Letter to the Editor

Legislative report - Rep. Pete Nielsen

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Hello again,

I expect this to be a difficult session. Revenues are way down and the Governor has ordered addition cut backs. Every agency and program will be affected. The real problem is the economy and big government. In order to solve this for the long term, we need to have solutions that are as painless as possible that will help the economy get going again. Big government cannot spend us into a lasting solution. Real wealth comes form the earth by agriculture, mining, fishing, forestry, etc. All other industries need these sources of wealth for the things that they do. Big government takes from all these sources and does not create new wealth. Therefore, increasing taxes does not help the economy grow and certainly does not encourage new business to start up or come here. It doesn't matter where the tax is collected, the consumer ends up paying all the taxes in the cost of services and products. Yes, some don't pay taxes directly. That may not be as painful but the tax is still paid. It will be very difficult for me to support any kind of a tax or fee increase.

We need to stick to the proper role of government. National Defense is one of these. We need to do all we can to get the F-35 here at the MHAFB and Gowen Field. It was a privilege to go on the tour that was held to help accomplish that. I have written a letter of support and I will continue to do all I can to help. F-35s here would be a big help to the economy of Idaho and District 22. Care of roads and bridges is another proper role of government. After the fight last year, the Governor has a committee appointed to study this issue. I doubt the legislature will be doing much in the area of transportation. The corrections system (prisons, etc.) is another proper role. I believe we can hold the line here and even make some improvements in handling the inmates. We want to encourage them to be ready for release and not come back by breaking the law again. Health and Welfare is not a proper role of government. It has always forced a redistribution of wealth. Americans have always been generous in helping the poor and needy. This help, when done through our churches and charitable organizations, gets more of the dollars to those in need due to much smaller administration costs. However, we are saddled with the present system. The stimulus funds that we accepted last year are not coming again. The use of those funds last year is hindering us this year because big government made new rules that won't allow us to lower the eligibility requirements of people using these programs. Again, the economy and big government is the problem. I have always worked to keep the H&W budget from growing and to get the money we have to those who are in most need and can do the least about their situation. Needless to say, we haven't been successful in reducing the budget. However, we have slowed the growth. The growth of health and welfare is taking funds that I would rather use on education.

Education is a proper role for state government. Before we had a US Department of Education, we were one of the leading nations in the education of our young people and we even put a man on the moon! Since then, costs have increased a great deal and we are no longer one of the leading nations in the education of youth. We will have to make cuts here or raise taxes a lot. Resolving this problem is going to be very difficult. That government that is closest to the people will always be better and cost less. Your local school boards care for and love the students and will do their best to get the optimal education for them. If you, the people, become dissatisfied with the board, you can change the members with your vote. How do you influence the Federal Department of Education?

Remember, the problem is the economy and big government and our long range solution is to improve the economy and reduce the size of government I believe we can do both. It will require all of us to "tighten our belts". Doing this together, we will be better off in the long run. One good blessing will be a leaner, smaller and more efficient government. Let us ask God to help us get the job done. Let me know your thoughts and ideas on how to accomplish the goal of improving the economy and keep government in its proper role. I can be contacted by e-mail at pnielsen@house.idaho.gov or by phone message at 332-1054.