Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/229

 of commissions and institutions may be made to a cent, but there should be a number—an ever-increasing number—of institutions on a permanent basis so that the legislature by a majority vote may at any time, raise or lower the appropriation as it sees fit—but not by a minority vote. The matter is important and worthy of serious consideration because no state will get sound results unless it provides some permanency for judicial bodies, semi-judicial commissions, such as civil service, railroad commissions, etc., and above all, educational institutions.

In England especially and in foreign countries in general, although the budget may be considered at stated intervals, many of the most important items are placed on a permanent basis. Even under cabinet government in foreign countries which may be changed by public sentiment, there exists no such budget idea as in the American states. Indeed, those countries provide means whereby, if the budget does not pass at all, the departments and institutions still continue. How can the experts in our commissions and the thinkers in our institutions ever be aggressive and wide awake if they always have to be on the defence against a minority? There is no more unwise arrangement conceivable than this plan of having our appropriations completely end every two years.

Another advantage which has fortunately helped this state is the simplicity of its old constitution. For in-