Editorial
The Oklahoman
Accounting “shortfall”
At the end of the fiscal year on June 30, tax collections going to the state’s General Revenue Fund increased by only 0.03 percent compared with the prior year. The total came in at 4.8 percent below estimates. Yet gross collections to the state treasury actually increased $469.3 million year-over-year. How did state officials turn a $469 million increase into flat growth? By diverting more and more money away from the General Revenue Fund, which is the main funding source for the appropriations budget drafted by lawmakers. The amount earmarked for specific uses outside the budget process increased by $102 million. Thanks to earmarks, lawmakers faced a $188 million “shortfall” in a time of record tax collections. The shortfall existed only on paper. It was the product of legislative machinations, not an economic downturn. June’s final revenue numbers are another reminder of the vital need to amend state budgeting methods.
Cheryl: So they are saying there is plenty of tax revenue coming into the state coffers. Of course there is! We are paying more for groceries, gas, and just about every other daily need and the state government is raking in more tax dollars. When will the legislature start looking at ALL of the money the state agencies, etc. are getting from all sources and finally lowering the scope and size of state government?
This is nothing but a game to keep the ability to spend every dime that comes in. Previously the taxpayers voted that any increased funds were to go into the state’s Rainy Day Fund so that the legislature and governor wouldn’t keep up their spending sprees. Guess they have fooled us all again.
And you wonder why voters are now cynical and don’t trust the government – at all levels!