The problem in Pennsylvania and in the United States as a whole is not that we are taxed too little, but that government, both state and federal, spends too much. On the federal level, the national debt now exceeds $13 Trillion. Worse still, a recent report indicates that the unfunded liabilities of the federal government now exceed $69 Trillion.

In our own state since 2002, spending has increased from $20 Billion to $28 Billion, nearly a 50% increase in just 8 short years. During that same time, state borrowing also increased over 45%, from $23 Billion to $41 Billion. Since Governor Rendell took office, spending on public welfare programs has increased by 68% and spending on public education has increased by 45%.

These spending increases are not sustainable. As a result of this spending binge, our state's fiscal situation is dire. Especially while our economy struggles, the answer is not new taxes. We cannot tax, spend and borrow our way back to prosperity.

The answer is for government to live within its means, just like the rest of us.

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