From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill., 14th District)…
“I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government; I mean an additional article taking from the Federal Government the power of borrowing.” –Thomas Jefferson, 1789
“Only a constitutional amendment will do the job. We’ve tried the carrot, and it failed. With the stick of a Balanced Budget Amendment, we can stop government squandering, overtaxing ways, and save our economy.” –Ronald Reagan, 1982
Times are tough and American families make hard choices every day. You’ve worked for your wages, paid your taxes and you didn’t cause the debt crisis that faces our nation. Many have learned how to make do by tightening their belts and living within their means. It’s time Washington did the same, that’s why we need to pass a balanced budget amendment (BBA).
The BBA is a game-changer, forever shifting the culture of spending in Washington. It means no more budget tricks. No more accounting gimmicks. No more empty promises. It’s the permanent solution to our nation’s fiscal crisis to legally force future Congresses and Presidents to stop spending money they don’t have.
As part of the debt ceiling increase in August, the House and Senate are required to vote on a BBA between October 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011. If the BBA receives two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate, it will be sent to all 50 states for ratification.
In 1995, Congress nearly passed a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget, but fell one vote short. Sixteen years later, Congress has the chance to finally get it right. Now is the time.
America Speaking Out (ASO), www.americaspeakingout.com, is an online community aimed at giving you a voice and the power to set the agenda in Congress. Through ASO, you can express your opinion about the BBA, which will be voted on in the House this fall.
I encourage you to visit www.americaspeakingout.com now to express your opinion about a BBA. It is through the support of the citizens like you that a BBA will become a reality – bringing much-needed certainty to the small business community, putting an end to the out-of-control spending, and restoring accountability to Congress.
As always, it is truly an honor to serve you in Washington. Please contact me at 630.232.7104 or 202.225.2976 if I can be of assistance, or if you’d like to share your thoughts on the issues before Congress.
In service,
Randy Hultgren
Member of Congress
http://hultgren.house.gov/