House) who decide what bills will be voted on and when.

3 comments:

RightMichigan.com said...

Glad there's frustration about the Dem Majority IN Lansing, too. Outside the Capitol it's frustrating to watch... and wait... and wait... and wait... and wait.

Then again, every day without a $2 billion tax hike is a good one, right?

Just can't help but get the feeling we're walking slowly down the green mile. So to speak.

--Nick
www.RightMichigan.com

Jay said...

It should be noted that the Prez Primary is another unfunded mandate. Somewhere between $10-$12 million dollars (depending on whether the Legislature adds more to the ballot). And you voted for this runaway spending Jack. What gives?

RightMichigan.com said...

Jay, the primary was already on the books for February. The House and Senate voted to move it to January. Not to create something new.

But even if they did, I'd say holding an election so millions of people can help select the next leader of the free world constitutes appropriate government spending.

--Nick
www.RightMichigan.com