Excess money needs to go to ‘rainy day fund’

Just like the Republicans in the state Legislature led us out of our recent state fiscal crisis, the Republican-led Legislature is proposing a responsible budget once again.

Only two years ago our state budget was more than $3 billion short. Now the state has excess cash. This success was caused by making difficult, but responsible decisions. Unfortunately, mandates placed on our state by Obamacare are predicted to cause a $675 million shortfall in FY2015.

Our new budget plan saves money to help fill that gap. While some believe we should be spending our excess money, my fellow Republicans and I believe we need to save it for a rainy day.

— Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko serves as House majority whip. She represents Legislative District 9, which includes parts of Peoria and north-central
Glendale, plus Sun City.