Deal’s Budget Meets Opposition

Last Friday, House Democrats cited moral and fiscal concerns in announcing their opposition to Governor Nathan Deal’s fiscal year 2012 budget proposal.

"We oppose the Governor's budget because it disproportionately affects education, human services and the public safety," said Rep. Stacey Abrams, House Minority Leader in released statement. "Georgia is weathering an economic storm that warrants greater attention and support of these services, not less. This budget should represent the needs of all citizens, not some."

Abrams said the budget proposal reflects the misplaced priorities of the majority party. Healthcare, education, and tax policy were among the concerns raised by Democrats.

Democrats say inflation adjusted state spending per pupil in fiscal year 2012 will be 16.3 percent lower than per pupil spending in FY 2001.

"We've have seen an alarming pattern. When the education numbers are put in context, Republicans have already cut more than $1.2 billion in state funding for K-12 education," said Abrams. "The new proposed cuts shift the financial responsibility to local school districts, which are forced to decide between slashing spending or raising property taxes."

Democrats also expressed concern regarding a decision to transfer $100 million from the Medicaid budget to the state health benefit plan and unemployment insurance trust fund.

"That maneuver shifts the fiscal crisis to Medicaid, rather than acknowledging the issue lawmakers created through shortsighted policy," said Abrams. "Ultimately, we need to address the shortfall the state level rather than pointing the finger at federal government."

Abrams said educational opportunity, economic security and shared responsibility must be priorities if the state is to thrive.

"Georgia and its budget must change. It must evolve,” Abrams said. “Democrats stand against the current budget package not only as a moral issue, but as an economic matter.”