Op-Ed: Shrinking Size of Government is Best Way to Address Budget Shortfalls
February 26th, 2010There has bee a lot of discussion about the state budget and how to downsize it to fit our current fiscal realities. I have, frankly, been disappointed by many of the proposals I have heard.
We have got to budget under the assumption that state revenues are not going to bounce right back in a month or a year. Many of the gimmicks and cuts being discussed (such as furloughs) are short-term fixes to what could be a long-term problem. They bend under the strain ready to pop right back up again as soon as money becomes available.
We need to make some hard choices and permanently shrink the size of government. It is the best way to address the current shortfall and it leaves the state with a more streamlined organization ready to give better value to our customers in the future.
I believe we need to cut the state work force by at least 10% — excluding teachers and public safety personnel. This is roughly 7,800 state employees and would yield approximately $400 million.
Government is not a jobs program - it is supposed to provide key services to the taxpayers in the most efficient manner possible. I cut the size of the Secretary of State’s office by nearly 20% by reducing the workforce, eliminating waste and duplication, and increasing efficiencies. I believe the state, as a whole, can - must — do this as well. Layoffs are never easy but this is taxpayer money we are spending and we must spend it in the best possible way; education and public safety must be our priorities.
“It is simply irresponsible to talk about teacher furloughs and shorter school weeks before we have made permanent cuts throughout state government,” Handel said. “Georgia’s children need to be in school more, not less.”
Businesses large and small across Georgia have made the tough decisions and downsized to meet the demands of the economic downturn, that is what the state must do as well. These are the kinds or hard decisions leaders must make in difficult times, I urge the Legislature to make them now and avoid more damage to education for our children.
As Governor, I will also employ zero-based budgeting (starting agency budgets as a blank piece of paper rather than basing them on the previous year’s spending) and keep spending in check with the line item veto as often as necessary.
These are tough times, and they demand tough decisions. If I have the privilege of serving as your next Governor, I am prepared to make them.
Karen Handel
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Small Business
February 16th, 2010I visited a JCB Equipment plant in Pooler yesterday and it was amazing. They manufacture heavy equipment for construction, agriculture, and industrial use. They are the number three equipment manufacturer in their industry globally and one of the top 5 employers in the Savannah area. They are a good partner for Georgia and have been great corporate citizens for their community. I was impressed by the facility and the dedicated employees there. I left even more optimistic about Georgia’s future than I had been before.
JCB is a large business with a small business mentality. It has 18 manufacturing plants on four continents. But its team exudes the entrepreneurialism that drives small businesses too.
Helping the JCB’s of the world locate here in Georgia and be successful is vital. We need to do more to help them grow and expand. I have the experience as a Chamber President and County Commission Chair of doing just that. But we also need to really focus on the small businesses that employ 90% of Georgians.
While reducing the tax burden on businesses is important, it is not the only step we must take to attract and create jobs. It’s also about transportation and education. We know that Georgia is a great place to live and work, and we have the quality of life that makes people want to move here. We must make sure that we address the critical infrastructure and education issues we face to make more JCB’s and many, many more small businesses locate, stay and grow here.
Thanks to all the folks at JCB in Pooler for giving me a tour of their fantastic company yesterday. Keep up the great work.
To check out my detailed proposal for job growth in Georgia, follow this link.
Tags: Small Business
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A funny thing happened…
February 12th, 2010An odd thing happened the other day. I was at the campaign, polishing up a speech and making some phone calls when I learned that I was being attacked by some Republicans in the Legislature. That in itself is not terribly odd as some of them are still upset that I called for real ethics reform at the Capitol in December.
What was odd was the basis of their attack. They were upset that I made permanent cuts to the Secretary of State’s Office rather than employing a temporary budget gimmick known as furloughs to cut spending.
Huh?
I thought Republicans were for smaller government? We talk about it a lot. I certainly believe in it, which is why I cut my department’s budget by nearly 20% when I was Secretary of State. $1.9 million of the savings came when I eliminated 38 jobs that had become unneeded as we began to provide more and more customer services online.
This is one of the ways I met the targeted cuts the Governor asked every agency to make in these difficult times. I know the Governor supported my moves because he included them in his budget. I know the legislators were on board because they said so at the time.
But here they were on a Wednesday morning saying that I should have used furloughs instead. That I should not have made permanent budget and personnel cuts. That I should have kept unneeded personnel on the state payroll by employing budgetary shell games.
Well, I didn’t. Furloughs are only a temporary solution. They are what you do when you are afraid to make tough decisions. They are an easy way out and, in my experience that is almost never the right way.
And they are not a hallmark of real leadership.
I would have expected this from the Democrats in the Legislature who see government as a jobs program. Their logic is that of President Obama who apparently believes that creating government jobs will help the economy.
But Republicans are supposed to know better. We are supposed to be fighting to shrink government. We are supposed to realize that it is our responsibility as leaders to provide a service to the taxpayers as efficiently and inexpensively as we can. And we are supposed to know that government – at any level – is not a jobs program.
I certainly know that. I guess not all of us do.
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Two Forums and a Jobs Plan
February 2nd, 2010Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in candidate forums sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. At the GMA forum I saw many old friends from my days as head of the Greater Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and as Chairman of the Fulton County Commission. I was able to remind them that I am the only top candidate for Governor who has served in local government and understands how governing works where the rubber meets the road. I also assured them that they would have a seat at the table when we discuss issues that will impact them — like my plan to revamp our tax system. It needs to be a partnership so we can truly cut taxes and not just shift the tax burden from one place to another.
Prior to the NFIB forum, I released the first part of my Jobs plan. I know I have been talking about jobs forever but I believe that the single most important issue facing us is economic development and job creation so I am going to keep at it. Part One of my plan can be seen here. includes:
- Lower taxes to ease burden on Small Business and increase state competitiveness
- Access to capital, start up and expansion, economic development
- Making Health Care more affordable
Last month, I became the only candidate to offer a detailed plan for ethics reform in Georgia. It can be viewed here.
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“All In” For Governor’s Race
December 22nd, 2009I have spoken to Governor Perdue and informed him that I will resign as Secretary of State by the end of the year.
This was an extraordinarily difficult decision - professionally and personally. However, I know that it is the right one - for the Office of the Secretary of State, the team there, and the citizens of Georgia who have entrusted me with this important position, as well as for my campaign for Governor.
Over the past month, Georgia’s economic climate has continued to deteriorate, and we’ve all experienced disbelief and anger over the actions of some in the State Legislature. As I’ve considered this new landscape, it became clear to me that, while certainly manageable, serving as Secretary of State while also running for Governor was no longer the best approach for the office or my campaign.
I also took into consideration that I did not want any perceived conflicts of interest concerning my overseeing the primary or general elections, investigating complaints that arise, and certifying the results of the elections while a candidate for Governor and serving as Secretary of State.
Georgia’s next Governor must be a real leader with solid, conservative principles, a vision for our state, and the executive/business management experience needed to actually run our state and achieve meaningful progress on the issues we face.
Our next Governor must also have a commitment to ethics reform that is beyond question and a track record of ethical leadership. These are the reasons I decided to run for Governor, and they are the reasons that I am going to win.
So, as we enter the new year, the people of Georgia need to know that I am all in for the Governor’s race. This decision allows me to focus 100% on becoming the Republican nominee and winning the election in November.
This decision allows the Governor to appoint an interim Secretary of State to focus completely on the important issues in the agency, including the ongoing situation with the US Department of Justice involving Georgia’s voter verification process and overseeing the 2010 elections.
The next Secretary of State will have the benefit of a team of very talented individuals who will continue to serve the office - and the State - with the same level of commitment and dedication that I have appreciated for three years. I am confident that the transition will be smooth, and the people of Georgia will be well served by this team and whomever the Governor appointments to lead them.
Finally, I want to thank the people of Georgia for their trust and confidence in me to serve as their Secretary of State. My thanks, as well, to the tremendous team within the Secretary of State’s office for their commitment and hard work.
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Our State Rights
September 17th, 2009Today marks the beginning of Constitution Week - a time set aside to commemorate, reflect upon and recommit to the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.
Today more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the ideals set forth in our Constitution. Washington liberals are pushing huge and unimaginably expensive social programs on the shoulders of states, businesses and individuals with no regard for constituent desires or the ideals on which our nation was founded.
In the Senate, Democrats are preparing to change longstanding rules so they can push through their big-government health care plan. They don’t have the support for their bill, and instead of listening to the millions who have spoken out for a market-driven, patient-centered solution, they want to change the rules and require fewer votes to force their plan on the American people.
I’m writing today because I’ve had enough, and I’m ready to stand up for our rights as Georgians against the ever-growing federal government. Will you help me keep pushing forward with a quick and secure donation to my campaign?
As the federal government tries to strip away states’ rights, I have been on the front line to protect them. I am still fighting the Obama Justice Department over Georgia’s law to keep non-citizens from voting. Verifying citizenship for voters is simply common sense.
President Obama thinks that he and his administration should decide how we conduct our elections in Georgia. These actions directly contradict the spirit of the Constitution we are celebrating this week.
All across the country, regular Americans have stood up to have their voices heard. Unfortunately, they have been dismissed as thugs and rabble-rousers by too many elected leaders who believe their power in Washington supersedes ours in Georgia, or Ohio or Texas. I support these patriots, and I hope I can count on your support as well.
President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and the other Washington politicians have it wrong. In 1789 - a short 220 years ago - President George Washington stated in his first Inaugural Address:
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered…as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.“
Each and every American should pause and consider President Washington’s early acknowledgment that it is only individual American citizens - not hordes of elected officials, bureaucrats, or activist organizations - who can ultimately preserve our liberties and protect our model of government.
I believe that the framers of the Constitution would be shocked at the way their precious document is being interpreted today.
I also believe that this precious document - and the ideals it stands for - is much more powerful than the current resident of the White House or the Speaker’s Office.
I believe that the regular Americans to whom the sacred fire of liberty has been entrusted will emerge victorious in this, and all other struggles against the powerful few politicians.
If I am honored to serve as your next Governor, I will continue to stand up against the federal government’s intrusions into the rights preserved to the states in our Constitution.
I ask you to join me today, and tell those who think they can infringe upon our state’s rights to “Bring it on.”
Karen C. Handel
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Join Karen in Albany Tomorrow!
September 14th, 2009Tomorrow, September 15th, Karen will take her “Bring it On” campaign to Albany for a special Meet ‘N Greet, and we hope you can attend!
The event will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at:
Kirbo & Kirbo Law Firm
2405 Westgate Drive
Albany, GA 31707
We hope you can join us for this great event!
For more information about Karen’s “Bring it On” campaign, or for ways to get involved, please visit KarenHandel.com today!
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More Straw Poll Results
September 10th, 2009More to report! See below for last night’s e-update on new straw poll results. Thanks for reading, and remember to check back soon!
Karen
E-Update: Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Handel Wins Muscogee County Vote
The momentum continues for Karen’s “Bring it On” campaign. Last night, at the Muscogee County Republican Women dinner, Karen won another straw poll victory. With almost all the candidates present to make the case for their respective campaigns, Karen’s “Bring it On” message clearly won the day.
This victory demonstrates Karen’s strength across the state. Recently, she also won the straw poll at the DeKalb GOP BBQ.
The final results were:
1. Karen Handel: 57
2. Nathan Deal: 42
3. Eric Johnson: 41
4. John Oxendine: 37
5. Austin Scott: 25
6. Ray McBerry: 1
7. Jeff Chapman: 0
8. Chose not to vote: 6
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A Great Week, Heading Into Fall
September 9th, 2009 We just wrapped up a great week, and it is so exciting to see the momentum build as we head into the fall. The overwhelming support of the Republicans in DeKalb County and the kind endorsement of Joe McCutchen were a tremendous boost to our efforts this week.
Please see the additional items from this week’s e-update below, and check back soon! To sign up to receive our e-updates, visit our signup page.
“Bring it On” Campaign Overwhelms Opponents
In a demonstration of grassroots organizational strength and a sign that she has the momentum in the race for Governor, Karen Handel won the straw poll last Saturday in DeKalb County. What makes the results even more impressive is that one of her opponents grew up in DeKalb County. Below are the results as posted on Peachpundit.com.
Dekalb GOP Straw Poll Results
Handel: 101
Oxendine: 63
Johnson: 38
Deal: 27
McBerry: 20
Scott: 7
Endorsement for Karen from the Ninth Congressional District
Joe McCutchen, Ellijay community leader, TV host and small business champion, endorsed Karen in his latest newsletter:
"It has been a pleasure getting to know the Secretary of State of Georgia, Karen Handel, over the past year. On numerous occasions, Karen has told me that her first priority as Governor of Georgia will be to put the taxpayers and small business owners number one on her agenda. In my opinion, these are great reasons to support Karen in her race to become our leader; taxpayers and small business owners need to be the highest priority for any Governor, or any elected leader, for that matter.
Please ask your relatives and friends to vote for Karen as I believe she will go down in history as an excellent Governor."
For more news, visit the KarenHandel.com newsroom.
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America’s Town Hall Video
August 17th, 2009This past Saturday, I was honored to speak at America’s Health Care Town Hall meeting in Atlanta, where thousands of people from Georgia and across the country came to voice their opposition to government control of health care that would hurt patients and families, raise taxes and put 1/6 of our economy under the control of Washington bureaucrats. I’ve posted a short clip from the event below. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
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Welcome!
August 11th, 2009Welcome, and thanks for taking the time to visit my blog! I hope you’ll check back often to hear the latest from the campaign trail and how we are saying “Bring it On” to Georgia’s problems on any given day.
I’m running for Governor of Georgia because we are facing real challenges in our state that require real solutions. Georgians need a Governor who will confront these challenges – from transportation, to water, to education - head on and with real leadership. I’ve got the experience it takes to solve these issues and bring real improvements to our state.
All my life, I’ve prevailed when the odds were against me. I turned around a near bankrupt chamber of commerce when nobody thought it was possible. I derailed tax hikes and achieved balanced budgets with smart, targeted spending cuts and prioritization as a County Commission Chairman. I ran for Secretary of State against the candidate of the legislative insiders and beat them — and their candidate.
The insiders and good old boys know that I have the executive experience that their candidates lack. They know that I have been a business executive, that I have run big organizations and succeeded in doing so. They know that I will tackle the big challenges we face. Most of all, they know they’ll take a back seat to regular Georgians when I make decisions in the Governor’s office.
Over the next year, I’ll continue traveling all across our beautiful state, and I look forward to keeping you up to date. Please check back regularly to my blog and website for updates and for more ways to get involved. If you’d like to join our team right now, please take a moment to sign up for email updates, volunteer, or even make a secure online donation – because every dollar counts.
Thanks for your support, and I hope to see you soon!
Karen
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Obama, Health Care, and the Real Outrage
August 11th, 2009Looking at the increasingly desperate demeanor of the Democrats in Washington, it is clear that the American people are seeing through their so-called health care “reform” plan. It scares people and there is every reason that it should.
The President and Congress want to raise taxes, squeeze the small businesses that employ most Americans, take away the private insurance so many people rely on and they will stop any economic recovery before it can start.
In Georgia, 95% of our companies have fewer than 50 employees. If our federal government lays a new and crushing burden of taxes and regulations on these business owners, our state’s – and the nation’s – economy could be ruined for many years to come.
But the real outrage is the way our elected officials are treating the citizens who elected them. At town hall after town hall, regular taxpayers are showing up to tell their congressmen and senators that they don’t like what is happening in Washington. So the politicians are dismissing these people as some sort of rabble who are being manipulated by Republicans or talk radio hosts.
Last week, I traveled to Dublin, Statesboro, Savannah, Springfield and Atlanta. The people I met are truly concerned about the direction our country is going in. And, yes, they are mad. They are mad that Washington politicians aren’t listening to their concerns.
This is a national issue but it is a state issue as well. States like Georgia are going to be left footing huge parts of the bill for any changes in Medicaid and we will bear the brunt of the economic damage and job losses that would sweep our state if any of the current health care plans become the law of the land.
We will have the policy debate and, whether Washington likes it or not, the American people are going to speak their mind. Our elected officials owe it to us to listen. I know that I will continue to speak out on this issue, and I encourage you to as well.
Thanks,
Karen
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