If Gov. Charlie Crist honestly views the state's $1.5-billion shortfall as merely "an opportunity to continue to tighten our belt," he is living in a budgetary bubble. The new financial forecast reflects an ominous trend for at least the next four years and is directly at odds with his promises to schoolteachers and university presidents.
August 08, 2006, I wrote this about my misgivens on Crist's fiscal management skills.
Crist wants to $118-million on the anti-murder bill. 25% raises for teachers, and a billion-a-year on education while pushing for tax cuts. This is politics are making the policy. Crist is promising everything so he can get elected. Increased spending with less tax revenue doesn't work. George W. Bush tried and failed as Governor and President. Sales taxes are not stable. What will probably happen is counties raising taxes to handle class-size and growth management.
I hate being right about bad shit.
How is Crist going to cut more out of the budget and meet the goals of the class size amendment? A journalist should ask him that question. Crist's answer probably won't be anymore ridiculous than "tighten our belt" comment. Right now that belt is squeezing the hell out of Florida.
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