Paul's Office Returns Money to the Treasury for the 4th Straight Year PDF Print E-mail
FOR RELEASE: December 11, 2000

Paul's Office Returns Money to the Treasury for the 4th Straight Year Saves Taxpayers More than $50 Thousand

With the 106th Congress set to adjourn before the end of the year, the office of Congressman Ron Paul has been able to project once again that it will return a portion of its operating budget to the Treasury. "If we have no unexpected expenses, it looks like we'll have about 50 or 60 thousand dollars that we won't spend," Paul stated. He also said that the office may save even more money if Congress finishes its business quickly.
"I argue for fiscal restraint in government, and my constituents know that I apply the same principle to my own offices," Paul continued. "My office budget is provided by taxpayer dollars, and I strive to spend only the amount needed to provide effective constituent services. I feel an obligation to spend our budget wisely."
Chief of Staff Tom Lizardo added that "When we arrived in Washington our budget for franked mail was around $100,000. Over 4 years we have reduced that figure dramatically. In 2000 we budgeted only $92,000 for mail, and we spent less than half of that. In an election year members often send out glossy brochures or patron newsletters, but Congressman Paul once again kept mail expenses to a minimum. Our mail program instead focuses on replying to constituent requests and explaining Dr. Paul's legislative agenda. He always prefers to save money and return it to taxpayers."
Paul said that he would continue to seek new ways to cut costs next year, even while continuing to provide new constituent services. "I'm very pleased that we have earned a reputation for providing first-rate services to constituents while keeping costs down," Paul concluded. "I've told my staff that I want to reduce costs further next year, and also introduce some new services. We can benefit from the use of low-cost technology, such as e-mail. We'll be looking for innovative ways to keep in touch with constituents while keeping costs down."