Friday, November 20, 2009

Sound off on state costs!

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Idaho taxpayers aren't bashful about beefing about costs of government. Now, Gov. Butch Otter is pleading with Idahoans to give him advice on how costs can be cut to avoid a projected $52 million revenue shortfall.

Taxpayers should flood Otter's budget crisis Web site, http://efficiency.idaho.gov, with suggestions.

What counts, however, is whether the governor and state legislators will muster the courage to enact suggestions that have merit after weeding out the frivolous.

Sell the governor's mansion and end maintenance costs? A "payless" payday for state employees? Reduce prison costs by releasing some non-violent inmates and white-collar criminals? No pay or per diem for legislators if the annual session exceeds 90 days?

Although Otter summarily rejects a temporary income tax surcharge suggested by Democratic Rep. Shirley Ringo of Moscow, the governor must consider whether all the estimated $1 billion-plus in tax breaks for businesses on the state books are justified during a crisis.

Unwisely, the state's public schools are targeted for more austerity, which risks mocking Section 1 of the state Constitution, which requires "the Legislature of Idaho to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools." More cuts surely weaken the quality of education.

This crisis provides a lesson for Idaho lawmakers. Instead of doling out generous tax deferments and waivers to business during flush times, legislators should always be prepared for bad times.

As a sage once said, "People should think about flood control even when the sun shines."