The question is how to accomplish it. But the debate is one of subtlety and nuance, and thus is destined to remain subterranean. Horribly technical and hopelessly boring, the outcome undoubtedly affects consumers greatly, but no one can really explain how. Without knowing which side to root for, no one really cares who wins. The real electricity this session will arise out of a multibillion-dollar state budget surplus.
Lawmakers ought to bow down and give thanks.
Rep. Rob Junell, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee that works the budget, is already warning his legislative colleagues to quit salivating. What a party pooper. Junell's call for restraint has not tamed Gov. George W. Bush, however. The governor has plenty of big ideas on how to spend a big surplus. Midway through the session, Bush is expected to announce whether he will run for president in 2000.