Political Quotes

“I am a firm believer that our States are the laboratories of democracy--49 States have a balanced budget requirement. This responsible fiscal policy has served the States extremely well. It is time to require the Federal Government to play by the same, sound financial rules that have proven to be so effective in our States. And, I know first hand the value of a constitutional balanced budget amendment. As Governor of Delaware, I submitted and managed eight consecutive balanced budgets. During times of prosperity in the early 1980's, we were able to cut taxes three times and fund some much-needed social, children's, housing, and highway programs. However, during a couple years of tough economic conditions, Democrats and Republicans came together--tightened our belts, cut spending--and, implemented a highly successful early retirement option for State employees to reduce the government payroll. Due to the fiscal discipline required under the balanced budget law, the State of Delaware maintained its excellent bond ratings on Wall Street and weathered the recession remarkably well. As Governor of Arkansas, Bill Clinton knew the value of a balanced budget requirement. On February 17, 1979, he told the Arkansas Gazette, Arkansas was lucky that we can fall back on our constitution that doesn't allow us to spend more than we take in * * * I believe the government in Washington ought to be run on a balanced budget too, unless there is an economic emergency.”