House Republicans have called on state agencies to identify 15 percent across-the-board spending cuts, but at least one Democratic lawmaker is saying to his colleagues that such an exercise is a waste of time.
“These exercises are premature since we have not yet determined what funds, including federal stimulus dollars, may be available,” Democratic Leader Ron Saunders stated in a memo to Democratic members on the House Appropriations Committees. “There will be a revenue estimating conference held next month to give us the latest revenue and expense numbers, so any decisions should not be made until then.”
Saunders stated that the Republicans’ approach to budgeting is like using an ax rather than a scalpel.
“I do not support the use of across-the-board cuts since they reward inefficient agencies and penalize efficient ones,” Saunders wrote. “Production of our state budget is an important legislative responsibility. These exercises, in my opinion, will not be helpful in fulfilling our obligation.”
