Today, we are in the process of passing the Education Budget out of the House.  I must admit there is much in the budgeting process that is a mystery to me, primarily because I am not privy to all of the behind-the-scene budgeting process, being a member of the minority party.  It’s a bit disappointing.

As I look down the line items in the budgets, I can see what appears to be some shots at the Governor, as evidenced by cuts to some of the projects he holds dear.  The most glaring evidence of this is the cut to workforce development, a major factor in our success in economic development.    When pointed out that much of this money is honoring committments previously made while recruiting well-paid jobs to Alabama.

One thing for sure, everything that happens in legislative politics happens for a reason.  Governor Riley has done three things to draw legislative retaliation: 

1.  He has opposed the community service grants, money distributed by legislators, to their district.

2.  He vetoed the pay raise, forcing supporters of the pay raise to go on record with their vote.

3.  He is attempting to eliminate the employment of the two-year colleges of legislators.

It isn’t over, there will be more retaliation.  You will soon see cuts in the Governor’s discretionary and emergency funds. For every action, there is a reaction; but those who want to spank should be careful that they don’t spank themeselves (or the people of Alabama) the process.