Cutting with a scalpel or a mallet?

For all of the talk about zero-based budgeting that has made the politicians’ talking points in recent years, have you every seen anyone actually do the work? Have you seen anyone who even attempted it? Has in-depth evaluation of government programs been just another ruse to get votes? So far, these folks have been all talk and no show.

Now, in the third year of this ‘great recession’ – the third year of deep cuts at the state government level – you would think that there might be a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis showing where our tax-dollars have the greatest impact. Maybe now would be the time that some of these folks put their theories into practice?

Nope.

It is the time for something different. I’ve never liked zero-based budgeting because it was always just oversimplified talking points (and it previously failed when the US Air Force tried to implement it). But we need some effort to better direct the huge state cuts this year and, most importantly, how to direct the inevitable economic growth that will come in the future.

There should be a top-down programmatic review of what state government does. What is done well and poorly? What overlaps with other functions? Who can most efficiently deliver certain services? What can be privatized and what cannot? What are the priorities?

Right now, it looks like another year will pass before someone will do the heavy-lifting required at the Statehouse. But, if we don't do something different we will be unable to build a stronger future from the ashes of this great recession.