Columns

Despite the recent cold weather and snow storms, summer is quickly approaching which likely means higher energy prices. Nebraskans will not only feel the pain at the gas pump, we could face higher home electric bills, and pay more for just about every product because of higher transportation and production costs.

Earlier this month, President Obama released his budget even though it was due on February 4th. While the House and Senate have already passed 10-year budget resolutions and the President’s proposals have little chance of being enacted, it is a revealing look at his priorities and vision for America.

Last month, spending cuts took effect to reduce spending by $1.2 trillion over 10 years as agreed to in the Budget Control Act of 2011. These cuts, also known as the “sequester” were accompanied by dire warnings from President Obama and others about the catastrophic impacts reducing government spending would have on our economy and safety.

It has now been more than three years since the controversial health care law was pushed through Congress and signed by President Obama. Since the law was passed premiums have increased, health care costs continue to rise, small businesses have been burdened, and the estimated price of the law continues to increase.

The budget process is one of the most basic functions of government - to set priorities of how to best use tax dollars. Every year, Congress and the President are required by law to agree to a 10-year budget resolution to manage our nation’s long-term finances. However, for too long we have not used the budget process to improve the fiscal condition of our country.