Public opinion polls show Dr. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma’s former U.S. Senator, is still the most popular political figure in our state. Popular, that is, with regular taxpayers and voters. He was never the darling of insiders, other than when they want his endorsement to win an election.

In Sunday's Oklahoman, Dr. Coburn warns against plans to “fix” government by treating the symptoms rather than the underlying causes.

As a doctor, I investigated the root cause of problems. Some doctors have fallen into the trap of just treating symptoms — this is the major reason for the overdose epidemic.

In government, the prime way politicians, bureaucrats and some advocates approach government is to throw your hard-earned money at it. The answer to state government's failures isn't more money — it's fiscally responsible governance.

What about claims that government spending has been “cut” or even “slashed”? OCPA has exposed these misleading claims and show the long-term trend of higher spending in Oklahoma. Dr. Coburn points out that state revenues are already increasing, and wasteful spending remains.

Recurring revenues have been raised more than $700 million the past several years. State reports show the budget gap at less than $200 million. State government operational dysfunction abounds — for example, the scandal of at least $30 million squandered at the state Health Department. …

Opportunities are numerous for fiscally responsible governance, so tax increases are unnecessary. Robust Medicaid enrollment audits are saving states billions — Oklahoma can implement this and save more than $80 million in state-share funds annually.

Oklahoma state government cries poverty yet has subsidized, over a period spanning the last two recessions, $20 million for Hollywood and film production, including $4.6 million to producer Harvey Weinstein.

The state piggybacks the federal giveaway of subsidizing wind with state subsidies exceeding $100 million annually.

The state cheats itself by more than $100 million annually in state tribal gaming tax revenue because of its below-market gaming tax rate. Oklahoma pays tribal governments more than $50 million annually to sell cigarettes.

Dr. Coburn also calls for reforms to education, government employment, and TSET, and for the legislature to make oversight of agencies a primary and continuing focus. When elected officials claim government is strapped for cash, but refuse to end worthless programs and cut low-priority costs, voters get suspicious that growing—not just fixing—government is the real agenda.

Oklahoma's most vulnerable and Oklahoma taxpayers who don't have an army of lobbyists deserve for politicians to take the true steps to do the tough work of responsible fiscal governance, structural reform and transformational policy solutions that end the failed status quo of government operation — as promised.