I started the day at the Department of Education with a briefing for the new guys in the legislature.  We ran out of time before we got into too many specifics about the budget proposals but we did get to meet with all of the top staff.  I had appointments in the office in between other commitments.  We had a Life Sciences and Biotechnology Caucus meeting and an Aging and Youth Committee meeting.  I voted against one of the bills at the Committee meeting which would create a new program at the Dept. of Aging for grandparents or other caregivers of children; children who were essentially abandoned by their parents.  No one on the committee could show a need for this program with real numbers, they just said that they know this is a problem that needs addressed.  They also don’t think that it will cost any money to do this.  Beyond these issues, I question whether or not it is appropriate for the government to instruct people about raising children.  What boundaries are drawn?  What is the message on moral or social issues?  These are the “well meaning” actions of government that should be thought through before a new program is established.  There seems to be some progress on the budget but the Democrats in the House are steeped in big spending with no regard for higher taxes.  I hope that some of the conservative D’s, including some of the new members, come forward and say that they are not supporting a bloated budget.  We’ll see how things shake out soon.

- John

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