Governor Otter’s Speech:My Thoughts

Governor Otter was right on many things in his speech. Zero-based budgeting is a long-needed reform that will hopefully lead to reduced government spending, as we take a look at each area of spending. Consolidating the states numerous e-mail and phone services makes a lot of sense.

I disagree with his idea of increasing vehicle registration fees. I also think his plan on the grocery tax credit is being mischaracterized in the press. He wants to turn a simple, understandable system of, “Everybody gets $20.” into a complex system based on income that will raise taxes on the middle class.

Otter’s plan also increases state spending more than 6%, which is not the direction I’d like to see it go. He fails to address our non-competitive tax system. Mostly, it seems that the Governor is trying to make a more effecient big government, a contradiction really.

My overall grade: B.