Responses: 8. Budget Shortfall

8. DC is facing a $320 million budget shortfall. Name three cuts you would make, the amount, and why.

Biddle: Prior to making any additional reductions in the FY 2012 budget, I would focus on improving collections operations, per recent legislation introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh, in order to ensure that the District maximizes all possible sources of revenue; this could result in an additional $100 million in uncollected taxes and fines.

With the passage of the SOAR Act, DCPS and DC Charter Schools each will receive an additional $20 million in federal funding for FY 2012. I would propose redirecting local appropriates in the same amount. We would then have $40 million to restore reductions in the Human Services and Public Safety budgets.

DC agencies should also be required to justify not only any increases in their annual budget, but also in order to maintain their existing budget year over year. Agency directors need to be pressed to find efficiencies through serious examination of existing resources. The assumption should not be that the government continues to grow.

Douglas: I am for increasing revenue over making cuts, although cuts may be necessary. Initially, however, I would work to secure payments of outstanding debt owed to the district by individuals and governments. A quick influx of payments from the federal government (Medicaid) and individuals (overdue taxes and parking tickets). Next, I would collapse departments and/or programs that are similar and that can effectively be operated under a singular program. Duplication/redundancy of programs is a waste and should be addressed immediately. Lastly, totally eliminate departments and/or programs that are inefficient and ineffective.

Lopez: I am committed to preserving the safety net for the working class and our most vulnerable residents, especially in these fragile times of economic recovery. I am confident that the proper steps have not been taken in order to begin responsible budget cuts. For example, by several estimates DC is owed nearly 1 billion dollars in uncollected federal funds in addition to debts from non-residents. Furthermore, I fundamentally believe that there exists gross government waste. We can have spending reductions, accompanied by consolidation of various agencies and departments. With that in mind, until DC government commits to sensible measures to increase revenue, consolidate government, and address waste, I believe budget cuts should be a secondary measure that will require careful analysis.

Mara:

1. There exists an excess of human capital in central agency offices. Not only will trimming central office staff save in wages, but also long term financial commitments such as pensions and health care.
2. The city needs to make cuts to programs that have proven to be ineffective. Cutting funding to these programs will allow the city to reallocate the funds to programs that have a proven track record. Effective programs will quickly translate into a better equipped workforce, improved economic development, and better standard of life here in DC.
3. Eliminating unreported credit cards and debit cards at departments and agencies. Currently, expenditures under $20,000 go unreported and that is unacceptable.

Page: Cuts are painful but necessary in our fiscal climate. First, I would cut funding to the DC National Guard, since DC has a range of federal and military options for its protection in the case of emergency. Second, I would sharply reduce the funding for homeland security expended by the District because the federal government amply provides for homeland security needs in the city. Finally, I would put new building construction for District buildings on hold for FY2012, although I would fully fund all ongoing projects so they make their scheduled completion date, since we cannot afford to sacrifice social programs people rely upon to survive day to day in the District to pay for construction projects that can be delayed or paid for through the sale of bonds on the private market.

Weaver:

1. There was a $900,000 increase the Mayor's office in this budget and I would cut that immediately. Nothing within in the Mayor's office should require an increase -- especially salaries -- in this time of a budget crisis.
2. I would cut the 22 percent increase to the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development. The increase largely covers salary increases and again, in a time of a budget crisis, this office does not need an increase for anything, let alone salaries.
3. The budget includes a $9 million increase to the RTC (residential treatment centers) program for juvenile offenders. I would cut that $9 million increase and would ultimately like to cut that program altogether because I believe our young offenders can be better rehabilitated and for less in the District of Columbia instead of sending them to other states.
4. I would cut all council salaries by $25,000 for a total of $325,000. Our Council is the second highest paid in the country and while there is no doubt the D.C. Council handles different levels of administration than other city councils do, the salaries, in this economic climate, are just too high.