284 replies to this topic

[gregw]

matt, on Dec 8 2006, 12:44 PM, said:

However, some argue that deficit spending creates a solid return on investment.  The best one can do is to look at previous cases, but there is no real rule predicting what works for every case.

Actually, there's no such thing as deficit spending at the state level. The governor and the general assembly are required by law to pass a balanced budget every year.

As for the bond issues, many of them win support on both sides of the aisle because they represent a sound investment in the state's future just like college loans or a mortgage to make a personal financial analogy.

[Dan]

jencoleslaw, on Dec 3 2006, 07:31 AM, said:

why are you so surprised?! i know some things, you know!

I mean't that I totally agreed with your point!  

I'm becoming so progressive these days I even was thinking about crafting some homemade little green bins with some smilies.



Sure, lets discuss the topic!  So a word about deficits, spending, budgets, and bonds.

If we (State GOV) need to keep asking at every election for more money from the people to pay for stuff that we own for which we have neglected to fund routine repairs and maintainance, and this includes ROADS and other INFRASTRUCTURE, than there's a serious problem with the whole budget process and of course we're getting screwed by the inside guys.  And the labor unions of course, which goes without saying.  Is the huge deficit really any surprise when its known that the State GOV employs more people than any company based in Rhode Island?  Its true, spending is way out of control and we need to make our government efficient and somewhat proportional to the size of our state.  

What is the return on investment for the big TRANSPORTATION bond issue which mysteriously keeps coming back every election year asking for more BIG BUCKS?  This is our Big Dig whether anyone can see through the trees or not.  Only in Rhode Island!

Voters here aren't very well informed, many don't know how to think for themselves or form opinions.  
That's not HOT.


[/RANT]

[Jerry2]

Dan, on Dec 9 2006, 09:49 AM, said:

If we (State GOV) need to keep asking at every election for more money from the people to pay for stuff that we own for which we have neglected to fund routine repairs and maintainance, and this includes ROADS and other INFRASTRUCTURE, than there's a serious problem with the whole budget process and of course we're getting screwed by the inside guys.  And the labor unions of course, which goes without saying.  Is the huge deficit really any surprise when its known that the State GOV employs more people than any company based in Rhode Island?  Its true, spending is way out of control and we need to make our government efficient and somewhat proportional to the size of our state.  

What is the return on investment for the big TRANSPORTATION bond issue which mysteriously keeps coming back every election year asking for more BIG BUCKS?  This is our Big Dig whether anyone can see through the trees or not.  Only in Rhode Island!

Voters here aren't very well informed, many don't know how to think for themselves or form opinions.  
That's not HOT.
[/RANT]

[runawayjim]

Dan, on Dec 9 2006, 09:49 AM, said:

Voters here aren't very well informed, many don't know how to think for themselves or form opinions.  
That's not HOT.
[/RANT]

my opinion, formed by my own experience driving and trying to take public transit around this state is that the transportation bonds are needed.  that is why i voted for him.  keep calling me an uninformed ignoramus or whatever it is you think of me.  they are necessary.  the bonds were offered to the state, the state is required to ask the citizens if they should accept them.  maybe whoever offered RI the bond in the first place is the uninformed one.

[Dan]

runawayjim, on Dec 9 2006, 02:14 PM, said:

keep calling me an uninformed ignoramus or whatever it is you think of me.

  You know this comment wasn't directed at you, and I know that you know more about the issues than the average RI'er.  Don't sell yourself short.

When all the legislators know that whatever crap they throw up there will be approved, there's no incentive to cut spending and find other ways to finance these type of projects.  

Street resurfacing and sidewalk repairs shouldn't require a BIG ASS bond issue every two years.