Legislators from around the country said Wednesday that unrealistic public expectations are one of the challenges they face as states' budget troubles continue.
Many people's eyes glaze over when there's talk of state budget complexities, said Pennsylvania Rep. Dwight Evans. "The problem with the budget is that the people want (what) they're not willing to pay for. It's as simple as that."
Cash-short states have already cut spending, but lawmakers said it's not clear if the public will go along with more service cuts.
The state leaders spoke at a meeting of approximately 60 legislators and state fiscal officials that was held in conjunction with the National Conference of State Legislatures gathering in Phoenix. The NCSL released a report Wednesday on a 50-state survey that found improving economies are producing small increases in revenue.
But most states face projected budget gaps in the next fiscal year and many for years to come, the report said.
Long-term service reductions are "the new economic reality" but it could take time for the public to accept that, said Oregon state Sen. Richard Devlin, who recently stepped down as that state's Senate majority leader.
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Many people's eyes glaze over when there's talk of state budget complexities, said Pennsylvania Rep. Dwight Evans. "The problem with the budget is that the people want (what) they're not willing to pay for. It's as simple as that."
Cash-short states have already cut spending, but lawmakers said it's not clear if the public will go along with more service cuts.
The state leaders spoke at a meeting of approximately 60 legislators and state fiscal officials that was held in conjunction with the National Conference of State Legislatures gathering in Phoenix. The NCSL released a report Wednesday on a 50-state survey that found improving economies are producing small increases in revenue.
But most states face projected budget gaps in the next fiscal year and many for years to come, the report said.
Long-term service reductions are "the new economic reality" but it could take time for the public to accept that, said Oregon state Sen. Richard Devlin, who recently stepped down as that state's Senate majority leader.
More
1 comment:
Citizens are like spoiled children. The children have been given unrealistic promises and gifts. The parents could never have afforded the gifts or promises, but they used credit cards which were taken out in the children's names.
Ugh!
Is it really the children's fault?
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