Sam Johnson

The Economy

Texans are facing serious economic challenges, and many are hurting.  These uncertain times present us with a defining moment.  The actions and decisions we make and the actions we take in our nation’s capital and in state capitals across the country will have a profound impact on our way of life for years to come.

Families facing tough decisions at home know this because they are confronting the same challenges.  Leaders in Washington need to grasp this reality as well.  The federal government can play a role in promoting economic growth and resolving problems in financial markets.  The question is, what steps will prove most effective.

I supported an economic plan for America that would have boosted the lagging economy with job creation, targeted tax relief and smart initiatives to reinvigorate consumer spending.  However, the Democrats in Congress passed a trillion dollar spending legislation called the stimulus bill.  While I didn’t vote for it, I hope that it works.

Now the Democrats claim that they will have to tax and spend our way out of this economic gloom.   I think we should root out government waste before we add new government spending…and we don’t want to increase taxes when folks are already feeling pinched by this tough economy.

If we are going to make America better for our children and grandchildren, this Congress must consider a federal spending freeze before we even consider tax hikes during these uncertain economic times.  The last thing we need to do is push consumer confidence even lower. 

If we really want to help stressed and frazzled families, we need to fix the housing problem that’s plaguing our economy and free up the credit markets.  We shouldn’t be spending money on arts programs and other big-government programs.

I say let’s start by taking tax hikes off the table and hemming the government’s spending.  It’s the right thing to do.