Saturday, September 22, 2007

Does a State Shutdown Matter?

If state government shuts down at the end of the month, would you notice?

If you have a child in school, have to renew a driver's license, drive on the highways, run or work at a business, or visit state parks, you might. And that's just the beginning.

The Free Press has a good rundown in editions for Saturday (Sept. 22, 2007) on what a state government shut-down would look like. You might be surprised how far-reaching it could be, especially if it were prolonged.

It's not just a matter of state employees not getting paid. It's a matter of them not doing work that affects the way our economy runs, our children get educated, our elderly are cared for, and our public safety is protected. How many other people will be thrown out of work if state road projects are halted, if businesses can't get the permits they need, if schools close for lack of state aid payments?

Meanwhile, Livingston County Republican Chair Allan Filip is telling his members that any tax increase is "totally intolerable."

What is intolerable is Republican obstructionism to a modest tax increase. It also is dangerous -- to public health, public safety, and our already fragile economy.

No comments: