Jim Banks: “Here in Washington, we are currently in the middle of an important debate on the Federal budget. It is clear that…”

“Here in Washington, we are currently in the middle of an important debate on the Federal budget. It is clear that dramatic changes need to be made in the way that taxpayer dollars are spent. We need to get our Nation's fiscal house in order. As we consider important reforms, we would be wise to turn to my home State of Indiana. Last week, Indiana State Auditor Tera Klutz announced that our State currently has a rainy day fund of nearly $1.8 billion. Contrast that with a nearly $20 trillion national debt here in Washington. As Auditor Klutz noted in a press conference last week: ``Hoosiers can rest assured that their government takes the task of managing taxpayers' money seriously. Just like people across the State live within their means, Indiana has worked hard to spend less than we take in, invest in our priorities, and retain resources in the event of an economic downturn.'' To get our fiscal house in order, we need more of this Hoosier common sense in Washington. The attitude and approach that has worked well in Indiana should be a model for the Nation. ____________________”