Reply #6: I wonder where the KBEM money went... [View All]

When the leg starts meeting on Jan 5, EVERYBODY'S budgets are up for grabs-- including mine, unfortunately. I've got a couple of capital improvements I need to get done this week, or else the money goes away until the new "official" budget is out.

Due to the stubbornness of the Pawlenty admin, lots of agencies are seeing a shortfal. In fact, my own (Department of Human Services) is facing a $400,000,000 deficit over the next two years-- healthcare costs alone with go up 19%. And seeing as we're the largest single medical insurer in the state, we'll get hit-- HARD. In fact, we've already seen some cuts-- for example, our library is closing down, and at least one full-time staffer has lost her job.

It's not good that KBEM is losing its budget, but if it's redirected toward helping the sick and the needy who need immediate relief, I won't be as disappointed.