Name:   copperline - Subject:   Budget crisis impact on healthcare in Alabama Date:   8/29/2015 11:14:27 PM

Bentley is in his second term, and didn't mention the looming state budget crisis during his reelection campaign, and has now reversed course on tax hikes.   Clearly he knew the state's financial situation, but he shocked his GOP cohorts when he revealed that only a significant tax hike can keep the state on afloat.   I think they all believed their own propaganda:  that you don't need a decent tax base to run a state, all you need to do is keep cutting back programs and services to keep going.    It's a myth that many still believe.

The legislature is chock full of anti-government sentiment, his party is calling him names, and it looks pretty grim.     Unable to grasp the severity of the situation, many legislators seem to be scurrying for cover, and pitching ideas like a lottery, or enhanced gambling revenues.... none of which can be implimented and creating the needed funds by Oct 1.

We are, here in Alabama, going to be experiencing the logical outcome of this 'all we need is less government and we'll all be better off' ideology.     The majority of state parks will be closed, and this may be the first & most direct impact that a large segment of Alabamians will feel.   We will see what happens, but my confidence level in our state legislature is much, much lower than my confidence in Congress.  Since they dont' want to raise taxes, they could raid the Education Trust Fund... never a good idea in a state already skimping on education funding.

Wind Creek is scheduled to be one of the few state parks still open for business.  I guess we could have a big increase in lake traffic & shoreline camping if the park system is still mostly closed next spring.