One cut the TBRC didn't expect

The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is revered by some as a holy body, the wise elders who will figure out the state's woes and place "thoughtfully" crafted items on the November ballot.

But it's not too important to avoid the budget knife.

The TBRC could face cuts up to $700,000 under the Legislature's plan for the current fiscal year. "We're going to get whacked just like everyone else," Chairman Allan Bense said during this morning's meeting.

Staffer Susan Skelton said the commission should be OK because funds were set aside for emergency purposes.

"Ms. Skelton is very cheap," Bense said. As awkward laughter filled the room, he added, "Frugal, sorry."

But there is no funding in next year's budget and if the TBRC is to continue past May, something will need to be done. Bense said he would like the panel to take a breather but then perhaps take a detailed look at the method for funding schools and transportation allocations.

Comments

I was not aware that it even took $700k to run the TBRC. Aren't they volunteer members? How big is the staff of a commisison that meets once every 20 years?

Just get some plans on the ballot before you run out of money.

They won't run out of money, the staff is paid by the Senate anyway.

Does anybody know how much Ms. Skelton makes.

Skelton makes more than the Governor.

Transportation allocations, what are they gonna do, give Charlie Hilton $491 million?

Bense already did that for the asphalt man with the mega road building.

When is Bense gonna come clean on the CSX deal?

[Harvey Hoehandle]

The TBRC is at impass as what to do. There is a good chance that nothing will get to the ballot.

[Gossie Mudarth]

Rumor is that high-dollar dinners and $1,250.00 per bottle wine is the norm for the TBRC. The job does not pay but they do get $1.00 per mile for travel with a minimum of $675.00 travel per day of travel.

Gossie, there is no way they get that much for travel reimbursement, they're paid the same amount as state workers and it's set by law. And any purchases made are easily tracked now. It's not like they can put it on party credit cards the way members do.

Harvey,

If the TBRC doen't do anything, they'll get burn at the stakes.

I doubt that will happen. Most likely, they'll put 1 or 2 measures on the ballot & let the voters decide.

I guess 1,300 for a bottle of wine paid for by The People is our little way of saying thanks for nothing.

[All Hail King Jeb]

Pat Levesque's new assignment: a constitutional amendment to undo the elected commissioner amendment that will undo the appointed commissioner amendment that undid the power of the people to elect the education commissioner in the first place.

I heard a different position on the cabinet makeup was going to be offered. TBRC was going to recommend an elected chief elections officer, the Secretary of State. That makes sense. An elected Secretary should be in charge of elections and other duties.

Since when does TBRC have anything to do with the Cabinet makeup or elections? Thought their role was to reform taxes and budget. Since that's turned out to be such a joke I guess they'll stick their noses into other issues now.

[The People]

If they're having money problems maybe they should ask their resident accountant for help. It's not like accountants are taxed or anything.

Instead of money for meals, maybe they can serve them ostrich feed. It's tax free too.

End this joke now.

I heart the people!!!!!

Time to trim the fat!