State Budget Deal Seems Likely

By Josh Rogers on Thursday, July 24, 2003.

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Governor Craig Benson and key lawmakers have reached tentative agreement on a new two year state budget.

The possibility that the legislative and executive branches may soon bury the hatchet over the state budget became reality with this exchange between Senate Majority leader Bob Clegg and Governor Benson.

"I’m looking for a commitment."

"I think it looks good……let’s go."

The possible accord centers on approximately fifty million dollars. That’s the amount the Governor has insisted be added to the state’s rainy day fund……Yesterday Benson reiterated that goal……and also his conviction that fiscal restraint is the only way to inspire government to improve.

"I think we need to make sure that we push as hard as we possibly can…..to insure that we don’t fall back into the old ways of doing things……That’s our job I think…..So if we’re not pushing as hard as we possibly can we will never realize the changes that we can make to find better ways of doing things."

Benson’s recent suggestions have focused largely on increasing savings and capturing new revenue rather than on cutting the budget he vetoed last month. On the revenue side, Benson proposes a Nashua liquor store. He says that will raise 7.5 million dollars……..On the savings side……Benson’s suggestions ran the gamut. He believes a preferred drug list can save 13 to 15 million dollars in state pharmaceutical costs……..And says a new program to improve the efficiency of Medicaid….could yield a similar amount……Other ideas included tightening rules for state payments for nursing homes…... Senate President Tom Eaton called these ideas progress and said they are fully in keeping with legislative goals.

"We’re talking strictly about revenue enhancements and keeping the budget in tact as the senate and house passed it."

The apparent compromise does, however, include several measures that go beyond simple revenue enhancement…….Those include cutting 5 million dollars from the budget of the department of environmental services. And extending the state hiring freeze….including 57 positions at health and human services…

Some lawmakers remain unconvinced. Rochester Senator Dick Green, chairman of the senate finance committee says he’s frustrated with Benson’s plans for health and human services….. Green also doubts the governors focus on change is in the public interest.

"We’ve gotten to the point now where the political rhetoric on change has gotten in the way of the reality for what the state has resposiabilities. And when we get down to the end of it that’s what this seems to be, because I don’t think research has been done…..I don’t think the homework has been done to verify that these changes are necessary."

Or possible…..Other lawmakers promise to verify that Benson’s numbers add up. Deputy house speaker Mike Whalley says to do anything else would be foolish.

"We will determine if this list is realistic. We certainly need to speak with members of the house and senate beyond this working groups and come to a conclusion if a document can be produced that can pass the house and senate by the necessary 2/3rds."

Lawmakers are scheduled to meet again about the budget on august 7th. Leaders say if the compromise holds up, the proposal could be put to a vote by the full legislature before labor day.