Brad Lager's Capitol Report for January 19th, 2011

Protecting Missouri’s Taxpayers

At the cornerstone of our democracy lies the fact that the power of government is granted through the consent of the people that it serves. Missouri’s legislators are chosen by its respective voters to represent the interests of Missouri’s citizens. With this privilege comes great responsibility, and I believe the most important action entrusted to elected officials at every level of government is the establishment of the annual budget.

This coming week, Governor Jay Nixon will present his budget to the General Assembly during his State of the State Address. This marks the first step and begins the process of crafting the fiscal year 2012 state budget. As we work through the current economic challenges and uncertainties, we must never forget that government cannot spend its way to prosperity. As personal budgets are stretched tighter, Missourians must make tough decisions. Government is no different and it should not put off making the tough decisions necessary to live within its financial means.

Unfortunately, all too often, elected officials get caught up in the pressures brought on by special interest, and they forget that bigger government is not always better government. They reject responsible budgeting principles and the idea that Missourians are best served by an equitable tax system that reduces the tax burden for all Missourians thereby allowing Missouri’s working families to keep more of their own money. Although their intentions are good, the simple fact is that the ripple effect of big bureaucratic government fleeced with special interest give-a-ways creates more problems than it solves.

I have always fought to put the taxpayer’s interest ahead of special interests. I believe strongly that the best way to stimulate our economy is to ensure Missourians keep more of their hard earned dollars. Missouri’s taxpayers deserve elected officials who will protect their interests during these difficult times. I will never forget that I work for the taxpayers of this great state as we work through the difficult decisions necessary to ensure that our state government lives within its financial means.

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 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.