This week marks a new chapter in our state’s history. For the first time since 1870, Republicans will lead both chambers in the N.C. General Assembly. We assume leadership positions at a time of great challenges, tremendous responsibility and with the opportunity to be agents of remarkable change.
The list of important goals for North Carolina’s Senate is long. However, one objective will command our primary attention – we must foster an environment where the private sector can create jobs. Our campaigns emphasized this issue, our promises to voters began with this commitment and the current economy requires it.
The unfortunate reality is nearly one in 10 North Carolinians are unemployed. From 2000 to 2009, North Carolina’s pool of eligible workers grew by 329,012; yet the state’s economy added only 13,806 jobs. Not only did job creation lag, wages fell significantly compared with other states. Without question, we are feeling the effects of the same economic crisis that has affected businesses and working families across our country. In many ways North Carolina faces a sharper uphill battle. Years of unsustainable growth in the size and scope of state government resulted in tax rates that are the highest in the Southeast and among the highest in the nation. These policies are killing jobs and driving employers elsewhere.
Constant overspending, over-taxing and over-regulating have left us with a massive $3.7 billion state budget deficit and a business climate requiring government subsidies for the few jobs created. In order to revitalize our economy, we must fix our budget and reduce the overall size of state government. Our strategy does not include the tried and failed recipe of raising taxes to sustain and grow spending beyond the state’s means or reasonable needs. Just as N.C. families and private businesses make tough decisions to balance their budgets, we will have to tighten our belts and trim expenses.
The 2010 election was a directive from voters to change the course of state government. On behalf of my Senate Republican colleagues, I can assure you that we have heard the voters loud and clear. We will do everything in our power to retain your confidence and will work tirelessly and enthusiastically to get our economy back on track. We will work with all of our state’s elected officials to move our state forward toward growth, greater opportunity and a better quality of life for all North Carolinians.
By Sen. Phil Berger
Special to the Observer
Posted: Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011
