Pete's Perspective: Fiscal Year in Review

The realities of the current economic climate are no secret to anyone.  American families are being forced to make difficult economic decisions at home.  While the public sacrifices, they reasonably expect the government to spend their hard-earned tax dollars as effectively and efficiently as possible.  Having just observed the end of Fiscal Year 2009, it is appropriate that we reexamine the current state of America’s fiscal health and where it is headed under current leadership in Congress and the White House.

Recent analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office clearly demonstrates the incredible fiscal irresponsibility being exhibited by this Congress.  According to their studies, the federal government ran a $1.4 trillion deficit through the first 11 months of FY 2009 and the national debt now stands at $11.77 trillion, a $3.1 trillion or 35.8% increase since Democrats took control of Congress in 2007.  To get an indication of how dramatically this administration has changed our government’s spending habits; take a look below at the surplus/deficit figures over the period 2001-2010.

*Source: White House Office of Management and Budget (2009-2010 estimated)

American taxpayers have simply had enough and are desperate for any signs of responsibility from Washington.  By refusing to make tough choices, current leadership in Congress and the White House will continue to lead our nation on a pathway to bankruptcy.  Republicans stand ready to make these tough choices and have proven so by submitting a 2010 budget proposal that spends $4.8 trillion dollars less, brings the debt under control, does not raise taxes, and puts faith in individuals, small businesses, and private investment to generate economic and job growth.

To learn more about this proposal, please visit the Web site of the House Budget Committee by clicking HERE.

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