Group says one month budget covers too little

The RBC claims a temporary budget only stalls the state's problems. (WJBC file photo )
The RBC claims a temporary budget only stalls the state’s problems. (WJBC file photo)

By Connor Boyd

BLOOMINGTON – A one-month budget measure has passed through the legislature.

In response, the Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC) said the temporary budget fails to provide stability.

“There’s huge gaping holes,” RBC spokesperson Neal Waltmire said. “Even if this budget were enacted, which the governor said he won’t sign, we’ll still have service closures, we’ll still have layoffs (and) we’ll still have people denied the services they need.”

The RBC is a large and diverse coalition of approximately 200 organizations concerned about state budget and tax issues. Waltmire said our leaders need to recognize that families and communities are not just “line items” that can be picked from.

“This kind of uncertainly and chaos is really hurting families and hurting our economy, and the solution is to sit down and find the revenue mix that funs all these vital services,” Waltmire said. “The only real choice to make is how to raise the revenue we need to invest in our future.”

The RBC includes organizations that serve children, families, veterans, those with disabilities, education groups and civic organizations. Waltmire weighed in on the idea of passing a one-month budget.

“It’s just because legislatures are ignoring the obvious fact that they need to choose revenue and pass a fully funded, year-long budget.”

Waltmire said the governor and the General Assembly need to immediately end this crisis.

Connor Boyd can be reached at [email protected].

 

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