The second reason is that the conservative and Libertarian-slanting members of the legislature, as well as Governor Otter, look at the current economic situation as an opportunity—and that’s the word they use—to cut state government. Both legislators and Otter have indicated that entire state agencies may fall by the wayside. With revenues beginning to creep upward, even if job creation is lagging, this may be the Governor’s and those legislators’ last opportunity to use the economy as an excuse for slashing the parts of the state budget they’ve always had their eye on. Consequently, the Legislature and the Governor will avoid doing anything this year that could possibly raise revenues, and instead will focus only on cutting budgets/Sharon Fisher, New West. More here.

Question: Would you like to see Idaho use the current recession as an excuse to cut programs and taxes further?