This dog bites.

• Author: Kaitz, James A.
• Position: Coalition of House Democrats submit balanced budget proposal

Lost in all the sensationalist headlines on campaign fund-raising activities, a little-known but significant budget proposal was offered by "the Coalition." No, the Coalition isn't a secret society in one of Tom Clancy's novels, but rather a group of 23 moderate to conservative House Democrats, known affectionately in the House as the "Blue Dogs." This group is led by Rep. Gary Condit (D-Calif.) and long-time deficit hawk Charles Stenholm (D-Texas).

Amidst all the partisan bickering about whose budget numbers are more accurate, the Blue Dogs stepped up to the plate and offered a comprehensive budget that actually achieves balance by 2002. This is a substantive proposal that addresses the most contentious and emotional issues of the day, including Medicare and Medicaid reform, tax cuts, discretionary spending cuts and a revision to the Consumer Price Index. It's a gutsy, fiscally sound proposal that's worthy of a lot more attention than it's getting.

Politicians are generally risk-averse, but the Blue Dogs have broken the mold and have put on the table the tough choices that are necessary to reach a balanced budget. Not surprisingly, their proposal contains a number of items that are political dynamite. For instance, they propose revising the calculation for cost-of-living adjustments to 0.8 percent of the CPI; introducing a flat COLA that not only reduces spending but helps those at the low end of the earnings scale; and establishing a blue-ribbon commission on permanently reforming the CPI.

They also support a commission to review spending programs and tax provisions that provide benefits to businesses with recommendations on which to eliminate or modify as part of the commission's mission. What's more, the Blue Dogs don't support any tax cuts until a balanced budget has been achieved. Translation: No dessert until you finish your dinner!

On Medicare, the Blue Dogs are seeking $119 billion in savings over five years. As with some of the other budget proposals that tap into Medicare, a significant portion of the savings comes from the provider community. But the Blue Dogs have gone much further than anyone...