Get the Budget Done

If the State Budget Fight is Truly About Children, Then the Time for Compromise is Long Past Due

August 10th — The state budget stalemate is said to be a battle about what’s in the best interest of children.

Governor Rendell has vowed that he will not sacrifice his pursuit of significant new investment in education, particularly investment in early childhood initiatives. Rendell’s been persistent despite a multi—billion deficit and evaporated hopes of an increase in the Personal Income Tax (PIT).

Despite the derailed PIT increase attempts, the Governor has strongly signaled he’s inclined, if not willing, to let the budget saga drag on if in the end the dollars add up for his education agenda — an agenda that is intertwined with his political legacy.

Republicans, meanwhile, position themselves as the patriarch of the state bank accounts, the ones disciplined enough to say no. They repeatedly recite that they are on the side of children, future generations to justify taking a well sharpened set of scissors to the state budget in an indiscriminate decision—making process.

Ironically, a budget fight allegedly all about the kids, is void of a holistic agenda for and investment in every Pennsylvania child.

As the sides remain entrenched in a fight largely about the appropriate role (and thus funding level) for public education, they’ve mutually overlooked the heightened vulnerability of Pennsylvania’s children and families.

A child’s well—being and his school success are influenced by whether he has food in his belly, a roof overhead, access to health care, connection to caring adults, the opportunity to live free from physical and sexual violence as well as the dollars directed toward his formal education.

The Governor’s commitment to education is praise worthy. However, for all of his good works, he hasn’t followed the lead of President Obama. Unlike the President, Rendell often leaves the dots unconnected — effective education reform and school success will be decided not just by public dollars spent on schools, but also by the strength of the family, the safety and well—being of the child at home and in the community.

In the toughest economic climate since the Great Depression, the Governor chose to put his marker fully on public education leaving only leftovers for critical services that help families. He chose to put too little investment in services that work to strengthen families even as his administration deserves recognition for its commitment to reduce by 20 percent the number of children placed in out—of—home care due to abuse or neglect.

On the other hand, Republicans, who like to emphasize family, have made budget choices that backhand parents versus offering them a hand in the toughest job any person can ever do.

To be able to brag that they held the line on spending or refused all attempts to infuse any new revenues into the equation (not necessarily a broad tax increase but consideration of closing corporate tax loopholes, having the state join all the others in taxing smokeless tobacco, or increasing court fees, etc), Republicans have proudly whacked education, health care, and human services appropriations.

They have ignored the careful planning and assessment of counties who are on the front line of providing services to children and families. Their budget strategy sanctions deep cuts to mental health, drug and alcohol services, children’s health care and insurance, and child abuse prevention and intervention initiatives.

In addition, the party which espouses personal responsibility is prepared to say to low—income moms and dads toiling away at a back breaking job with low wages — good luck finding a safe affordable place to put your child while you work. A decision that not only is counterproductive if the goal is retained employment, but which also exposes children to further vulnerability.

Despite all the news reports about conflict, Rendell and Republicans have found common ground.

Unfortunately the common ground exists in their mutual refusal to face a number of realities, including that the monthly cash grant provided to the state’s most vulnerable children and families remains unchanged since 1991.

They also have declined to boost dollars for a range of services that help determine the degree to which families remain not only self—sufficient but also safe (i.e. domestic violence, rape crisis, family centers, homeless assistance, food banks, legal services, emergency mortgage assistance, etc).

The Governor and Republicans are correct that the time has come for compromise.

Compromise, however, must include a mutual willingness to identify (and raise) the revenues needed absolutely to connect children to a quality education but without sacrificing other fundamental building blocks to a child’s school success and future.

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