Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued the following statement after President Obama delivered an address to the nation outlining his views on the debt:
 
       “I think it’s clear that this speech was a political response to those questioning the President’s absence of leadership on spending cuts – not a genuine plan for fiscal policy.  I’m pleased he’s finally acknowledging the problem, but the President offered only vague outlines of what needs to be done.  The only specific ideas were old ideas – raise taxes, cut security, and empower another Medicare commission.  On entitlement reform, he offered more scare tactics than policy recommendations.  And on taxes, he simply repeated traditional campaign themes about taxing the rich, a Democrat promise that too often means higher taxes on the middle-class and job creators.  America can’t tax its way to prosperity – only into further recession.
 
       “GOP Budget Chairman Paul Ryan laid down a gauntlet with his concrete plan to balance the budget and preserve the solvency of America’s health and retirement programs for future generations.  I just hope that the President’s response doesn’t reflect an unwillingness to accept good ideas from those across the aisle.  It’s time to work together in a bipartisan way on a budget that sets us on a long-term path out of debt, forces government to spend more wisely, and fosters economic growth so American businesses can start creating jobs again.”

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