On ‘spend’ when crying ‘tax and spend’

With the TABOR vote behind us, I would suggest that we think a bit more about just how we propose to cut taxes. In particular I would suggest that those who blithely talk of cutting spending as if it would be simple and easy are not facing the facts of our situation in Maine and in the United States.

The fact is that in all the discussion leading up to the TABOR vote, there were very few specifics from TABOR supporters about just what spending they would want to cut.

Is it roads – already in terrible shape and in desperate need of more funding, not less?

Certainly not such services as sewer, water, etc. Education? One does hear from time to time of instances – especially in smaller school districts – where administrative costs, in particular superintendents’ salaries, might be reduced a little without great harm.

But by and large education is under-funded, schools are under-staffed, and doing a remarkably good job because of dedicated teachers and staff.

Part of the anti-tax mantra is “reduce the size of government” itself. There probably are a few offices in Augusta that have a few more employees than might be required for efficient and effective service to the public.

But by and large the “fat” has been cut long ago, during years and years of anti-government fervor and bare-boned state budgets. And we have to keep in mind that when we say “government” we are referring to agencies, from police and game wardens to the various keepers of public records, that few citizens would seriously propose that we should do without.

Finally there are “human services,” all the various ways in which we as a people have mandated our government to provide aid to those in need. This is probably the area that those who think it should be easy to reduce spending have in mind. But, really, what help should we stop giving?

What is it that opponents of “government” would have our struggling poor and citizens with special needs do without? “Human services” is aptly named. We provide such services, as a society, because we know that to do so is to do what’s right.

Maine is a poor state. Our tax base is much smaller than in many other states. Thus it is inevitable that our tax burden will be relatively high if we live up to our responsibilities as a people.

I am glad I live in state that makes such a great effort, despite limited resources, to do well by our fellow citizens.

It’s always a struggle, but it’s a crucial part of why so many of us feel proud to live here, why “the way life should be” is not just a hollow boast for tourists.

David Gross of Hampden teaches as a part-time associate professor at the University of Maine in Orono. In 2004, he retired after 32 years as a professor at the University of Oklahoma.