Indiana ended up the fiscal year with cash in its checking account - $93 million in an "ongoing surplus" and $86 million more than expected in cash reserves.
While the Republicans flaunted the surplus as an example of disciplined financial management, and evidence of Indiana's "solid financial future," the Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City), weren't quite so complimentary.
"The leaders of our state worship these surplus numbers like they are ends in and of themselves," Pelath told the media this week. "The fact is that these numbers only matter to the extent that our people are prospering ... In that context, these numbers mean nothing."
"Our unemployment rate still remains around 8 percent," Pelath continued. "Families still are struggling to keep their heads above water. Our local schools still must grapple with doing more with less."
The difference between the "haves" and the "have nots" is perhaps most notable in that this budget surplus was announced the same week Michigan City Area Schools announced they will seek a property tax referendum in November, asking school patrons to decide whether the school tax rate should be increased from 36 cents to 53 cents per $100 assessed valuation. MCAS officials said the new tax money would not be used for new programs or initiatives - "this referendum is not about increasing salaries or creating buildings" according to board member Beryle Bergwald. "It's about keeping what we already have."
While the Republicans are paying off prison costs with the surplus, schools like MCAS are seeking to raise taxes to educate children. There is some irony here that should be noted.
But will our legislators see it? They haven't so far. But maybe, just maybe, they should.
http://heraldargus.com/articles/2013/07/16/news/opinion/doc51e3351264da5802222657.txt
