Punting on bond issues not a responsible way to govern

But passing a bond issue isn't the same thing as spending money you don't have. The latter is what we see happening in Washington, and it's highly irresponsible. Taxpayers are outraged about the deficit spending, and should be. But using bond issues to build and maintain state infrastructure is an example of government acting responsibly.

Shannon, R-Lawton, says there is no appetite for bond issues within his caucus. That's been evident for several years. So Shannon is proposing an eight-year, pay-as-you-go plan to fund upkeep and repair. Some of these funds would come from selling state assets, but Shannon also hopes to carve out a chunk each year from the state's general revenue fund.

After getting repair and reconstruction under way through pay as you go, caucus members might begin to warm to the idea of issuing bonds. That's the hope, at least.