In the wake of the Great Recession, states across the nation began slashing their workforces and spending to help cope with the sharp drop-off in revenues-just as one might expect. But somewhat unexpectedly, that trend of cutting back is one that continues to this day in spite of an improving revenue picture.
From a recent Wall Street Journal article: “States are moving to cut jobs and other spending to close budget deficits, even though their protracted fiscal crisis is easing a bit in an improving economy.” Remarking on the matter, Delaware Governor Jack Markell (D), who also serves as the vice-chairman of the National Governors Association, said “I think the new normal is that we are every single year going to have to be very much focused on wringing efficiencies out.”
So for the time being, at least, it appears that there is bipartisan consensus on the need to reduce the size and scope of government. Certainly an encouraging thought.
-Robert McDowall