How Much More Room is There?

In an article about the Corrections Department, the Tribune notes that, even after the House Appropriation Committee voted to cut $2,000,000.00 from the Department's funding, there is no need to fear. Bill Slaughter, Director of the Department, said that even with the cut the Department has still "got the money to do the things [they] really want to do."

Hmmmm. Is it just me, or is anyone else wondering why that $2,000,000.00 was even in the budget if its removal would still allow the Department to do the thing it really wants to do? No wonder the average citizen is so jaded about government. It reminds me of the crisis in Great Falls schools leading up to a failed levy vote. Remember how the school administration then 'found' a boatload of money?

No wonder we all cover our wallets when the legislature is in session.