Polls and priorities Lawmakers in Tallahassee should keep focused on the issues and not become confused on spending priorities. One group seeking higher spending on social programs is posturing the budget deliberations as kids vs. tax cuts. But there are many priorities in the state budget. Both ''kids'' and tax cuts can be accommodated, if worthy. The state of Florida spends huge amounts of money on programs that benefit children in one way or another.
Polls purport to show people favor increased spending on social programs rather than tax cuts.
The poll questions asked whether people favor helping kids. They should examine the proposals and find out exactly how children would be helped, and why it is the job of state government. Some politicians buckle at the knees when the word ''children'' is used. But their job is to establish spending priorities for the state of Florida, not assume the role of parents or nannies. If any of the increased spending on social programs is justified, fund it and find a lesser priority to cut.