Indiana

The Loyal Opposition

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

My friends over at the Indiana Democratic State Party are taking a few shots at Governor Mitch Daniels this morning.  

Daniels unveiled his budget outline Monday night, which dips into state reserves in order to provide more money for education, but also hold the line on spending in other areas.

Democrats say they are “thankful” the Governor joined the discussion on the budget but they accused Daniels of “moving the goal post”  by dipping into the state surplus when he said he wouldn’t.

I understand that there is a certain amount of politicking that goes on here, but I doubt it was Daniels moving the goalpost, it was the economy moving the goalpost. As revenues dropped more and more, adjustments needed to be made.   And had the state dipped into its reserves early on, there would be no money left now to help pay for education.

If I were a  Statehouse Democrat, I would take this budget, hold my nose, and vote for it.  This is probably going to be as good as it’s going to get.  Save the fight for next year when we argue over property tax caps.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on June 02, 2009 (boomark / email).