Sponsor Statement for HJR 16

Relating to a federal balanced budget amendment.

Federal government overspending has become the rule and not the exception over the years. It is clear that change is needed and the federal government can no longer handle the responsibility of creating our national budget without new guidelines.

One generation should not have the right to burden another with its debts. The unlimited ability to borrow has resulted in a federal debt totaling $5.3 trillion.

Our nation must learn to live within its means, just as each individual must. Passing a balanced budget amendment will bring discipline to our national spending. Without this discipline, we face economic chaos. With the passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment, more resources would go toward private investment, interest rates would drop and businesses could afford to expand.

It is for these reasons I ask the members of both houses to support this resolution urging the Congress, the President of the United States, and each state of our nation to support the Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.