FEDS: Refuse their money

As Idahoans we are proud of the fact that our budget is always balanced. Of course, it is a legal requirement. Still we work hard to get everything covered while balancing the budget at the same time.

However, we have to recognize that a large portion of our budget is paid by the federal government; some say as much as 35 percent, and others say even more. If we don’t want federal control, then we have to stop taking federal money. However, a large portion of the federal budget is borrowed. If so much is borrowed so they can give it to us, we have to see that our budget is not really balanced.

Where would we cut if we stopped taking federal money and had to cut our budget by 35 percent? For instance, could education survive a cut of 35 percent?

Education was much different 100 years ago without federal support. Still, our children learned, and in many respects they learned far better than they do today.

Can we take a look at our balanced budget and see where serious cuts can be made?

JIM HOLLINGSWORTH

Coeur d’Alene