Editorial: Kick the can - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Kick the can

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:20:07 GMT
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 

  • Thursday, May 9 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:20:06 GMT
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

Well the people have spoken and the proverbial budget can has been kicked down the road another three years. 

It's a fact that the budget without an influx of cash would not have balanced (which it must according to the law) and would have forced the Governor to make widespread cuts to the budget effecting people and programs.

But now there is no need to worry because we have voted yes on the constitutional amendment that will move $437 million dollars into the state General Fund alleviating the need to make tough budget decisions.

But let's fast forward 3 years when we've caught up to that budget can kicked down the road and ask the question – what now? Are we all so naive to think that 3 years from now everything will be back to normal – whatever that is?  Those necessary and obvious decisions should have been handled now.  Whether those decisions were to raise taxes, consider a state lottery or trim even more governmental spending – all should have been on the table.

So we encourage everyone to pick up that can themselves today and hand it to our current lawmakers and get some answers now.  It's the least they can do in return for the yes vote received on Tuesday.

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