Counties like Wake and Cabarrus (my note: and Guilford) are hardly the only government entities raking in and spending billions more than inflation and population growth warrant; the time for real spending reform applies to state government too.
In a forthcoming report from John Locke Foundation highlighting facts about North Carolina’s budget and tax trends, analysts point out a statewide growth trend very similar to that currently garnering so much attention at the county level: North Carolina’s inflation-adjusted spending has exploded.
“But isn’t that just a reflection of a rapidly growing state? No,” asserts the report. “Compare that growth rate to the state’s population growth rate during that time of 82 percent. In short, inflation-adjusted spending has exploded at a rate more than two and a half times as fast as the population since 1983.”
That means state spending per person — even after adjusting for inflation — has ballooned by more than 70%! That’s nearly $1,000 more in spending for every man, woman, and child than in 1983 in real, inflation-adjusted terms. And it’s not slowing down: in just the last two years, thanks largely to state lawmakers’ decision to expand health care entitlements in North Carolina, spending on Medicaid has increased by 66%.
At least the NC constitution requires a balanced budget. The citizens are being fleeced by the insanity of profligate spending. Throw the rascals out !
We need better leaders, Fred. You are right– that is the only conclusion to be drawn.