Walberg Op-Ed in Battle Creek Enquirer: "Federal Budget Requires Fiscal Discipline, Not Higher Taxes"

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WALBERG OP-ED IN BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER: "Federal Budget Requires Fiscal Discipline, Not Higher Taxes"

In his budget message to Congress in January of 1963, President John F. Kennedy wrote, "Lower rates of taxation will stimulate economic activity and so raise the levels of personal and corporate income as to yield within a few years an increased - not a reduced - flow of revenues to the federal government."

Perhaps it's time to remind the new leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives of President Kennedy's exemplary fiscal insight imparted to Congress years ago.

In March, House leadership introduced and passed a budget proposal that represents the largest tax increase in American history, nearly $400 billion over the next five years.

A recent Heritage Foundation study revealed this plan would raise taxes by $3,019 for each person in Michigan's 7th Congressional District.

Additionally, the Heritage study revealed this tax increase would cause 2,272 job losses in south-central Michigan and cost the 7th District's economy $207,000,000.

As I visit with manufacturers in Battle Creek, farmers in Homer and constituents at a coffee shop in Marshall, I hear the same common theme: Taxes are too high and government should get off our back so Michigan can prosper again.

The budget plan put forward by House leadership embraces a "spend now, reform later" mentality and is an insult to Michigan families and small-business owners.

As all of you well know, a large federal tax increase is the last thing we need in Michigan.

A recent analysis by economist David Littman of the Mackinac Center compared Michigan's per capita income to the national average and revealed the state reached its lowest level in 75 years in 2005.

Times are tough in our state, and taxpayers in south-central Michigan are making difficult choices every day to ensure their family budgets are balanced. They are doing so by cutting spending and having fiscal discipline.

It's time we make these same common-sense choices on a federal level, without raising taxes.

The tax relief passed by Congress from 2001 to 2004 is set to expire, and Congress needs to make tax relief permanent for hard-working American families and implement common-sense policies for the future.

We also must work to eliminate government waste, make certain taxpayer dollars go to meaningful programs and leave resources directly with the people. I support legislation that would give the president line-item veto authority to go through spending bills and eliminate pork-barrel earmarks.

Another top Congressional priority should be the passage of a balanced budget that does not raise taxes. I have co-sponsored legislation, H.J.RES.1, that would amend the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced budget each year.

By passing these common sense reforms, Congress can ease the heavy tax burden America's families already face and help get our economy moving.

This week Congress is scheduled to vote on the conference version of House leadership's budget proposal.

My message to House leadership during the debate on this final proposal will be simple: Leave more resources with the hard-working people and small businesses that make our communities strong, and no more tax increases.

By making tax cuts permanent and putting our fiscal house in order, this Congress can go a long way in restoring the trust of the American people and build a better, brighter future for our country.

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