The governor recently presented his budget proposal for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. Now, the real work begins!
Let me first say, I share in the governor’s optimism that we will produce a fourth straight on-time state budget.
I also feel some of his stated goals—keeping spending in check, enhancing private sector job growth, and delivering meaningful property tax cuts—are all attainable objectives.
Though, we differ a bit on the optimal way to reach those goals.
We are working with a budget surplus, thanks to the fiscal responsibility exhibited over the last three years, and we must continue to budget in that vein.
In fact, I believe we need to enact a permanent state spending cap to ensure that budget restraint continues long-term.
I have helped pass legislation in the senate that would make sure future legislatures don’t go on a spending spree.
The assembly and governor need to join in that push.
I also believe that we need to return that budget surplus to the people.
The governor’s general call for property tax relief and business tax cuts resonates with me and those in my district.
Broad-based tax cuts that will help property owners remain and allow businesses to expand need to be a top priority.
I will be closely reviewing the specifics of his proposals to determine if they make fiscal sense.
The governor also spent a great deal of time talking about education funding, and with good reason.
Each year, the education aid portion of the state budget is acutely scrutinized and fiercely debated.
The governor talked quite a bit about universal pre-kindergarten and his plans to start funding the initiative.
While laudable, there are many districts that are having a difficult time funding current programs.
Before placing a new mandate on schools, we need to make sure existing services are properly sustained.
I have already called for an end to the gap elimination adjustment (GEA) which has greatly restricted the ability for many of my low-wealth, high-need districts to provide for students and keep property taxes in check.
Each year we chip away, but more needs to be done. The governor’s plan is woefully inadequate in this area.
One other education concern, the Common Core Learning Standards, was also mentioned by the governor.
He wants to create a special commission to examine the implementation of the new standards and associated testing.
It is a step in the right direction, but only a step.
Parents, teachers, school administrators, even students, have made it clear to me that decisive action is needed to correct the extremely flawed implementation of this program.
Improving student achievement is a reachable goal, but we won’t get there through non-stop high stakes testing, and a lack of suitable professional development for our teachers.
Real action is needed to remedy this situation.
As I review and analyze all aspects of the budget proposal, I invite you to do the same.
My website includes links to the governor’s proposal, the specific budget appropriations bills, even the school aid proposals broken down by district.
I will also be adding new updates as they become available.
You can also share with me your views on the budget and let me know what you feel should be top priorities.
Simply visit my website, www.senatorjimseward.com, and click on “Get The Facts, Let Your Voice Be Heard.”
Overall, the budget plan has promise.
As we negotiate a final plan, I will be working to ensure that the end result meets the real needs expressed to me by those who live and work in my district.