Capitol Report for April 23rd, 2008

Budgeting for a Stronger Missouri
Last week, the Missouri State Senate spent most of its time debating the 2009 state budget. As we debated the nearly $23 billion spending proposal, I was continually reminded of the broken fiscal policies of the past and how important it is that we adopt a forward looking fiscal policy. All too often, government takes a short-term view to budgeting and appropriates every available dollar to expanding government programs. The "spend it because we have it" mentality sets the stage for significant budget challenges when revenues level out or decline.
I firmly believe that the state should live within its means, just as you and I do with our personal checkbooks. Nearly every year since you first sent me to Jefferson City, I have introduced legislation to reform the states spending practices by implementing a spending limitation that would keep government from growing fast than inflation. This common sense approach to spending would ensure that the legislature would not adopt massive expansions of government when revenues are up and then be forced to slash programs or raise taxes when revenues decline.
As taxpayers, we deserve elected officials who fight for reasonable and responsible levels of funding. Unfortunately, there are those in government that believe state revenues belong to the state and not to the people. They believe that solutions only come from growing government at the cost of the taxpayer. This is why I continue to stand firm in the understanding that the taxpayer best spends taxpayer dollars.
By implementing common sense policies that establish fiscal restraint and an equitable tax code, the legislature can ensure that Missouri remains on sound fiscal footing far into the future. These reforms would eliminate the short-term focus on budgeting and instead force the legislature to budget for the long-term thereby ensuring that Missouri’s taxpayers’ dollars are being spent in most efficient way possible. Government obtains its authority from the consent of the people and our fiscal policy should always recognize that Missouri is made stronger when Missourians keep as much of their hard earned money as possible.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.