The Friend Report
During this legislative session, there are many issues to consider. Of utmost importance is the budget. An extremely difficult economic period confronts us. The world economy, national economy and our state economy have taken a definite downturn. It is felt by Americans from top to bottom. We are all experiencing some effect of the economic turmoil. What kind of state budget can we expect? It's a great question. The revenue forecasts in December 2008 said state revenues will be $700 million short of budget projections for the first year and another $700 million short for the second year. Our state balances total $1.4 billion, and the projections mean we'll be out of resources at the end of this budget cycle. This prediction can only cause great concern and discouragement for all legislators. Some believe the solution is to spend much less, and others want to raise taxes and keep all services in place. The solution has to be somewhere in the middle. Spending all the state reserves is not a wise practice. The state must maintain some reserves in order to conduct its business. It becomes very important during an economic downturn that the state retain and protect its resources. I support the policy that we retain our funds and not expend all of them on ever-service needed for government programs. Is there a reasonable expectation for public education funding? My prediction is yes. Indiana's public schools are very much like the "sacred cows." Legislators are all very aware of the importance of their local schools. Thumbing their noses at the financing of public schools is a very improbable event. I think K-12 education will be funded to the fullest extent possible. This has been a historic week for our nation. We have installed a new president, and his policies will be different. The changes that have been discussed by the media will be proposed to the new Congress. It is difficult to predict where all the change will take us because of our world economy problems, but each of us needs to adjust our attitude. Our hope and our effort need to be positive in nature. A successful administration should mean a prosperous nation. That is a goal each of us should have. We can disagree on philosophy and policy, but we must all agree on the ultimate goal of a successful U.S.A. My best wishes are with President Barack Obama and his administration. His success is our success. I am prepared to be a cooperative and participating member of this government. It is our government. We must participate! More later,
State Rep. Bill Friend |
