Who would have expected restoring inflation in the state's economic forecast would be such a hot topic this legislative session? But Peter Hutchinson's column ("Spend more for everything and raise taxes? Bad idea," Feb. 18) demonstrates why this discussion seems stuck in neutral — people confuse the decision to provide information about the cost of inflation with the decision to actually appropriate money for it.

Including inflation in the forecast, as it was before a 2002 change in law, does not guarantee any area of the budget an increase. Legislators maintain the authority to actually set the state's budget — they can push for innovations or fund initiatives, raise taxes or cut them. But good decision-making begins with good information. The forecast should give us an accurate picture of Minnesota's financial health, including whether we have sufficient resources to sustain our current commitments. Once we know that, let the public debate begin.

CHRISTINA MACKLIN

St. Paul

The writer is the Minnesota Budget Project's deputy director.