Currently, most Americans have lost faith in our nation's federal government and I don't blame you. They are spending money we don't have, borrowing money from countries we can't afford to pay back and worse, imposing on your constitutional rights and trying to force us to engage in programs, such as socialized health care. The nation is facing enough economic turmoil, why do we need to throw in another wrench like socialized health care to add another burden for Hoosiers? We don't. Indiana's independent actuary, Milliman, recently found the fiscal impact of the federal health care law to be nearly $3.6 billion over the next 10 years, with an immediate impact of nearly $100 million. Our plan is to work with Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and the 19 other states as they challenge the constitutionality of the recently passed bill. In addition, six states that have already passed legislation opting out of the national health care bill, including Idaho, Utah, Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana and Missouri-in my opinion, Indiana needs to be next. On the state level, this upcoming session is a budget-writing year. Therefore, it is up to the Indiana General Assembly to establish a fiscally-sound budget for our state. Without a responsible budget, more cuts will have to be made and fewer incentives can be created to bring additional jobs to our state-something our state needs the most. The most vital thing Indiana can do as a leader on the job creation front is to pass a fiscally-sound budget with no general tax increases, because fiscal stability means predictability. Predictably means more businesses will move here to create more jobs. As I have said before, government doesn't create jobs the private sector does. Since 2005, 924 private businesses have invested $23.5 billion into Indiana and have committed to creating 115,721 jobs. Indiana needs to continue being a job-friendly state for businesses to start and grow. We need to begin by focusing on small businesses and private sector job growth-two sectors that bring Indiana the most jobs for hardworking Hoosiers. Indiana is said to be an island of prosperity during these difficult economic times and is praised for its efforts to attract business, which I give credit to our strong republican leadership. We have a strong record of carefully controlling state finances and writing a balanced budget. In 2005, when Republicans had the House majority, it was the first time in a decade the state had a balanced budget without raising taxes. As we prepare for the next session, I can assure you that we will continue to work hard to protect your hard earned tax dollars from going to waste. |
