Press Release from the GOP Caucus of the Tennessee House of Representatives, May 2, 2011:
Conservative Legislator Guides Resolution Urging Washington to Follow Tennessee’s Model, Cut Profligate Spending
(May 2, 2011, NASHVILLE) – As the free-spending ways of Washington sink our nation further into debt, Representative Sheila Butt (R—Columbia) today guided a resolution to passage that calls on Congress to follow Tennessee’s fiscally-sound model.
The resolution passed the House of Representatives by a large, bipartisan 96-1 vote. The measure simply encourages the U.S. Congress to return to the founding principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility to rein in spending. Additionally, the resolution advises Congress to follow the example set by Tennessee of balanced budgets and responsible spending cuts to provide a stable environment for the nation.
“This legislation is a direct reflection of the will of Tennesseans. Our citizens are tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars being wasted in Washington on bailouts, giveaways, and out-of-control entitlement programs,” said Rep. Sheila Butt. “We are simply sending a message to Washington to get its fiscal house in order. If they need a model of how to do that, all they need to do is look to Tennessee. We have navigated these rough economic times by maintaining a balanced budget, keep taxes low, and reining in burdensome government regulations.”
She concluded, “Certainly, I am proud of the efforts of the Republican leadership in Congress that have enacted spending reductions. We support them and want them to continue fighting for more so our country can flourish.”
The Chairwoman of the House Republican Caucus, Representative Debra Young Maggart (R—Hendersonville), congratulated Rep. Butt and remarked, “This is a thoughtful resolution that asks Washington to clean up the mess it created. Tennesseans are encouraged by the Republican efforts to fight the out-of-control spending in Congress and we want to show Tennessee is behind them 100 percent. We believe our State provides a great model of how to manage government and let the private sector lead the way in job creation. Simply put, we are saying voters deserve more of Tennessee, not DC.”
The text of HJR 199 can be accessed here. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
