At Least Mine was Better Than His

In today's C-J Senate President David Williams offered a retort to those who would criticize his leadership. Williams argues that his budget plan had more highlights than Governor Steve Beshear's and he calls that an accomplishment. Miniscule; but OK...I get the point.

Nevermind that the Kentucky Constitution requires much more of the legislature. If that factored into his calculations, Williams didn't mention it. Constitutionally, the legislature has two choices: adequately fund the schools to reach their goals, or reduce the goals. Politically, the legislature has many choices, (so long as that pesky court isn't involved) and Williams chose to clear an ankle-high bar that will not advance Kentucky.

Tough luck kids.

This from C-J:

Session accomplishments

While The C-J editorial board continues to call for raising taxes on working Kentuckians who are taxed enough already (a move opposed by our governor often during the fall campaign), even the Governor himself has acknowledged that the legislature's budget is better than his own plan which mandated 12 percent cuts on universities and no teacher raises. In contrast, by targeting our resources, this budget keeps Kentucky competitive by funding education and not increasing taxes.

Some highlights:

The budget restored enough money to ensure a manageable 3 percent reduction in higher education funding. University presidents praised the General Assembly for
restoring their funding.

The legislature increased the Department of Education's funding by $142 million more than the Governor's proposal. In addition, KEES funding was also increased over the Governor's budget.

Teachers and state employees received 1 percent pay increases in each of the next two years with the commitment of two additional 1 percent raises if the state's revenues increase less than .6 percent. Taken in concert with the state's contribution to health insurance premiums, the increase in total employee compensation is over 4 percent a year.

To most Kentuckians, this bipartisan budget is the only responsible choice in unsure economic times. I commend both the Democrats and the Republicans, Senate and House members, for together crafting a prudent fiscal roadmap for the next two years.

DAVID L. WILLIAMS
President
Kentucky Senate
Frankfort, Ky. 40601

Mr. Williams is a Burkesville Republican. -- Editor.

Photo by Pam Spaulding for C-J.