I couldn't agree more with Tim Kaine on this, in response to five Republicans "leaders" writing a letter to Tim Kaine opposing any tax increase, no matter how dire the budgetary situation (what else is new with these flat earthers?):Kaine fired back in a letter today noting that the state has already made $7 billion in cuts and is facing a multi-billion-dollar budget gap in the next biennium.Kaine is 100% correct that we are far, far "beyond the stage of eliminating inefficiencies or making merely difficult cuts." At this point, the choices are stark: either cut into bone and sinew (e.g., essential state services like education) or raise revenues somehow or other. Now, if Republicans can figure out a way to get around this inexorable logic, more power to 'em. But so far, there's no indication that they've discovered a new form of mathematics in which 1 plus 1 equals 3. That likely won't keep them from looking, however, as they bump up against the rigidity of their anti-tax dogma while they search for $3.5 billion in order to balance the state's budget.
"While I appreciate your thoughts regarding the burdens faced by our citizens and businesses in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, your letter conveys a failure to grasp the stark realities of the coming budget," Kaine wrote. "We are far beyond the stage of eliminating inefficiencies or making merely difficult cuts."
He says despite tough times, his administration has preserved core services; maintained Virginia's Triple-A bond rating; and balanced the budget in a "fiscally responsible manner."
"My final proposed budget will carry on this tradition of sound budgetary management and fiscal stability."
As I've said many times before, and as I'm sure I'll say many times again, "something tells me this is going to be a loooong 4 years" under Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling et al." I mean, I had my problems with Tim Kaine on a variety of issues, but already I'm feeling nostalgiac for his governorship compared to the idiocy and irresponsibility we're about to confront with the right-wing Republicans in charge. So much for Virginia being the "best managed state," "best place to raise a family," etc.
