A Stimulus Georgians Can Believe In
by Dr. Paul C. Broun, MD
Washington,
Mar 6, 2009 -
Results from the previous Broun's Briefing poll: Would you have voted for this $825 billion "stimulus" plan?
No - 90.55% Yes - 9.45%
As I’m writing you today, Americans face a fork in the road. I believe one path leads towards more government control, and more runaway spending. The other path leads us towards freedom, prosperity, and growth. In my view, the recently passed “stimulus” bill and proposed bloated budget will take us down the first path; the alternative would keep us on the path that reestablishes America as a beacon of liberty throughout the world.
Georgians are hurting and they need effective action. To offer relief, I co-sponsored an alternative to the stimulus bill that would create twice the jobs at half the cost. And when Democrats were determined to spend $800 billion, I offered an amendment that would give you a fair share of the pie - $9,000 to help stimulate our economy. Unfortunately, these common sense plans were not even considered.
Last week, Congress and the American people heard promises of fiscal restraint and personal responsibility from President Barack Obama, while he released a $3.5 Trillion budget. To me, the budget he presented to Congress does not come close to even remotely resembling his rhetoric. Instead of unleashing America’s entrepreneurial spirit through incentives for small businesses and relief for hardworking families, the President has created more debt and higher taxes, all underlined by the theme that government alone can spend our way out of this economic crisis.
In these tough economic times, Georgians are reprioritizing their family budgets and are tightening their belts -- I feel that the Federal government should do the same thing. I introduced an amendment to cut 10% from all non-defense, discretionary spending in the latest spending bill covering the rest of this year. If Georgians are cutting back, then the federal government should too. But once again my amendment was not even considered.
Republicans and Democrats alike must come together with the President to deliver immediate relief for families and put America on a path towards economic recovery. I also want to work with the President to fulfill his promise to cut the deficit and eliminate wasteful programs. However, I am troubled that promises made are not being kept. While I want to work together for solutions, I will continue to sound the alarm on provisions that move America towards socialism and burden hardworking families.
Our economy needs significant action that requires immediate attention. The American people deserve a better process and more options than massive spending bills that saddle us with more debt and tax increases. Congress can and should come together promptly to create jobs, restore faith in markets, and again unleash America’s entrepreneurial spirit.
