We waited 11 weeks and this was the budget we got?
Published September 16, 2015
Editorial by Fayetteville Observer, September 16, 2015.
It wasn't worth the wait.The House and Senate will likely approve a new budget this week, more than 11 weeks after the fiscal year began. After some fussing and fuming, the governor probably will sign it, although he might build some political capital by vetoing it, knowing an override is all but certain.
There are things to cheer about in the budget compromise thrashed out over the past few weeks. They're mostly little things, like the resurrection of the historic preservation tax credits - which actually is a big deal for Fayetteville and other cities and towns that are trying to restore historic downtowns. And there's the refunding of driver education in the state's high schools, a relief for everyone who wants to see a new generation of safe drivers take to our roads.
But there are some much bigger mistakes in the budget, highlighted by the provision of $225 million to fund an overhaul of Medicaid. Reform most likely means handing the program management over to private corporations and taking it away from the system that has brought the health insurance program for the poor in under budget for the past two years and demonstrably saved money.
And while some taxpayers may rejoice at tax-code changes that will save them some money, the $384 million reduction in revenue is money that might have been better spent shoring up our schools, both in the K-12 system and in higher education.
But there's a tradeoff: With lower taxes come increases of around 30 percent in Division of Motor Vehicles fees and an expanded sales tax that will be imposed on appliance installations and car repairs.
A $2 billion bond package for work on the state's buildings, infrastructure and highways isn't in the budget. It is part of another bill that lawmakers need to address before adjournment.
Budget writers were not at all even-handed dealing with state workers' pay. Most state employees and teachers will have to make do with a one-time $750 bonus in December. But Highway Patrol officers get 3 percent salary increases. The budget also has $38 million for correctional officer raises, $30 million for community college salaries and $38 million for the governor to use for targeted pay hikes.
And the shortsightedness award goes to a decision to dump the state's renewable energy tax credits that had made this state a national leader in new solar and wind technology. When prices of petroleum head back up, we're going to regret forsaking the alternatives.
For all the kerfuffle over this budget, we should have gotten something better. If we have to settle for a half-baked, cobbled-together compromise, we at least should have it ready to go on July 1.
