Writing in the Moonie Times, Bill Bolling shares his analysis of Virginia's budget problems with us. What's interesting is that Bolling manages to get both the diagnosis and and the cure completely wrong. First, here's what Bolling's diagnosis:Over the past three years, Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine has attempted to balance the state budget through overly optimistic revenue projections, the use of one-time money to pay for ongoing programs, an excessive use of state debt, federal bailout dollars and raids on the rainy-day fund.Where do we even begin with this sophomoric silliness? First, let's tackle the argument that Tim Kaine is the root of all evil here. The fact is, with one major exception - the Republicans' estate tax repeal, which Kaine should have vetoed because it cost Virginia as much as $150 million per year in revenues to help a few rich families - the Kaine administration has acted appropriately the past three years, and essentially no differently than most other states. The fact is, when the national economy was humming along on the faux-strength of a massive housing bubble that almost nobody believed would pop anytime soon, the state's finances were in fine shape. Instead, the political battles waged during the first three years of Tim Kaine's governorship mainly centered on how to increase spending, primarily on transportation but also on Tim Kaine's signature pre-k "Start Strong" education initiative. What happened was that House "flat earth" Republicans rejected pretty much every method government can employ to raise revenues, with two notable exceptions that went down in flames: regional taxation authorities, struck down by the state Supreme Court; and "abusive driver fees," struck down by a massive popular uprising against them. Other than that, "flat earth" Republicans rejected even a tiny increase in the gas tax, despite Virginia having one of the lowest gas taxes in the country, and also despite the fact that Virginia hasn't raised its gas tax in two decades, even to keep up with inflation. That's House Republicans for you!
The result has been predictable. Over a three-year period, we have experienced more than $5 billion in budget shortfalls, with more on the way, and I have no doubt that we will deplete the state's rainy-day fund by the time this governor leaves office.
Second, with regard to "overly optimistic revenue projections," the fact is that every state and the federal government as well, nor just Virginia, was expecting high revenues, based on a booming housing market and (apparently) strong economy that many believed would go on forever. It didn't, and states all across America are hurting. This is not just a Virginia issue, and in fact Virginia remains better off than many other states in many ways. True, we've got major problems and challenges, but to blame those on Tim Kaine - as opposed to the collapse of George W. Bush's Ponzi Scheme Economy, is utterly absurd and demonstrates zero understanding by Bill Bolling of what's going on in our country and our commonwealth.
Finally, Bolling critizes Kaine for using "federal bailout dollars" and the "rainy day fund." This is brain dead on numerous levels. I mean, would Bolling seriously have rejected federal stimulus money and let our hard-earned tax dollars go to other states, as many of his Republican compadres (e.g., Bob McDonnell) do? If so, why? As to the "rainy day fund," if the current "great recession" doesn't qualify as a "rainy day," then what on earth would? Perhaps Bill Bolling can explain, but I certainly can't. [Note: later in his op-ed, Bolling uses the phrase, "Fortunately, most of these budget cuts were avoided when Virginia received an estimated $4.8 billion from the federal stimulus package," seemingly contradicting his earlier criticism that Kaine used "federal bailout dollars" to help balance Virginia's budget. Huh?]
Starting with these shaky, intellectually flawed premises, Bolling then proceeds to the usual "slash and burn government" rhetoric of right-wing Republicans everywhere, talking about "set[ting] strict budget priorities and focus[ing] our spending decisions on the core responsibilities of state government." OK, Mr. Lieutenant Governor, the ball's in your court and we're all ears. Which specific state programs would you cut? [Note: I should say "cut further than they already have been cut"] Education? Transportation? Public safety? Land preservation? Cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay? What? We're all waiting for your answers...
In the end, it's easy for Bill Bolling to take cheap potshots, given that he's been essentially invisible the past 3 1/2 years as Lieutenant Governor, a job which entails presiding over tie votes in the State Senate, attending funerals and groundbreaking ceremonies, and (to paraphrase John McCain on the role of the Vice President) "inquiring daily as to the health of the governor." Perhaps if Bill Bolling had actually been "in the arena," we could take what he has to say seriously. But since he hasn't been, and since he's basically been a complete nonentity as Lieutenant Governor, we most certainly should not.
