Marty: Budget Writers Proven Wrong

Idaho is still in the economic doldrums. Unemployment is higher than the national average. A large number of people are in poverty. Many homeowners are under water on their mortgages. Yet the state budget is chalking up surpluses. How come? Simply put, the surpluses are a mirage. They would not exist if lawmakers hadn’t cut schools, higher education and health care programs more severely than necessary. A few professionals tried to warn them. Among them was the state’s former chief economist, Mike Ferguson/ Marty Trillhaase , Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Do you agree with Marty Trillhaase that deep cuts made to public education, Medicaid, and other essential Idaho services were ill-advised and unnecessary?