Over and over again, we’ve heard about how the federal stimulus dollars are going to help us recover during these tough economic times.  There are many parts of the federal plan that have some serious strings attached – strings that would re-write or trump Missouri law.
Just over a week ago governors from across the Nation met in Washington, DC to learn about the federal stimulus (dependency) package recently lashed onto the backs of taxpayers present and future.
It is already well known that the vast majority, two-thirds, of the $787 billion is not intended to stimulate the economy, but to help make people more comfortable in their misery.  Shame on Congress for feeding crumbs to a hungry man to satisfy the immediate pangs in his stomach, while doing nothing to unburden his load that holds back his ability to innovate, to invent, and to empower him to build a dream.  The path that returns us to prosperity begins with these tenants in mind.  This is big government at its worst.
The strings attached to the federal dependency package appear to be strong and many.  These strings will require states to change their own state laws to receive some of the federal funds, which is a dangerous endeavor.  Congress has made it clear that they want more control over the states and that they know what is better for you and me, instead of your state legislature.
The monies available from the federal government for health care, welfare, and education, to name a few, are only available for two years.  When the federal dollars run out, it falls back on Missourians to foot the bill, meaning we would have to raise taxes on businesses in order to afford the federal program next year and the next.  We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:  no new taxes.  The House is firmly committed to fighting this sort of irresponsible and shortsighted planning.
The Republican House and Senate remain cautious and skeptical about the federal dependency package and will continue to do our due diligence.
By contrast, Governor Nixon threw all caution to the wind last Sunday on C-SPAN when responding to the Republican concerns stating, “Missourian’s paid their taxes and if there’s a debt, Missouri’s kids and grandkids will pay that debt off.  We are here to take the money…”  This statement by Governor Nixon is appalling and unacceptable.
We can not balance our state budget on one time monies that may or may not come in the mail.  It may be considered good politics by some, but it is lousy fiscal policy.  We can’t allow the federal “stimulus” to lead us down the path to ever more federal dependency.  This is a time for restraint, a time to prioritize, and a time to drive efficiencies into the state bureaucracy.
You can be confident that the Missouri House isn’t going to commit to anything without giving thoughtful consideration to how we can use the funds to best benefit our citizens.   While we are still ironing out details and much uncertainty remains, you can be certain that we are going to use these one time dollars responsibly.  The Missouri House is going to inject a dose of common sense and fiscal responsibility into this process.  We’re here to make our state better for future generations, not to go on a spending spree now only to saddle our kids and grandkids with debt.
(Jason Smith is a Missouri state representative.)