The
budget touches all of us in the state. Is it fair that we ask those
that work hard to pay more for services they may not be able to take
advantage of? Is it fair to ask those that truly need help to say
that we have to take away from them? In both cases the answer is no
and yes at the same time. Maine is at a crossroads where the state
cannot afford the entitlements and expenses that were funded in the
past. At the same time it is unfair to ask those that are struggling
to balance their family budgets for more and dig deeper. What is
right? As a tax payer I fully expect to do my share to help make sure
the state remains solvent. I am not thrilled with the idea of having
even more of my paycheck taken away, but I know for the long term it
is the right thing to do. I will sacrifice for the greater good. As I
am making changes to my life so that others can be helped – I would
also expect that those that are being helped by my labor will also
reduce their dependence on the state. The burden should be carried by
everyone.
There
are many in state government that realize Maine has to do something.
Governor LePage has submitted a budget and while it is not perfect he
is trying to live within Maine's means. There are some hard choices
that had to be made – right or wrong – but at least he is willing
to put them out there. His opposition – and they are loud and vocal
– have come down hard on LePage for what he is proposing. They are
doing so without offering palatable solutions to the budgetary
problems we are all facing. They are bringing nothing to the table
and as a result they are playing it safe. Unwilling to suggest what
will be hard to swallow for them it is easier to let others suggest
ideas that will be controversial. Those that are taking the risk of
working with the Governor should be commended for doing so. They are
looking to the future of Maine and the long term goals we should
have. RepubliCAN of Maine challenges those to come up with something
– or shut up – because your hot air is doing nothing productive.
