$5B budget deficit is wrong; right is doing the hard things
If there's one thing I've learned in my years of public service, it's that doing the right thing--almost always means doing the hard thing. That's what it will come down to in the days ahead. Choosing what's tough over what's tempting. Choosing commitmen
over ignorance. Choosing government that is necessary--over government that is merely desired. Choosing the truthful over the false. Honesty, versus lies. Right, versus wrong.
What's wrong you ask?
Wrong, is the five high-rolling years before
I took office when the system was designed and operated to grow government as large as possible. Wrong, is a state budget deficit of nearly $5 billion across 2 fiscal years. Wrong, is arguing "the system worked"--when evidence to the contrary is
everywhere and obvious.
What's right, you ask?
Right, is telling hard truth even when it exacts a political cost. Right, is acting not in self-interest but on behalf of others. Right, is self-sacrifice ... commitment to the greater good.
Update antiquated laws and remove publication requirements
Upon taking office, Secretary Brewer identified immediate ways to save taxpayer dollars and address the ongoing state budget deficit. She had legislation introduced to update antiquated laws and remove unnecessary and expensive publication requirements.
Secretary Brewer also consolidated her workforce assignments, eliminated staff overtime, and eliminated various other non-essential expenditures.
Source: Arizona Secretary of State website
, Dec 3, 2008
