PAYGO Epiphany in Michigan
Interesting that article says that Congress "once" employed the tactic. If I remember right, it was one of the 100 items in 100 days Speaker Pelosi pushed through.
When they resume tackling outstanding budget issues this week, Michigan lawmakers may deploy a tactic once used by Congress to add discipline to tax and spending decisions.
It's called PAYGO, or pay-as-you-go: the principle that legislators should identify where money comes from before they spend it.
State government in Michigan is required constitutionally to pass a balanced budget each year -- a form of PAYGO.
But in recent weeks, some lawmakers, notably House Appropriations Chairman George Cushingberry, D-Detroit, have talked about using PAYGO for popular programs like Promise college scholarships or aid to local government.
