Forum: Political cover needed on state's fiscal issues

Like his predecessor twice removed, Gov. Zell Miller, Gov. Nathan Deal entered office Monday under very difficult financial circumstances. Following three consecutive years of declining state revenues, the state's revenue picture through the first two quarters of fiscal year 2011 appears to be trending upward. However, it remains to be seen whether this positive trend will be sufficient to overcome the loss of federal stimulus money that will occur in fiscal year 2012. Projections of a $1.5 billion shortfall in that year suggest it may not be sufficient. Strong and courageous leadership will be required to traverse this difficult time.

Since 2008, when the national recession hit Georgia, the state's budget has been kept in balance almost entirely by reducing state spending whenever negative monthly revenue reports were received. Spending has been cut for education at all levels, health care, economic development and infrastructure to the point where real damage now is being done to the future of our state. Georgia's ability to attract risk capital into the state is not only about having low taxes, but also about having an educated and healthy work force and an overall quality of life that makes Georgia a desirable destination for growth industries.

In the years immediately ahead, Gov. Deal will be in the best position to be the leader of a public conversation about the importance of addressing our

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