With Delaware’s state revenue continuing to fall, Republicans are trying to counter growing budgets by making public spending more efficient.
The latest state revenue forecast is tracking about $67 million lower than figures used to finalize Gov. Jack Markell’s proposed budget in January.
Rep. Harvey Kenton (R-Milford), a member of the budget writing Joint Finance Committee, it touting a proposal that would examine state funding in the GOP’s weekly message.
“We can no longer delay state revenue and spending reforms. Before the state asks citizens or business for one additional tax dollar, we have an obligation to look for ways we can make our operations more efficient.”
A similar proposal is also ready to be heard in committee in the state senate.
Full text of Rep. Harvey Kenton's GOP message:
I am State Rep. Harvey Kenton speaking to you from Legislative Hall.
As a member of the group that crafts the operating budget, I can attest that the State of Delaware is under constant pressure to increase spending.
Ten years ago, the General Fund operating budget was $2.6 billion.
Our current operating budget is $3.8 billion - an increase of more than 46-percent.
While the rate of budget growth has been slowed in recent years, troubling signs remain.
Since Governor Markell's proposed spending plan was unveiled in January, state revenue projections have fallen by more than 67 million dollars.
Additionally, costs for state employee health care and other essential programs and services are escalating.
The growth of state revenue is not keeping pace with these expenses, making enacting a balanced budget more challenging than ever.
A group created by the governor is expected to offer recommendations next month on how the state can re-structure its revenue sources.
However, there has been no comprehensive effort to explore ways to reduce state costs or improve governmental effectiveness.
My colleagues - State Representatives Lyndon Yearick and Danny Short - are proposing the formation of the Delaware Efficiency and Cost Containment Committee. Consisting of a bipartisan group of top state officials, this committee would be charged with investigating cost-reduction strategies.
Additionally, the panel would be required to solicit public input and deliver recommendations in December.
We can no longer delay state revenue and spending reforms. Before the state asks citizens or business for one additional tax dollar, we have an obligation to look for ways we can make our operations more efficient.
