Gilmore enjoys a Republican majority in the legislature. In fact, Republicans hold all statewide offices. Squeezing our money out of politicians is more difficult than squeezing blood from a turnip. To paraphrase an Oscar Hammerstein love song, once they have found a way to take our money, they never let it go. Gilmore has issued an executive order for state agencies to cut spending by as much as 15 percent to close the gap between income and outgo.
All politicians know how to play the manipulation game to keep their power base from eroding.
Recall the shutdown of the federal government in the mid-'90s. There was not. Instead, the previous administration shut down popular tourist spots and threatened to curtail Social Security checks and cut off other essential services. If politicians are forced to take less of our money, their power will be diminished. While much of the public will come to see that as a good thing, politicians do not share this view.