In keeping track of the debate over how to best spend the federal stimulus dollars that Missouri is recieving, MCV presents a letter from House Budget Committee chairman Allen Icet (R)-Wildwood.

Letter:

The past couple of weeks have seen a major debate in the General Assembly on how to best spend the federal stimulus dollars that are now being sent to Missouri. I believe a portion of this money should be sent back to the taxpayers in the form of an income-tax cut.
The economic argument behind this tax cut is clear. As we saw with the Reagan tax cuts in the 1980’s, lower taxes lead to economic growth. In contrast to the proven approach, our federal goavernment-under the control of both Republicans and Democrats-has spent every dollar they had and then some.
The result of all that spending is that our country is now saddled with the largest national debt in history and an economic recession. Our nation’s current economic woes are tied directly to Congress’ mismanaged spending, and it makes no sense to me to solve a debt problem with more debt.
That is exactly what this stimulus represents-a future burden on all taxpayers. While our own governor agrees with Congress in thinking there is nothing wrong with this, I believe our children should not be made to bear the burden of what is clearly a short sighted and irresponsible plan.
Using a portion of this stimulus as a tax cut is not only economically sound, it is also the right thing to do.
One more earmark will not help Missourians in their day-to-day lives. The economy is in a bad shape and people are cutting costs, so why shouldn’t we put more money in the taxpayer’s pocket? This money belongs to the taxpayers, not legislators. This tax cut is a down payment on the future debt Washington has left all Missourians.
This money does not belong in the hands of government. It belongs in the pockets of taxpayers.

Well said Representative Icet. Well said.