Here we go...(again)

The Florida Legislature convened at the capitol this week for its rites of investiture for the newly elected members as well as the election of the house and senate leadership (that, a mere formality since the chain of succession is known a few years ahead).

Reports are that this year our legislators were not "high fiving" as they would under normal circumstances as they face yet again declining tax revenues and, pehaps, a special session to deal with this issue. The Governor has already asked agencies under his watch to go through a budget cut exercise and it is likely that this will go beyond excercise...to the real thing.

Well, here we go again!

People with disabilities and their providers have been targets of state fund reductions since November 2003. In spite of very generous funds added to support people with disabilities what the state gave...they took away. And continued to do so over the past five years...with the last two being particularly draconian. It is ironic, if not prophetic, that cuts began during the heady times. One wonders if funding for the needs of people with disabilities are "bellewether" indicators for the rest of the citizenry! In any event, open season for cuts began with and continue on the backs of the least and most vulnerable in our society.

Budgetarily, it is the weak, the young, the student, the old, the poor, the sick and those otherwise marignalized who first bear the brunt of state funding cuts ahead of others. Would we rather drive on the latest paved and widened roads than to feed our youngest child? Would I as a homeowner like to get a state check for $240 in tax rebates and turn around to spend $600 to buy school supplies for my child whose school has run out of money? What kinds of choices are people making nowdays? Have the lawmakers and voters gone crazy?

While there is no doubt there are serious and critical reductions in tax revenues there are some solutions out there to manage what funds are left: Some of them... do not widen or repave exisiting roads nor start new highway projects; veto all turkeys regardless; make no further cuts on education, health care, disabilities or other critical and vital social services; do not subsidize sports arenas (a $24 million ticket this past year!!!!). There are more solutions...but these are just a few.

The decisions our legislators most make are difficult and they need our suggestions. Perhaps the climate is right to insist that government works in the best interest of all and especially its least and most vulnerable. A just and civil society demands it.