TAX-SPEND BUDGETS

Missouri's budget continues its pitiless growth. It has been a rate of growth that outstrips that of most household incomes as well as that of most businesses.

Consider that a mere 12 years ago, the state budget was approximately $4 billion. As shown by the chart below, the fiscal 1993 budget, which was the last under former Gov. John Ashcroft, came in at $10.9 billion. The fiscal 1997 budget approved last week by lawmakers and sent to Gov. Mel Carnahan, which takes effect July 1, is a whopping $13.9 billion. Thus state spending has grown under the current governor -- in just four years -- by an amount almost as much and usually at double-digit rates as the entire state budget was just a little over a decade ago.

That qualifies Gov. Carnahan as a pretty accomplished taxer and spender. No wonder Missourians are crying out for a real tax cut and looking to see whether the Democratic majority that has controlled the General Assembly for more than 40 years can deliver it to them. Arguments heard last week in Jefferson City to the effect that the state "can't afford" a tax cut of $300 million or $400 million can be seen as absurd.

State Auditor Margaret Kelly, the GOP nominee to face Carnahan in the fall, has pledged a tax cut in the $500 million range. Given the rapid growth in state taxes and spending under Carnahan, it would seem she has her opening.