Session 2013 – Capitol Report XII: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul?

"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
- George Bernard Shaw

Passing our state’s nearly $25 billion operating budget was the focus of the week. This is our one mandated constitutional legislative duty every single year. After many hours of debate in committee, lengthy floor debate in which we protected funding for our students, veterans, seniors, and the unborn – our common sense, prudent approach to the budget process prevailed. In this week’s report, I bring attention to the overall significance of fiscal responsibility reflected in our budget, the fiscally and morally responsible choice to reject flawed policy whenever it arises (even when it is politically expedient), and our Party’s emphasis on prioritizing education for a better tomorrow. Read on to learn more.

The State’s Operating Budget

This week, the Republican-led legislature tackled the tough business of crafting the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget. I cannot expound enough how incredibly
important and serious this constitutionally mandated duty is every single year.
In fact, it is the only constitutional duty that we, as elected members of the legislature, are required to perform on an annual basis. Click here to read more.

House Refuses to Expose Budget to Medicaid Expansion Threat

Often, we look retrospectively at decisions we have made. I am sure you can think of a time that you made a decision that was, in hindsight, not such a great one. While speaking with constituents about government activity in Jefferson City or Washington, D.C., I often hear, “Why did they not see that coming?” Many times it is true; the government waits until it is too late to make the right decisions because of political consequences. This week, your Republican-led legislature made a strong commitment to not giving in to the strong temptation to take the politically-easy path and made a decision that was in the public’s best long term interest. Click here to read more.

House Prioritizes Education Funding

This week, the House moved to pass another responsible, balanced budget – a promise we have made and continue to keep. Even in tough economic times we were able to prioritize the state’s responsibilities, especially to our children. Click here to read more.

This Week’s Vlog

In this week’s vlog, I continue to focus on the state’s operating budget. Your tax dollars should not be spent frivolously, and we took great care this year to ensure all of the items in the budget passed muster. Click here to hear more.