DebinPhoenix's Blog

Gov. Janet Napolitano is offering new plans for closing the state's big budget shortfall:

1. Future lottery revenue payments to outside investors ($400 million)
2. Delay payment of state expenses (Only Deferred Expense)
3. Ticket revenue from speed enforcement cameras ($50 million)

The state is facing a projected $1.2 billion revenue shortfall.  This year's budget is $9.9 billion.  State payment delays would target universities, the state health care system and Department of Economic Security.  Janet expects $50 million in ticket revenue from the new speed cameras now being placed around the state.  Napolitano also lists $426 million from selling future lottery revenue to investors.

Hmmm....that's roughly $450 million out of $1.2 billion.  Hmmm...That's only 40% of the deficit.

I thought speed cameras were there to protect us?  I didn't know you could leverage future lottery payments to outside investors?  Does outside investors mean U.S. investors or outside of the U.S. investors? 

ARIZONA FOR SALE...ARIZONA FOR SALE...ARIZONA FOR SALE..ARIZONA FOR SALE...

No wonder Janet is not listed as a member of the BHO transition team.  Perhaps she'll (it) will go directly to a cabinet position....One can only hope!  She (it) will always be remembered as Arizona's "FAIR WEATHER GOVERNOR."