State’s sorry financial affairs

Re “The budget breaking point,” Opinion, Jan. 15

Patt Morrison’s article leads the reader to believe that the solution is to provide more funding for state programs. She misses the whole point of California’s budget problem.

According to the governor’s budget summary, California has increased its spending on state programs over the last 10 years. In fact, that spending has outpaced both inflation and the rate of population growth.

So, for the last decade, the state has been on exactly the path recommended by Morrison.

This is obviously not a long-term solution.

Marc Branson

Anaheim Hills

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The middle class is not responsible for the budget deficit created by our government’s gross mismanagement.

I bought a house I could afford, pay my taxes and don’t utilize government services excessively. Still, I can’t get ahead.

The thoughts of those in government seem so far removed from the general public. Can they possibly understand our situation?

Bankrupting hardworking Californians is not the answer. And IOUs are a poor economic strategy. This style of politics is insulting to the intelligence of mainstream Californians.

The political power plays are likely to deter people and businesses from coming to our state, further eroding the tax base. I’m sure the lawmakers will expect Californians to make up the difference.

Governor, your hands are too deep into my pockets. Stop wasting our time. Put a responsible plan on the table.

Kim Schory

Crestline