[Mind-numbed Robot]

The shortfall could well force the state and local governments to slash an array of services, including police protection and mental health, state and local officials say.

When faced with revenue loss or the need for a tax increases the politicians always scare people by saying the police and fire services will be cut. They never mention the pork programs because they don't even want people to know about them and those are the pay-back funds for the big contributors.

[RS]

"When faced with revenue loss or the need for a tax increases the politicians always scare people by saying the police and fire services will be cut. "

Exactly ! ... How about cutting out things like the needle- supply programs ?

[heleny]

politicians always scare people by saying the police and fire services will be cut.

Good observation! I hope the policemen and firemen react to this disrespect by voting the liberals out of office.