How would you balance the budget?

To the Editor:

Reference "Our Views" published in the February 9, 2012 edition.

You, along with most other writers, appear to not understand the rules that the Governor and Legislature must follow while putting together the budget for the State of Maine.

Two simple facts; 1) the State Constitution requires that there be a balanced budget and 2) 80 cents of every dollar the state collects goes for welfare and educational services.

What is left over funds the remainder of the state services. What is your recommendation to balancing the budget while funding social service programs?

How did we get in this financial condition? Past Governors and Legislatures have borrowed monies and used federal money grants to fund increases in state services. These monies had a finite time interval for their use with no guarantee that future monies would be forthcoming.

When times were good, Maine government used the so-called free money to expand many welfare and educational programs. Now that times are bad and there is not enough money to fund all these services, cuts must be made.

But until state expenditures are less than revenues, cuts will have to be made. Yes, the cuts will be detrimental to some.

The people of Maine are compassionate and sympathetic about those in need, but we are not here to provide monies for people needing help to get free money and free services for months on end.

I worked to get what I have and so must you. I will contribute funds/services to assist others in need within my own capabilities.

When a recipient of state services shows a positive attitude, doesn't abuse the assistance they receive and are willing to work (struggle) to improve their lot, things will improve greatly.

To those who write in complaining about the welfare and educational services that might be cut, include comments about how you would change things to meet the legal financial requirements the state must meet while funding your specific program along with other peoples' programs.

Doug Cooper

Norway