Huh?  I don't get it.

If the practice of paying large expense in the first month of the year made a lot of sense, why do we not see that practice with individual mortgages?  Rather than financially cripple themselves, people with surplus funds tend to make a rationale decision to prepay as they know they can afford it.  Individuals balance financial benefits with a common sense risk management approach.

If common sense prevailed here, this 10% restrictions on all public service programs would not be necessary.

Just saying, when the story is this convoluted it sounds more like a play for control and relevance than sound fiscal management.