Needs versus wants; nice versus necessary

That’s what this legislative session has come down to — not by choice, but by economic circumstances. In the middle of that debate is the issue of Idaho Public Television.

It’s a nice service, no doubt about it. Whether you are watching gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Idaho Legislature, Big Bird or Lawrence Welk, Idaho Public Television has been a valuable source of information, education and entertainment for Idahoans.

But is it necessary for Idahoans? Gov. Otter raised that question early in this session and it’s a question that is being asked in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member.

The debate isn’t confined to legislative committees. I have numerous letters on the issue, the vast majority of which are opposed to cutting funding for public television.

At the same time, I am receiving numerous letters opposing cuts in the public-education budget — which takes up more than half of Idaho’s budget — and other programs. Mixed in with those are letters from individuals telling me not to raise taxes.

Well … I am adamantly opposed to raising taxes in this economic climate. Individuals and families have to make tough choices during these difficult times, and government should do the same.

I also want to see as much funding as possible go to education, health-service programs and public safety. But the Legislature is also constitutionally mandated to operate with a balanced budget.

So the legislative budget writers have been looking at all areas of spending — and not just Idaho Public Television. 

These efforts have nothing to do with ideology. It’s all about consolidating operations, reducing administrative costs and working together for state government that is effective and efficient.

The governor’s proposed general-funds reduction of Public TV — $387,000 — would cover the salaries of 7.4 teachers. That amount also would shore up funding for the departments of Corrections, Health and Welfare and Labor to name a few.

The general-funds appropriation for Public TV isn’t much in relationship to the overall state budget. However, in this environment every dollar saved is important.

If Idaho was experiencing economic growth, as it has for much of the last two decades, then the appropriation for Public TV would not be an issue. But I think we should look first to funding what’s “necessary.”

Rep. George Eskridge of Dover represents District 1 in the Idaho House of Representatives.