Today, Governor Bill Richardson gave his 2008 State of the State (pdf), and true to form, he laid out an agenda that is much too expansive to be dealt with in the time allotted. Not too mention, that it’s not appropriate for a session which is supposed to be focused on budget issues. What makes this worse than usual is that he just got back in to town after almost a one-year hiatus.
They say when you run in a Democratic Primary, you tend to run to the left because the base is far to the left. Well, based on the Governor’s State of the State address, someone forgot to tell him to stop running to the left:
It begins with insurance reform.
Today there is a unified voice from business, labor and patients alike — demanding solutions to the ever-rising cost of care and insurance premiums.
My plan requires that at least 85-percent of premiums must be spent directly on care.
Not on overhead.
Not on bureaucracy.
Not on profits.
Our public programs already require this–private insurers must do the same.
First off, let’s deal with the obvious. I’m a member of numerous business organizations, and I can tell you that when it comes to the health care proposal the Governor has put forth, there is NO unified voice from business community.
And, what’s this nonsense about limiting profitability of insurance providers? Someone please remind Governor Richardson that it’s still legal in America to make a profit. In fact, it – the free enterprise system – is one of the cornerstones of our democracy.
Then, the Governor goes on to say, “Everyone must pay their fair share.” Gee, when was the last time you looked at your tax bill and thought, I’m not paying my fair share. The state budget has grown astronomically since the administration took over, and the Governor has the nerve to say “everyone must pay their fair share.” What’s next? “…from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.“
After his Socialist Health Care agenda, the Governor proposes:
A new mandate calling on utilities to invest in energy efficiency programs. Programs that will be cheaper and cleaner than building new power plants.
Now, he’s telling the utilities how to run their businesses. Who do you think is going to pay in the long run for this mandate? That’s right, you and me. We’re going to end up paying higher rates. Can you say, “Hidden taxes.”
I could go on, but I’m just getting frustrated. Maybe I ought to invest in the campaign to draft Richardson as Vice-President, it’s got to be cheaper for me than keeping him in the state.