RESPONSE - Grams
Rodgrams@aol.com
Mon, 31 Oct 1994 11:01:11 -0500
QUESTION #1 - October 31, 1994:
>This race is close to being a referendum on the future of the
>United States government. The people of Minnesota must choose whether to
"stay >the course"; whether to accept a new "contract with America", or
whether to >reject both of these options and search for something else.
>What is your recommendation? Why?
As a parent, homeowner and businessman, I have seen government at its best
and at its worst. When we are free to raise our children, invest in our
families' futures and provide for our families, then government is doing its
job. However, excessive government intrusion destroys this balance, weakening
all three links.
Government must be a tool, not the craftsman; government must promote, not
hinder; government must facilitate, not dictate.
The government must act as a referee, not as a player. Government should set
the boundaries, leveling the playing field and allowing market forces to
operate effectively in a competitive environment.
Government must only be the last resort, not the first resort.
As a father and as a grandfather, I understand that the family is the first
and the most effective form of government. As most Minnesotans, I am
concerned about the increasing efforts by the federal government to interfere
with the role of the family.
Time and time again, the middle-class taxpayer is asked to bear the burden of
the federal government's frivolous spending policies. Minnesotans send more
and more of their hard-earned dollars to Washington with little or no return.
Congress must remember that we, not the faceless bureaucrats in Washington,
know best how to spend our dollars and solve our problems. Minnesotans are
tired of our money going to West Virginia, New York, and California.
We are now at a crossroads. This election provides us with an opportunity to
change the direction this nation has been taking over the last four decades.
My solution is "Families First," which is pro-family, pro-growth and
balances the budget within seven years.
Under the provisions of my bill, families would receive a $500 per-child-tax
credit -- that means more than $25 billion in the pockets of American
families and over $500 million to Minnesota tax payers alone.
"Families First" cuts government spending, caps spending growth and creates
an additional 2.5 million jobs. This legislation provides serious solutions
for a serious problem.
As your next U.S. senator I will work to enact "Families First" on behalf of
every American taxpayer. Ann Wynia, however, will only vote to increase your
taxes just as she did in the state legislature -- 300 times.
These are the differences between Ann Wynia and me. I will stand with the
taxpayers. She will continue to pick their pockets. I will work to streamline
government. She will stretch the arm of the federal government deep into
every Minnesotan's life.
These are the differences and I believe it is these differences you care
about. I hope I can count on your support November 8.
Rod Grams
Candidate for U.S. Senate