It was noted economist Milton Friedman who pointed out that “there is no such thing as a free lunch.” As Washington begins the annual process of putting together the budget, it would be wise to keep in mind that someone has to pay for all that spending.

The current budget taxes too much, spends too much and borrows too much. In 2009 alone, we will have a deficit of 1.2 trillion dollars. Over the next eight years, the national debt will double. In fact, this budget will create more gross debt in ten years than the debts of every other U.S. President in history - combined.

This is an unprecedented amount of spending. Who will pay for it? The short answer is we all will. Taxes will be increased on many small businesses who file as individuals. The cap-and-trade proposal represents a new national climate tax that will cost every household up to $3,128 annually in higher costs for natural gas, electricity, home heating oil and gasoline. 

Another proposal would put a new tax on charitable giving that could cost American charities as much as $16 billion a year. This will harm numerous organizations at a time when many of these groups are now struggling with the economic downturn.

Washington needs to learn that you cannot tax or spend your way to prosperity. There is a better way. I believe we need a budget that curbs spending, lowers taxes and creates jobs. That is the best way to get our economy growing again.

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