Invented controversy is always a good way to pump ratings, but recent attacks on the state’s spot bonus program are absurd.

Controversy continues to swirl around the awarding of bonuses to 75 Indiana Department of Transportation employees for their handling of an October tanker explosion while other state government sectors see budgets slashed and rounds of layoffs.

The employees received about $25,000 in bonus money for their work on the Interstate 465 explosion, which was by all accounts both prompt and exemplary.

But the issue has become a political football that pits Gov. Mitch Daniels on one side and Democrats on the other. Some are unhappy that bonuses are going out when the state is in the midst of significant economic strife that prompted recent rounds of layoffs in other state government sectors.
Ed Treacy, chairman of the Marion County Democratic Party, said bonuses send the wrong message.

“That’s absurd to give people making $90,000 a bonus when you’re laying off other people. That just absolutely should not be,” said Treacy, adding that he thinks the spot bonus program should be scrapped until economic conditions improve. “I don’t think we can justify cutting $150 million from education of our students in college and giving $3 million in bonuses at the same time.”– RTV 6

“Controversy continues to swirl?”  Maybe in the minds of Democrats desperate to find anything to use against Gov. Mitch Daniels, but if this issue is a political football it’s only because Ed Treacy is playing catch with himself.  It’s actually pretty easy to justify handing out bonuses and cutting education.  You know why?  Because $3 million is less than $150 million, that’s why, and bonuses pay for themselves in state employee performance and taxpayer savings.

Indiana is in a relatively stronger financial position than almost every other state because of state employees who go above and beyond, not in spite of them.  The state employees being recognized and given bonuses are the reason that state government is able to provide a high level of service even though state employment is at levels not seen since 1983.  A bonus of a couple hundred bucks more than pays for itself in the interests of the taxpayer.

Democrats are foolish to think that the path to victory is by questioning how Gov. Daniels has managed state government through a national crisis.  We are reminded regularly that the nation continues to look at Indiana as a model of fiscal management and taxpayer protection through the worst economic downturn in decades.  Today’s Washington Post called Daniels “the good Mitch” and praised his record while making the case for Mitch to lead the GOP to victory.  US News and World Report seconded the motion.  George Will put it best about Mitch last week when he said, “He’s boring, he’s balding, he’s just smart and competent.”

I don’t about you, but I think George Will just earned a spot bonus.