IFF: Otter pushes massive budget hike

A growing number of Idaho lawmakers are struggling to commit to Gov. Butch Otter’s nosebleed budget. Moreover, they’re starting to rebel against the administration’s disingenuous narrative of how Otter’s proposed budget includes taxes cuts. The fact is, there are no tax cuts, but that’s not stopping the claim. When the usual accounting gimmicks are brought to light, Otter is pushing for an 8.5 percent increase in general fund spending. If you’re not sure whether that’s a lot, will your household income increase by that much in 2016? Unless you won the Powerball lottery, the odds are, it won’t. Otter’s budget seeks to deplete a $102 million year-end fund balance and absorbs every penny of $150 million in projected new tax revenue. The plan is so bloated, even moderate lawmakers have said they’re unsettled by it and are looking for ways to drain the fat/ Wayne Hoffman , Idaho Freedom Foundation. More here.

DFO: I view this budget as one that makes up for the draconian budget approach by Otter and the Legislature during the Great Recession. Thoughts?