We Need to Get the Budget Balanced

Now that we have the president’s budget in hand, we need to get to work and balance the budget--something that hasn’t been done since 1969. If we can control government’s deficit spending, every American will reap the benefits in terms of better standards of living, lower interest rates, and more job opportunities.

The federal balancing act shouldn’t just be a one-time wonder. We need a balanced budget amendment to permanently change the way Washington does business, holding it accountable for every one of our tax dollars it spends.

When Washington acts responsibly, we will see results. Lower interest rates mean that a family with an average-priced Orange County new home of $254,300 would save about $3,700 each year, based on a 30-year mortgage. Families could keep an extra $2,200 on a student loan and $900 on an average-priced car loan.

Plus, it forces Washington to evaluate every program it runs, set priorities and make choices. Washington will send more money, influence and control back home so that moms and dads can parent again and build strong families; so that parents and teachers can work together to give our kids the best education they can get; and our communities, once again, can become safe and vibrant places to live.

A quick look at the president’s budget shows we have a lot of work ahead of us. While Clinton’s budget serves as a starting point, we need to address several concerns before we achieve an honest budget that not only balances in 2002, but stays balanced thereafter.

As we examine the president’s budget in the weeks ahead, I look forward to working with him to address these concerns. I feel confident that we can fix these problems, since the president is attempting to achieve the Republican Congress’ budget goals of balancing the budget by 2002 and providing tax relief to American families.

RON PACKARD

Member of Congress

San Clemente