Managing the state budget is the most important job of the General Assembly. Just like in our family budgets, the way we manage our finances impacts nearly every other aspect of our lives. A strong financial foundation allows us to meet our basic needs and set money aside for growth and development while poor fiscal management causes our quality of life to suffer and hinders our ability to provide for a prosperous future.
For nearly four years, our state and our nation have struggled to regain the economic growth and prosperity that once blessed this country.
The goal of bettering healthcare for all Americans has led to an extensive debate in our country. In the next few weeks this debate will come to a head when the United States Supreme Court will issue one of the most important rulings of our lifetime. When the court rules on the fate of the federal healthcare bill it will either be affirming the freedoms provided by our founding fathers or weakening the foundation of our democracy. While we do not yet know the fate of this poor public policy, we do know that the overwhelming majority of Missourians do not agree with the government taking over our healthcare decisions.
The best time to resolve an issue is before it becomes a problem. And the best answers are normally crafted when we plan for the future instead of living in the present or dwelling on the past.
Memorial Day is a time to honor and a time to respect those who have paid the highest price defending our country and our freedom. It is a time to remember the sacrifices of so many men and women who have given their lives for our country because they believed in the ideals upon which this nation was founded. It is a time to acknowledge these American heroes for their service and their commitment.