How About Some Honesty in the Budget?

Yesterday was a historic day in Florida. Gov. Charlie Crist sent a clear message to the current and future legislatures that Trust Funds are not to be messed with. They are not the personal piggybank of the Legislature.
During the Legislative session I sat through committee after committee in the House where statements were made that members had no choice other than sweep money from the State Transportation Trust Fund. How could we possibly expect legislators to pick transportation over funding for children and education or the needy? I would agree that is difficult. Certainly budgets are all about priorities. Amazingly, at the end of session a large number of special projects appeared in the budget- having nothing to do with young children or the needy.
Many of these projects are worthwhile. I am not questioning the merits of any of these projects. I would make 2 points. First, these projects should compete with all other items for GENERAL REVENUE funding in the budget. Stay away from TRUST FUNDS! Second, please be upfront with us. Don't tell us that you have no choice but to steal from the trust fund. Obviously you had many choices as evidenced by the large amount of vetoed projects.
I am hopeful that the veto yesterday will force the Legislature to really examine their budget process and their priorities. If the budget does not contain enough revenue for all of the Legislature's priorities maybe it is time to consider raising revenues. The budget next year is facing a huge deficit with no federal stimulus funding left to help bail us out.
Transportation spending creates more jobs quickly than any other government spending. It also produces a very tangible and much needed product. The sweep of the trust fund could have resulted in the loss of as many as 11,000 jobs in Florida over the next 12 months. That job loss comes in a state with 12% unemployment overall and over 20% in construction. We are already borrowing $300 million a month from the federal government to pay our unemployment. That makes no sense.
I congratulate Governor Charlie Crist on his courage to stand up for the workers of this state. Governor Crist understands that Floridians need jobs. Governor Crist understands trust funds. Thank you, Governor Crist.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend to everyone!