State government must live within the people's means. I have responded to the economic downturn and declining State revenues not by seeking to impose new and increased taxes on already struggling Idaho citizens and businesses, but rather by finding efficiencies and new and better ways of fulfilling our State government's important but properly limited role in people's lives.

Most importantly, I have insisted that State government programs and services be built on a foundation of fiscal responsibility and discipline – not only because the Idaho Constitution wisely requires a balanced State budget, but because I trust that individual Idahoans know how to use their own money more efficiently and effectively than any government ever can. It's our job in government to provide the stability and predictability in Idaho's tax base that employers need to invest with confidence in Idaho's future.