SE Oakland News

State Representative Tom Kuhn, a Republican from Troy, expressed his concerns about the state's budgeting process following the governor's executive budget recommendations. As the vice chair of the House Higher Education and Community Colleges Appropriations subcommittee, Kuhn believes that the current system is flawed and in need of a complete overhaul.

In a statement, Kuhn stated, "Today, the state continued to embrace a broken budgeting process that leaves the public confused and left behind. We participate in these meetings where leaders glaze over huge issues that sound nice on paper but make little sense when you dig into the details. Our budgeting process needs a complete overhaul so we can start focusing more on the details and less on fancy buzzwords."

Kuhn has been an advocate for transparency and accountability in state government. Last fall, he introduced a plan to revamp the budgeting process, aiming to provide lawmakers with more time to thoroughly analyze the details and find practical solutions. However, Kuhn expressed frustration that his proposal was dismissed by Democrats and left to languish in the Government Operations committee.

"My plan would require budgeting to start sooner, giving lawmakers more time to really dig into the details and find common-sense solutions. Instead of considering the bills, Democrats threw them aside and left them to die in the historically unproductive Government Operations committee. This is unacceptable. We need our government to get out of its rut and stop being complacent with a broken process," Kuhn explained.

Kuhn's criticism highlights the need for a more efficient and effective budgeting process. His call for transparency and accountability resonates with many who feel that the current system does not adequately address the needs of the public.

As the state moves forward with budget discussions, it is crucial for lawmakers to consider Kuhn's proposal and work towards meaningful reforms. The budgeting process should prioritize the details and practical solutions rather than relying on superficial buzzwords. Only through a comprehensive overhaul can the state government regain the trust and confidence of the public.

The broken budgeting process has been a long-standing issue, and Kuhn's outspoken stance brings attention to the need for change. It remains to be seen whether his concerns will be addressed and whether there will be a concerted effort to fix the broken system.