Date Published: April 14, 2008
Florida's lawmakers are closing in on a state budget that reflects too little concern for the needy, too little creativity to stem government waste and, glaringly, far too little common sense.
The state is facing a near unprecedented economic downturn -- the first time in more than 30 years when revenue has dropped two years in a row. It's obvious lawmakers need to cut spending. All programs are fair game.
But the meat cleaver shouldn't be the only tool in the Legislature's toolbox. Republicans running the Legislature have stubbornly refused to consider small, targeted tax increases, have turned back attempts to reform the state's bloated pension policies and have yet to offer any reduction in the size of government.
The strategy, or lack of one, behind many cuts defies logic -- particularly when slashing programs relying on state-federal matches. In most cases, the amount Washington pays is directly tied to the amount the state spends, meaning they are getting these programs for very little. So when House members recommend cutting the Healthy Start program by $5 million, they accept that Washington will take another $4.3 million from Florida and spend it in other states.
Healthy Start works to prevent low-birth-weight babies, premature births and infant mortality. It saves Florida money over the long run because healthy babies don't need as much medical care. These cuts would push 11,580 woman and babies out of the program.
That's just one, small example. The Senate and House cuts to Medicaid programs that pay for health care for the poor will cost as much as $280 million in federal funds because Washington pays about $56 for every $100 spent on these programs in Florida.
In some cases, even a minimal state investment can reap big federal returns. A federal program called "disproportionate share" pays hospitals that treat large numbers of medically needy adults who don't qualify for Medicaid. Lawmakers would eliminate this program, costing as many as 30 hospitals around the state about $50 million in federal money. Keeping this program alive would cost the state as little as $1 a day for a patient's hospital stay.
Where would the money come from? We've suggested lawmakers raise the state's cigarette tax by $1 a pack, a move that, if nothing else, should reduce smoking. Lawmakers could also follow Gov. Charlie Crist's lead and dip more into reserves to make limited, targeted investments in programs that are matched by federal funds.
And where is the top-to-bottom review of state spending? How many services are duplicated between agencies? And why is Florida paying $300 million a year in benefits to employees who are still working under the Deferred Retirement Option Program?
Yes, cut programs, but be thoughtful in the process. It's not too late for lawmakers to redeem themselves.
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
April 14, 2008