This week the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council reduced its revenue forecast for the state. The decision was not unexpected and there is no reason to believe Delaware will face serious economic problems in the next year. But it's a warning sign that Gov.-elect Ruth Ann Minner and the General Assembly must heed. Gov.-elect Minner's early experience as head of the Delaware's efficiency commission at the start of the Carper administration should stand her in good stead. She should recognize more than most that better service doesn't necessarily follow from increased spending.
Smarter spending is the key.
Gov. Carper is expected to provide a first look at the new fiscal year's budget next week. Gov.-elect Minner will refine it with her own budget a few weeks later. Though some Republican legislators already are talking about tax cuts, that hardly seems prudent given the economic warning signs.