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With each passing day, it is becoming increasingly clear that rarely, if ever, have Utah legislators faced a more daunting task than finding a way to balance the state's budget. The realities of the budget crunch are gut-wrenching, even heart-rending.
Each agency in state government, every organization, and any program that receives government funding is justified, in KSL's view, in fighting aggressively for every possible dollar. Their arguments, mostly, are valid and justified! As many are saying, without adequate funding, this key program or that vital project could wither away; the well-being of this needy child or that worthy person will be irreparably damaged.
Yet, the money simply isn't there, and everyone and everything is going to take a hit. That's the reality!
As the process proceeds, KSL encourages lawmakers to be especially sensitive to the long-term impact of their decisions. What, for example, will it cost society down the road to make up for a budget cut now? The money, obviously, should be appropriated where it will do the most good.
As we said, the task is daunting, and those charged with balancing the state's budget deserve citizenry understanding, as well as encouragement for the enormity of what must be done between now and the end of session.
