Budget straight talk

The House Republicans have kept their promise and delivered a budget that is a hallmark of responsible government. Contrary to the cries of opponents, the budget reduces the size of state government—without higher taxes, borrowing, downshifting, or accounting tricks—to sustainable levels, while still providing for our most vulnerable citizens.

What does this budget really do?

  • Reduces state spending by approximately 7% overall—back to 2008-09 spending levels.
  • Focuses a majority of cuts on the state government bureaucracy (29% reduction), leaving our social safety net intact.
  • Largely maintains current levels of local aid, the state portion of the Health and Human Services budget, the Department of Education, and education grants.
  • Restores the depleted Rainy Day Fund, currently at just $9.3 million, to $24 million at the end of the biennium.

What doesn’t this budget do?

  • It doesn’t put our most vulnerable citizens at risk.
  • It doesn’t rely on borrowing to pay for operating expenses.
  • It doesn’t downshift costs to local communities.
  • It doesn’t increase taxes or fees—in fact, it cuts certain taxes and fees.
  • It doesn’t use accounting gimmicks or one-time money to balance.