One of the biggest reasons why our state faces so much debt is spending. In 1996, Gov. Angus King’s budget was $3.5 billion. Last year, the Baldacci administration’s budget was an astounding $5.3 billion. That’s a $1.8 billion increase. Now, our state faces another budget crisis – $5.71 billion. How can the state spend so much money if our debt is so large? The answer: bonds.

When you believe in bonds, it’s only a paper debt. Democrats in the state Legislature recently passed a budget, which allows the borrowing of $450 million in order to pay for current expenses. What’s worse is that the Democrats call this a “responsible budget.”

How is the governor’s budget responsible? I am only 16 years old, yet I realize that the burden of repaying Maine’s debt is being passed onto my generation. What will happen once that money is spent? During the next budget cycle, when the state is once again broke, will it be more borrowing? The reality that we are facing is that the Democrats drove Maine into a ditch and can’t pull it out.

This budget was completely partisan. Whether the Democrats want to admit it or not, it was used simply for political gain.

The people of Maine need to wake up and ask themselves, why do we keep electing these people into office?

It’s time to take off the rose-colored glasses and force the Democrats to stop playing politics with our precious tax dollars.

Brent Bowen, Lewiston, president, Lewiston High School Teenage

Republicans