Foster’s looks at the current New Hampshire budget fiasco, and lays blame more on overspending over the past several years than on the current economy.

That said, the state budget problems are rooted in overspending and poor savings habits. True, the fact that New Hampshire has a rainy-day fund is laudable. The fact that the governor had to drain that fund when the state Supreme Court nixed his use of a Joint Underwriting Authority surplus only makes the point that the state needs to spend less and save more so it can survive financially turbulent times.

Over the last several budget cycles, the Legislature has hiked a long list of fees and/or taxes to fund growing state services. Because these increases were demanded by increases in state spending there is little hope any will be repealed or cut back. But if any are, be assured a new or expanded fee/tax will take their place.

Had the Legislature held these increases in reserved, to be used in tough economic times, it would be hard to argue with modest and temporary increases to help weather the storm. Instead, the Legislature and governor have spent most of their ammunition.