The House did well in moving to create a special council to suggest ways to fix the state tax code (HB 1405). But they're adding complexity to the tax code in the meantime, making the council members' job harder.

Lawmakers are also boosting state fees by some $100 million (HB 1055). The argument is that the fees are paid by the recipients of a given service but don't cover the true cost of providing it.

In principle, I agree. A service not paid for by the recipient is subsidized by taxpayers. Here's the catch: What is the "true cost" of these services? Who determines it and ensures that it's as low as possible?

In other words, who's keeping government waste in check? Not Republicans. Otherwise, they'd have passed HB 236.

That bill would mandate regular reviews of nonconstitutional state entities to ensure they work as intended, and merge or shutter those that don't. It is the necessary complement to fixing the tax code.

Yet the bill fell Friday by a 77-81 count, including 17 Republicans who voted no. (Fourteen of the 17 did, however, vote to regulate tanning salons.)

HB 236 is the kind of bill that Republicans, the alleged party of small government, are supposed to vote for. Period. Its rejection is a blot on their record.

We've got to hold their feet to the fire or the hard fought wins of the class of Lynn Westmoreland will be lost.

Have a Blessed Easter, Easter people.