Ending the GOP Budget Games

Today, in a meeting with Sen. Peterson and Rep. Milburn, the GOP leaders, Governor Brian Schweitzer called out the games the Republicans are playing with the state budget.

The Governor took the Republican leaders to task for their efforts to bury new data showing the Montana economy is strong and getting stronger.

Over the past few weeks, scrutiny over revenue estimates that show the amount of money the state is taking in has increased. Democrats contend that the state economy is on the rebound and therefore the Governor’s budget should be fully funded, to provide for adequate funding for schools, hospitals and other vital state services.

The Republicans on the other hand have attempted to bury new data on the state’s economic status in order to justify their drastic cuts to necessary state services. Thus far, the GOP has gutted education and health and human services funding, just to name a few of their targets.

The GOP has made these cuts without any consideration of their long-term effects. For example, the drastic cuts to our education system will not give businesses pause before expanding into the state, it will also hurt our long-term economic prospects, as we will not have the well educated workforce necessary to fill the business needs of tomorrow.

The Governor has made it clear that he expects a budget that is responsible and funds the necessary services for Montanans. If he is not willing to accept anything, then we should not be either.