Doer Government Set to Release Budget
Apr 03, 2007
The Doer government is poised to release a Provincial Budget tomorrow. This being an election year, it will be interesting to see what the government priorities are – and where they’re headed as the campaign silly season begins.
The duo of Doer and Selinger have become quite adept at spreading the budget goodies out over the largest possible swath. Since 1999 we have seen:
- targeted tax cuts, particularly as they pertain to small business rates;
- the first reductions in corporate business taxes since World War II;
- a phase-out of the Education Support Levy;
- slightly increased program spending (Manitoba is the second lowest spender per capita in Canada);
- record investments in health care;
- investments in schools that are tied to growth in the economy;
- a real transportation plan aimed at improving roads and highways and enhancing our position on the Mid Continent Trade Corridor;
- capital investments including the MTS Centre, Health Sciences Centre, Brandon Regional Health Centre, and the Swan River Hospital;
- new resources to fight crime as well as the causes of crime; and
- initiatives to tackle water quality issues.
This has been accomplished within the parameters of Balanced Budget Legislation (introduced in the 1990s by the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives), and thanks in part to increased federal transfer payments. There’s no mistaking that our economy has improved. Of note: in the 1990s property taxes rose and property values froze. Since 1999, property taxes have fallen and property values have skyrocketed. Our credit rating (according to Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s) has also improved. And the government has been paying down debt and pension liabilities.
That’s all good, positive stuff. However, government workers, and those who rely on government funding for their operations, know there remain a number of priority areas within the public sector that need to addressed.
1) We must see improved staffing, training and salaries for rural EMS workers.
2) Investments in equipment and capital for highways workers are imperative.
3) Funding increases for diagnostic services staff are well overdue.
4) Strengthened environmental initiatives to protect our water and help clean up Lake Winnipeg are essential if we are to protect and enhance this vital natural resource for our children.
5) Increased investments in child care and early learning must be addressed by the province now that federal funding has been cut.
6) Enhanced ESL and training opportunities for new immigrants to Manitoba must be part of any long-term plan as we look to the future.
These are but a few issues that have been brought to MGEU by workers in the field. MGEU President Peter Olfert will once again be on-hand at the Budget unveiling to ensure these and other issues are presented to media. We know we need to remain vigilant – and vocal – to ensure Manitoba maintains its position as one of the best places to work, live, and raise our families.
Comments
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"record investments in health care" And it still sucks. sigh.
jimcotton - 2007-04-03 19:11
If anyone has shown positive ideas on the enviroment and Lake Winnipeg, it's Jon Gerrard and the Manitoba Liberals. Also they have a policy to get moving on rapid transit for this city . He has my vote, time for a change, at least for 4 years. Draft Pat Martin !
Alan - 2007-04-03 19:14
Alan you're dreaming. Gerrard has about as much chance of being elected Premier as Kevin Lamoureux does landing an NBA contract.
Kevin S - 2007-04-04 17:39
I am not going to get into a big debate over who is the better to govern our province, because I truely believe our Union is very Diverse in it's make up and members political affiliations. But I have to remind everyone how this government has treated it's employees during this barganing rounds recently past and ongoing. How many people can truely say they and their members got treated fairly, or this government came to truely negotiate with you the member and your representatives? Nobody including our elected representatives in our own union will ever convince me this Political leader has you the employee in thier best interest. It's been on the backs of you the employee that this government is being made to look good and you the employee should remember this. If thats how you feel your money should be invested then vote your concience but be informed when this government calls an election and don't be like sheep when someone in your leadership says vote cause this is the union way.
Ray - 2007-04-04 18:45
That is so true Ray. There are tories, liberals, and New Democrats in union ranks. Gerrard won't win the premier's job, but one big scandel in the NDP or tories and you will have him as opposition leader. I think unions and it's members should vote for the party that will leave the most money in members pockets at the end of the day. Look at the provincial budget today..... People on welfare get $300 increase per year: Blue collar working taxpayer paying dues gets income tax back of $22- $253 per year depending on his salary. How fair is that ? We pay alot of taxes , and it would be nice for union members to not have to pay so much tax off each cheque. I happen to be getting about $43 back. Thanks Doer for the kick in the teeth, while Joe Welfare is getting $300 more.
JimCotton - 2007-04-04 22:41
Leaving more money in members pockets means tax cutting, no? Remember, Jim, when you cut a tax you have to consider what public service you're cutting to pay for it. Many people feel the government has given plenty away already when it comes to public services. Wish Manitobans still owned MTS, for example. Libertarians like yourself never consider that tax cuts don't build roads or hospitals - governments do. And government pays for services with tax dollars.
Kevin S - 2007-04-05 16:03
Yup that did it. You start out with such good arguements Jim then you sign off by being slanderous and demeaning to those who are impoverished and on welfare. What about those on welfare that truely need to have help, what about those who do not need the help but have no other income what so ever? Have you ever tried living on $480 dollars a month and be able to afford anything other than Kraft dinner or macoroni? The4 small amout Doer gave to impoverished people goes nowhere near helping out those who need the funding. How is I know, try living with a person with a mental illness and see how they try and surviive each month on what this government gives to them. So in plain language you can take your condensending input and place it where the sun does not shine. Disabled people deserve better and we as able body people should support this without question. I give without question to this and support the very issue of providing more money to the persons who need it the most...
Ray - 2007-04-05 17:08
I agree, welfare is peanuts. And the $300 more per month is needed, no question. But I am getting tired of paying over half my paycheque to the government . By the way , I was on welfare for 4 years from 1995-1999 , and I finally grew up and got a job. I lived off the $236 for a room and $80 every 2 weeks. FOUR YEARS. Now when it comes to disabled people, they DO get more, my uncle has a mental illness and gets $1300 per month for welfare. Sadly, we are the only people who check on him, he really should be in a home, but welfare refuses, because he wants to be on his own, even though he can't look after himself. As for building roads and hospitals, our gas taxes are more than enough to cover roads and bridges, except the government doesn't want to use the gas taxes for that, and income taxes more than pay for hospitals. The government( doesn't matter which party ) always blows money on alot of dumb things. No question we should look after health care and roads and people on welfare, but the government can be alot more responsable too. If they cut income taxes, I would be happy to pay $15 everytime I see a doctor. It's something Tommy Douglas , founder of the NDP thought was a good idea, too. Kevin S. is correct that tax cuts don't build roads or hospitals. Governments do. However history has shown over and over that governments have big holes in their pockets, and they should be accountable. Look at the dink bridge. They got charged $1 Million to put the plumbing in that place. Did the contractors take the city to the cleaners on that , or what ?? That is a $100,000 job. The hydro building is another fine example. That building is already twice as expensive as it should be , even with the geothermal or whatever. The floodway is another project that is over the top. The tens of millions spent on forced unionization would surely feed a few hunger kids and pay for some doctors and nurses, but no......Doer had to pay back his Union Boss buddies. Personnally , some unions are good and others bad. My wives union does nothing for them. They pay tons of dues and still have crappy wages and bad work conditions.
jimcotton - 2007-04-06 23:07
<em>5) Increased investments in child care and early learning must be addressed by the province now that federal funding has been cut. </em> Why do I with 3 children want to give money to other families who have fewer children than me and earn more just because they keep their children in daycare? Besides children brought up living most of their life away from parents have issues. http://marginalizedactiondinosaur.net/?p=40 Why pay taxes to promote that?
drwright - 2007-04-09 12:59
"children brought up living most of their life away from parents have issues" And that's why the best place for kids to be is at Home with mom or dad. I know that is not an option for everyone, like single moms who work.
JimCotton - 2007-04-09 14:38