Gov. Susana Martinez, left, and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan
Our nation’s and state’s economic recovery, long-term sustainability and economic vitality can be in part secured through ensuring certain values are upheld.
Start with two big dollops of accountability – both governmental and corporate. Then add in some fundamental fairness. Not only should these principles be part of the broader public policy dialogue, it is even more important that they are reflected in federal, state and local budget decisions.
While public budgets are less than sexy in terms of media buzz, they are the foundation for all public policy conversations, regardless of the specific policy issue. Budgets are more than just spreadsheets, numbers and administrative directives. Rather, a public budget is a statement of our morals and values. You know that old saying, “put your money (and actions) where your mouth is?”
Throughout the policymaking process, elected officials have a choice: They can uphold these values or simply ignore them.
Helping ‘mom and pop shops?’
Stephanie Maez-Gibson
One example of the latter is in our own backyard. In New Mexico we have a governor whose words continue to contradict her actions. From the state of the state address, Governor Martinez says:
“It’s the small businesses – the mom and pop shops – the small start-ups that get lost in the layers of red tape. We will help them and in doing so, send a loud and clear message that New Mexico is open for businesses.”
Hmmm, how does continuing to offer special favors to out-of-state corporations help “mom and pop shops,” governor?
How about continuing billions of dollars in oil and gas subsidies to line the pockets of industry?
Or, what about harming New Mexico’s children by cutting community necessities like education? Yes, governor, cutting nurses, librarians and teacher assistants does impact student achievement!
Fairness? Accountability?
Cuts to services, tax giveaways for the rich
Another blatant example of choosing to ignore the values we hold dear is illustrated at the federal level in Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget proposal. Initially this issue might seem removed from the every day lives of New Mexicans. However, the allocation of federal funds, as well as the generation of federal revenue directly, impacts the level and quality of services provided to New Mexicans.
Ryan proposes $4 trillion in cuts to health care for seniors, disabled individuals and children, as well as pell grants for low-income students to attend college. At the same time, the proposal offers more tax giveaways for the rich (richest 2 percent – these are millionaire and billionaires, folks) totaling $3 trillion over 10 years.
Choices, Congressman Ryan, choices!
Solutions
Nothing is more frustrating than criticisms sans solution. First, we need to ensure our federal and state tax codes require that those who benefit the most from our public infrastructure pay their fair share (i.e. corporations and the richest among us).
In addition, necessary investments in community services such as education, health care and public safety should be made. These investments will strengthen the private sector by providing a foundation for economic recovery and long-term sustainability and vitality.
Finally, we must have greater transparency and accountability for the billions of dollars we forego in tax expenditures – that is, those tax deductions, exemptions and credits go to fill the corporate coffers of Big Oil, Big Pharma and the like.
Finally, I would add, we, the people, are not powerless. Those elected decision makers, like all politicians (regardless of party affiliation), should be accountable to the ordinary citizens they were elected to represent. Ignoring the people’s pleas that fairness and accountability be made an integral part of the public policy debate is unacceptable.
Choices, folks, choices!
Maez-Gibson is communications director for the Center for Civic Policy.