The Purpose Of Projects For Public Infrastructure
By: Doug Busselman, Executive Vice President
In evaluating the proper role of government, the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure (roads, bridges, public buildings, etc.) fits within the scope of what we would envision as appropriate. In making this evaluation however, the purpose for the public projects would be more in line of the function provided by the road, bridge, public building, etc. – not spending money to provide employment for construction workers or enterprise for construction companies. While there is an outcome of employment to conduct the activities of construction/maintenance – the current focus seems to be evolving into “make work” and putting taxpayers on the hook for keeping people employed or their companies in business.
This concern is at the core of the blog offered here by the Nevada Business Coalition. An even more comprehensive piece is available here , written by Geoff Lawrence of the Nevada Policy Research Institute.
As a public forum, the Nevada Legislature is an appropriate place to bring ideas like those offered by the Building Jobs Coalition. Rubber stamping an idea brought forward in order to take care of special voter groups that provide support in getting you elected isn’t the proper role for legislators to carry out and really when you get down to the bottom line – government’s overall role is not to be about creating jobs at all (in spite of how cool it sounds to say that the purpose of this session of the Legislature is to get people working…).
We’re headed deeper and deeper down the road of believing that government makes the sun come up in the morning and the stars stay in alignment. Unfortunately, the ability for all these “essential” government activities to operate come with a price-tag, paid by a private sector that has limits to their ability to keep paying.
While advocates for the philosophy of government spending must be increased attempt to promote the economic benefits provided through the expenditures…no attention is given to the ramifications to those targeted for paying the increased tax burdens. Taking the money out of one person’s pocket and dishing it out to others isn’t really economic diversification…it is called redistribution. Is that now the policy agenda for Nevada to pursue for public works projects?
In evaluating the proper role of government, the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure (roads, bridges, public buildings, etc.) fits within the scope of what we would envision as appropriate. In making this evaluation however, the purpose for the public projects would be more in line of the function provided by the road, bridge, public building, etc. – not spending money to provide employment for construction workers or enterprise for construction companies. While there is an outcome of employment to conduct the activities of construction/maintenance – the current focus seems to be evolving into “make work” and putting taxpayers on the hook for keeping people employed or their companies in business.
This concern is at the core of the blog offered here by the Nevada Business Coalition. An even more comprehensive piece is available here , written by Geoff Lawrence of the Nevada Policy Research Institute.
As a public forum, the Nevada Legislature is an appropriate place to bring ideas like those offered by the Building Jobs Coalition. Rubber stamping an idea brought forward in order to take care of special voter groups that provide support in getting you elected isn’t the proper role for legislators to carry out and really when you get down to the bottom line – government’s overall role is not to be about creating jobs at all (in spite of how cool it sounds to say that the purpose of this session of the Legislature is to get people working…).
We’re headed deeper and deeper down the road of believing that government makes the sun come up in the morning and the stars stay in alignment. Unfortunately, the ability for all these “essential” government activities to operate come with a price-tag, paid by a private sector that has limits to their ability to keep paying.
While advocates for the philosophy of government spending must be increased attempt to promote the economic benefits provided through the expenditures…no attention is given to the ramifications to those targeted for paying the increased tax burdens. Taking the money out of one person’s pocket and dishing it out to others isn’t really economic diversification…it is called redistribution. Is that now the policy agenda for Nevada to pursue for public works projects?
Posted by Doug Busselman at 2/11/2011 10:50 AM 
Categories: 2011 Nevada Legislature
Tags: Nevada Budget and Spending Public Works
Categories: 2011 Nevada Legislature
Tags: Nevada Budget and Spending Public Works
Sorry, Doug, you can't have the amount of uncontrolled, unplanned growth we had, and not leave your infrastructure wanting. Had local and state government done their job through controlled growth, collected impact fees, and levied a modest tax, 1) There wouldn't have been so many construction workers here, and hence not so many unemployed ones now, and 2) We would have had enough money to update our infrastructure. Unfortunately, there are some deluded people amongst us who believe businesses can regulate themselves, and making them pay their fair share of taxes is just so awful! My goodness.
Reply to this