In case you hadn't noticed, the latest rhetorical tool of politicians who want to increase government spending is to argue that the money is "for the children." Thus we have Governor Knowles arguing that despite a $400 million fiscal gap this year, the state government must spend an additional $120 million to pay for various "children's programs." The Governor went so far as to christen his latest spending proposal the "Children's Budget." A problem with his formulation is that critics who suggest it is irresponsible to hike spending in the midst of a fiscal crisis will invariably be depicted as cold, miserly, unimaginative, and shortsighted.

For the record, my wife and I have three school-age children. We have invested more time and money in their care and upbringing than state bureaucrats could ever hope to accomplish. I fully appreciate that our state's future depends on having healthy, educated, and well-adjusted children. However, I also appreciate that promoting strong families - not large bureaucracies - is the key to achieving this goal.

Even without the Governor's new proposals, child-related programs already constitute the largest share of state spending. Funding for public schools and the university system alone accounts for more than 40 percent of total general fund spending. After one adds in the money spent on child care, child protection programs, and children's health care, it is apparent that more than half of all state government spending is related directly or indirectly to assisting children. Every state budget, then, can properly be labeled a "Children's Budget." The suggestion that we as a society are not investing enough in children is convenient rhetoric, but it does not square with reality.

On September 14, Alaska voters resoundingly rejected the Balanced Budget Plan, which proposed using Permanent Fund earnings to support state government programs. Public opinion polls also show that voters oppose new taxes to balance the budget. However, the same polls also show that Alaska voters support continued reductions in state spending.

Instead of assisting the Legislature in reducing the size and cost of government, Governor Knowles has chosen to recommend increased spending while using "children" as a political fig leaf to cover up this irresponsible action. To really demonstrate our commitment to children and our state's future, our number one priority should be to avoid leaving our children the legacy of a debt-ridden economy.

If you wish to discuss this article or other issues, please call me at 907-465-2095. You can also reach me by mail at State Capitol, Room 115, Juneau, AK 99801 or by e-mail at Senator_Loren_Leman@legis.state.ak.us. You can also visit my website at www.akrepublicans.org/Leman.htm.