Republicans: Open Budget Is First Step To Government Reform

After considerable delay by House Democrats in opening the budget worksheets, House Republicans said today that the opening of the budget worksheets by the House is a victory and a step towards true government reform. They said an open budget process would provide for a more responsive and efficient government. Republicans also believe funding for pay raises is tied to eliminating waste and inefficiency in government.

"We are glad the Democrats have finally opened the budget worksheets for viewing," said Rep. Mark Moses (R-Makakilo, Kapolei). "But the real issue is that government needs to begin working on improving efficiency."

Republicans pointed to the $40 million a year in overtime and $95 million for vacant positions as examples of areas that need exploration for higher efficiency. Republicans also said justification is needed for special funds that have hundreds of millions of dollars in their accounts at the end of each fiscal year.

"Too much of the budget is not critically reviewed by legislators each year. In fact, the only discussion by the majority appears to be on the amount of INCREASE from last year's budget without examining whether or not taxpayer money was spent wisely last year," said Rep. Guy Ontai (R-Mililani). "Each year, millions of dollars of taxpayer money is automatically committed in special funds or carried over from last year. I believe our taxpayers and strikers certainly expect more responsible scrutiny."

Rep. Charles Djou (R-Kahaluu, Kaneohe) said, "This is only the start of opening Hawaii government to the people. If we are to truly open the budgeting process we need to reveal the budget worksheets as soon as they become available."

Republicans said the teachers' strike is a good example of avoiding the real issue. "We need to understand that pay raises will not, by itself, improve our educational system," said Rep. Joe Gomes (R-Waimanalo). "The legislature itself needs to be more accountable in this area. We need to make the wise but difficult political decisions to reform state government and bring our education system up to the standard parents expect and children deserve."

Republicans believe the lack of leadership has made money the center of the teachers' strike. This void of leadership makes the opening of the budget worksheets all the more important. Republicans say the unions should be joining in the search for funding by scrutinizing the budget worksheets for money to pay for raises. They said locating and proposing ways to better utilize existing funding will go a long way to resolving this strike and more importantly, improving our educational system.

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