The "point" that is lost on a lot of people is that the existing model, even with some reductions is not sustainable.  We must start by deciding what services are going to be provided by the State, (1st hint: it's not everything that is provided today)  then decide who is going to provide them, (2nd hint: it's probably not a state agency with state employees)  and finally the hard part, decide how we are going to pay for it. (3rd hint: taxing the "rich" or "big oil" is not the only answer)