Supports to Cut Spending & Stop New Taxes Needed
By Rep. Phil King
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas We are one of only six state governments that didnt run a budget deficit in 2009. Weve had the largest 10-year growth in private sector jobs among all the states. We now host more Fortune 1000 companies than any other state. There is a lot of good economic news in Texas.
Were the largest exporting state in the nation produce more energy than any other state and our unemployment rate has been at or below the national average for forty-four consecutive months.
I could go on and on.
Unfortunately there is bad news too. We are in the worst economy in 75 years.
Until the Obama administration realizes that you cant create a strong economy built on debt massive new spending & redistribution of wealth its simply not going to get
much better.
So what can you and I do?
Well over the next year elected officials at every level - city councils school boards commissioner courts the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress - will face unprecedented budget shortfalls. Elected officials will face enormous pressure to raise taxes to close the gap.
Their communities are growing and in many cases their voters are demanding increased government programs and services.
Trust me Ive been there. The pressure will be intense and the voices will be loud.
However raising taxes is absolutely the wrong thing to do. Government at all levels must manage its finances the same way you and I must do at home and in our businesses.
When our income is down we have no choice but to set priorities cut back and reduce our spending. Yes its difficult but it is what we have to do to make ends
meet.
Government must do the same. Increasing public spending public debt or taxes today will in the long run only make matters worse.
As a citizen your voice must be heard in this process or decision makers will only hear from the grow government" crowd. Let your elected officials know that you will stand by them
IF they make the tough decisions to reduce spending and not raise taxes.
Someone said if you want out of the trap you have to be willing to let go of the cheese. Tell them youll support them even if you are directly affected by their cutbacks.
Texas families and businesses are severely strapped for cash and can ill-afford to pay any more to government. Pick up the phone today send an email or write a letter.
Tell your elected officials that youll stand along side them if they make the hard decisions to cut spending and not raise taxes in these difficult economic times.
State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford) serves the citizens of Parker & Wise counties in House District 61 in the Texas House of Representatives and is a member of the House Committee on Ways & Means.
