In times like these everyone takes a haircut, and I don't see why AIDS funding is sacrosanct - in fact, outside funding for government functions that are directly related to public safety and order (basically police, emergency services, and basic infrastructure), everything else is just icing and is justifiably the first thing on the chopping block in hard economic times.  

Although I'm not happy about the economic downturn, hopefully the budget crunches that various cities and states are experiencing will force some introspection as to what constitutes a critical government function and what is an appropriate level of funding in light of the fact that government coffers will not always be fat.

Shutting city government down for a week or two is a great idea.

In the event of a financial crisis such as the one we are currently going through, there has been mounting pressure on state and local government to cut budgets where it can.  They are often the entities the hardest hit.  Programs beneficial to society are always going to get cut, such as the ones you mentioned.  It's a hard pill to swallow for many since these are programs that provide a great benefit to many people.  However, Deval Patrick and other state and local level government executives should not be seen as misguided for cutting these programs.  In times like these, the people are more likely concerened about what is happening right now which is the potential to lose their jobs and dwindling 401(k).  This is not to say that AIDS, Head Start and Beach Preservation are unimportant.  I am very much for keeping the issue of HIV/AIDS in the public  eye.  Nevertheless, once the economy rebounds (which hopefully that will come sooner than later), we can go back to focusing on those issues.  In the mean time, there is business to handle, and Gov. Patrick is definitely doing what he's sees is the best way to keep the economy of Massachusetts afloat.

Cutting those programs is essentially cutting the jobs that administer those programs.  The real result is a loss of aid to the needy and a loss of the inefficient providers' jobs.  Oddly, the net result is more constituents needing some type of aid whether it be titled Headstart or WIA Dislocated Worker, etc.  Unfortunately, States and local governments cut from the bottom up; the bottom being direct client interface, the top being general administrative management.  Like the private sector, the public sector unfairly rewards those at the top who often don't deserve it.

Holy crap! Being that I live in the state just north of Mass I am totally shocked and outraged. Head Start, infant immunizations and teen pregnancy prevention are vital parts of creating a successful society. AIDS funding is there to ensure public safety or America will have the morality police like Saudi Arabia does, stoning women for holding hands with an unrelated male (I know it wont really go that far but still it could if we keep going on our rights restrictive way like not passing the Ledbetter Act as McCain did). If we dont have college funding how will our students learn to take care of our nation because the deans and presidents of the schools arent going to take any pay cuts you can bet on that. What happens when a kid(or their family) cant buy a book and the library is closed, how will they get to read that book which may be on a summer reading list? How about the ability to go to the museum of science!?! I love going there! All I can say is WTF Deval Patrick?

I don't think AIDS funding is sacrosanct either. Fact is AIDS is an entirely preventable disease!!!! It is not that hard, don't engage in risky sex, share drug needles, and if you are engaging in sex wear a condom - hell wear two condoms.

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