Numerous news stories recently have reported on budget cutbacks within our local and state governments. In most of these articles, those interviewed painted a grim picture of what Oklahoma’s future holds as a result of these cuts. As an example, although unfortunate, it’s difficult to comprehend that a reduction of 30 employees at the State Historical Society will have much of an impact on Oklahoma’s overall well-being, or that closing some historical sites such as the Peter Conser Home in Heavener will cause any noticeable public outcry.
Perhaps unintentionally, Oklahoma has been luckier than many states; historically, we’ve kept government spending in check. Because our state government has been fiscally conservative, we don’t have to make drastic and damaging cutbacks today. On several occasions, Gov. Henry cut budgets and resisted the temptation to dip into the Rainy Day Fund — which is why it’s still available for the real emergency yet to come. The private sector has had to make dramatic cuts in budgets and personnel to stay in business.
It’s time that our elected officials and state employees realize that they’re not insulated from the economic realities that affect us all.