Issue Position: Financial Values

Issue Position

Balanced budget: The best way to limit the growth of government is to limit the revenue that government takes from taxpayers. Utah's State Constitution has a very important provision that each year we balance our budget. Our state does a great job of balancing the budget and we continue to be recognized as the best managed state in the country. We need to continue this practice of fiscal responsibility. This money belongs to taxpayers. That fact must never be forgotten as we seek to use their funds prudently.
Limited debt: We need to continue to limit the amount of debt that we take on in our public institutions. Debt is not always a bad thing, for instance, when bond rates are low and costs for needed projects are rising at a much higher rate, but it needs to be managed very carefully. It should be used on one time projects and not for ongoing budget issues that should be dealt with through policy and spending changes. It is NOT a tool for avoiding difficult decisions in balancing the budget. We have to remember that debt never sleeps, and never takes a vacation.
Reduce the burden on taxpayers: During good economic times it is far too easy to increase government spending in an irresponsible way that will leave the state in a situation requiring significant spending cuts or a tax increase. We need to plan today, while the economy is doing great, to deal with downturns without drastic measures. By managing our debt and continuing a balanced budget, we can reduce the burden on taxpayers and fund a responsible and responsive government.
Tax Reform: We still face issues that need to be addressed with tax reform, but it must be the right solution; one that is supported by citizens. I pledge to involve the people I represent in finding that right solution, and seek out constituent ideas that will solve the problems in a way that taxpayers are part of the solution.

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