I sent his office an email regarding SBPEA’s attack against him. They directed me to this article from Flash Report. I’m very curious as to how many of you actually agree with SBPEA and want new taxes and have contacted Assemblyman Knight as Bob has asked.
PEOPLE TO LAWMAKERS - FIX IT!
Assemblyman Steve Knight
June 17, 2009
[Publisher's Note: As part of an ongoing effort to bring original, thoughtful commentary to you here at the FlashReport, I am pleased to present this column from Assemblyman Steve Knight - Flash]
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There are a multitude of opinions on what the voters really meant when they summarily thrashed nearly every proposition in last month’s special election. Most will agree, however, that taxpayers are saying “stop asking us to figure out your problem and fix it”. When I was hired (elected) by my constituents last November, my marching orders were “the state is broken – go to Sacramento and fix it.”
Put those two factors together, and I see it as a mandate that Californians agree we need to match the state’s current revenues with expenditures. That means reducing what we spend, not just reducing the growth in government, but actually reducing the size of government. Over the last decade, until this recession, California enjoyed tremendous economic growth. Many in the Legislature saw that as an opportunity to fund a myriad of new programs, while boosting the cost of existing ones. In some years, the state budget was increasing by double-digit percentages, with little was going into a savings account for the inevitable day when the bubble burst.
Well, the bubble burst, and now we have a $24 billion dollar budget deficit created over the last decade plus by liberal legislative policies of the tax and spenders. It’s time to grow-up and realize we can’t provide everything for everyone. I hear it daily from my constituents, “we have to balance our budget and live within our means - the state should do the same.”
Recently, I have been targeted by large state-wide organizations (public employee unions) who are trying to pressure me into supporting more revenues – a code phrase for increasing your taxes. They have picketed my district office and threatened to pour hundred of thousands of their membership dues dollars into a mail campaign throughout my district. This will do nothing but confound my constituents who know that I stand for smaller government and less taxes.
Using Economics 101, it is fairly clear that raising taxes, especially during a recession, will stagnate economic growth. Quite simply, taking dollars out of the pockets of businesses and citizens will reduce the amount that can be spent in the market. That translates to lost jobs for California and prolongs our economic downturn. Something we can least afford as individuals and as one of the most prosperous states in the Country.
So, to be perfectly clear…my mission has not and will not change. The citizens of the 36th Assembly District entrusted me to be their voice and I take that charge very seriously. When faced with tough choices, whether contributing to a budget solution or any other issue placed before me, I will do my best to fix it.
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Assemblyman Steve Knight is serving in his first term in the State Legislature. He represents California’s 36th Assembly District.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
