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Televised Press Conference on Balanced Budget Amendment 6/4/92 [OA 7576]
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Televised Press Conference on Balanced Budget Amendment 6/4/92 [OA 7576]
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Televised Press Conference on Balanced Budget Amendment 6/4/92 [OA 7576]
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6
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 4, 1992
PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PRESIDENT
The East Room
8:01 P.M. EDT
be glad to take questions.
THE PRESIDENT: I have a brief statement and then I'll
cuts billion in wasteful spending projects. Tonight I've just signed $8
Two months ago, I asked the Congress to cut almost
for, but it is a start. Eight billion dollars sounds like a lot
that Congress sent to me in response. It's not all that I asked the
by money, a long and shot. it is. But the fact remains: it isn't good enough -- of not
America. accumulated federal debt totaling $65,000 for every family of four in
long-term economic health of our country. Over the years, we've
The American people know budget deficits threaten the
bragged off his debts. to his family that he'd finally borrowed enough money to pay
pay our current consumption. It reminds me of the old fellow helps who
for This debt does not create more wealth -- it merely
its responsibility to address this problem. And in the face
Our political system, as it is now, has failed to meet
several-hundred billion dollar budget deficit, a piecemeal of a
balance the federal budget. And we need it now.
simply will not do the job. We need a constitutional amendment approach to
since asked the Senate and the House to pass such an amendment. year I
Three years ago, in my first address to the Congress,
me, the have tried to get Congress to act responsibly and to
I then, I have repeated the call. Like President Reagan Every before
confrontation. We've tried quiet diplomacy with the congressional
growth of federal spending. We've tried compromise. We've restrain tried
leaders. And none of this has been enough. Tonight I am
to convinced force than ever that a balanced budget amendment is the more only way
Executive Branch -- to live within its means.
the federal government -- both the Congress and the
balanced budget amendment. It is impossible to underestimate on the a
This month, both Houses of Congress will vote
that importance of this one decision: it will affect every other decision
the government makes from that moment on, and it will
directly follow us. on the quality of life that we leave the generations bear who
pleased to say that many serious-minded members, Republicans and
two-thirds majority from both the Senate and the House. And I'm
Victory will not come easily. The amendment requires a
partisan fight, it goes far beyond election-year politics. It is not a
Democrats alike, support this measure. They understand this is a
fight for the economic security of the American people.
budget the amendment a rather radical step. Well, I strongly doubt that
I realize that some in Washington consider a balanced
American people consider a balanced budget amendment as radical.
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It's common sense, pure and simple. Each month millions of American
families sit down to balance their checkbooks. Forty-four states --
44 states have their own constitutional balanced budget requirements.
The federal government must now do the same.
The moment is at hand. In the coming days, we will face
an extraordinary choice. We can choose either to accept the status
quo, piling debt upon debt -- or we can strike a bold new course,
restoring fiscal sanity to the federal government. If we choose
wrong, we choose wrongly, our grandchildren and their grandchildren
are going to bear the burden. I refuse to believe that we will make
them pay the price for Washington's irresponsibility. For their
sake, I urge every congressman and every senator to join ne in
supporting the swift approval of a balanced budget amendment.
Now I will be glad to respond to questions. I think,
Terry, I think you have the first.
Q
Mr. President, I'd like to ask you about Ross
Perot. People claim that you're hiding and you're afraid to take him
on directly. Will you commit yourself to debating Mr. Perot as well
as Bill Clinton in the fall campaign?
THE PRESIDENT: I'm sure there will be debates, and I
will be ready to join the fray after the conventions. But as you
know, I have not challenged directly either Perot or Clinton -- Mr.
Perot or Governor Clinton. I have no intention of changing that
before the convention.
I am trying to get things done that will help this
country. A balanced budget amendment is a good example of that. And
if I get too caught up in the political wars at this time it will be.
even more difficult to get things through the Congress that will help
-- a crime bill, an education bill, balanced budget amendment --
things that we really need.
And so I'm going to keep on this course that I've been.
I've been faithful to it during the primary season and I will
continue to be until I make a decision to change.
Q I mean in the fall campaign. I'm not talking about
immediately, right now, but will you commit yourself to debating the
two men --
THE PRESIDENT: There will be debates.
Q
Mr. President, granting the legality, is it proper
for a man -- for a candidate with vast personal wealth and no
spending limits to use that to obtain the presidency? And since
you've known Mr. Perot for so long, is he an insider, an outsider?
Is he a man of principle, or does he go for the main --
THE PRESIDENT: I'd love to answer that question, and
after the --
Q Well, why don't you?
THE PRESIDENT: Because I've vowed to keep my sights set
on these legislative goals and on leading this country. And if I get
into characterizing one opponent or another, I diminish my
effectiveness in doing that.
We've got a good chance now -- and some of it's brought
about by the primaries, I think -- to pass this balanced budget
amendment, for example. I'm a little disappointed that our education
reform bill is languishing up there. I'd like to see us get a good
energy bill soon. But if I start concentrating on the politics I'm
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afraid I will waste an opportunity. I think we're in a real
opportunity situation now.
o
Do you think he's trying to buy the presidency?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, so far not. We'll wait and see.
Q
Mr. President, you've often said that you've not
done so terrific a job of getting your message across. Tonight
you've changed the venue. But I wanted to ask you if, indeed, what
you've seen in the polls and the constant one-third or more of the
electorate that's going other ways isn't a rejection of that message
in and of itself?
THE PRESIDENT: I don't think so because you ask in
these deadly polls that I read all the time about -- relating to
issues, and it's vague out there. We've got a good program. And
tonight maybe this is a more effective way to say we want a balanced
budget amendment. We've got a good program on the Hill to achieve a
balanced budget amendment, or, after the balanced budget amendment is
passed, to achieve a balanced budget.
And so I think we've just got to keep hammering away on
the issues because I believe the American people are with ne. If
they understand our total reform of education, they'll support it.
Most Americans want a tougher crime bill. I heard people out on the
West Coast who don't vote for tougher crime legislation all
advertising in those 90-second bites they paid for -- ads how tough
they are on crime. Maybe we've got a better chance now to pass an
administration crime bill.
So I'm going to keep focusing on those issues. And
hopefully, the American people will say he has a sound program for
domestic affairs just as he does in foreign relations.
0
But if I could follow, sir, hasn't the pattern
through the primaries been such that the American people have been
constantly looking for an alternative?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes --
Q
You may have put Pat Buchanan behind, but now
you've got Ross Perot. Is he the inheritor of that?
THE PRESIDENT: No -- well, I don't think so. I'll tell
you what, I think most people would concede that my problems stem
from this sluggish, anemic economy. I think you can trace those
problems to getting bigger with that. Now, I think the economy's
improving. We still have some big problems there. For a person
that's out of work, for him, that unemployment is 100 percent. For a
woman that can't get a job that wants one, for her, unemployment is
100 percent.
so we've got to keep pushing ahead. And I would make
the appeal right now for our growth incentives to further stimulate
an economy that is beginning to move and is beginning to move
positively.
But, no, I think my fortunes have been related to that.
And I think, if I'll take the blame, some of which I'll take is the
economy has been sick. I assume the American people are fair enough
to give credit when there's recovery.
Q
Your spokesman today described Mr. Perot as a man
who's entire history is to stomp into the group, demand to do things
his way, and if he doesn't get it, to pick up his football and go
home. The Vice President the other day questioned his judgment,
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saying he had been wrong on your most important decision of the
presidency, the Persian Gulf war. Do you share their assessments?
THE PRESIDENT: I'm glad that they are putting their
focus on these problems, but I'm not going to do it myself. I have a
difference clearly as far as the Persian Gulf war goes, no question.
And I think the American people support the actions that I took. I
believe it was correct. I believe we performed well. I believe we
set back aggression. I believe there was a whole new pride in this
country -- the international community supported it overwhelmingly.
So as people point these things out, that's fair. And
as his supporters point out what they think might be foibles in me,
that's fair, too. But I'm going to stay on the path that I've
outlined.
Q Mr. President, the amendment you're talking about
would require a balanced budget within two years. If you're
reelected, will you submit a balanced Fiscal 1994 budget whether or
not you're required to by constitutional amendment?
THE PRESIDENT: It won't be -- of course, we have
submitted a balanced, but it won't be in two years. And we have
submitted budgets that get in it; we've got one right up there now
that does that. And I think it's going to be five years.
Q Mr. President, if the experience of your EPA chief
in Rio today is any indication, there's quite a reception committee
of harsh critics of this administration and of you, sir, waiting for
you down there. Under the circumstances, if that's what the
reception is going to be in Rio, why go?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, because we've got a sound and
sensible environmental record, and we have a strong role of
international leadership.
I wonder if the American taxpayer knows that we have
spent something like $800 billion in the last 10 years on cleaning up
things -- the atmosphere, environment in many, many ways? It is
estimated that it will be $1.2 trillion spent by the United States
taxpayers and businesses over the next 10 years.
We have a superb record to take to that convention. I
am not going to go down there and forget about people that need jobs
in the United States of America. I'm going to take a strong record,
the leading record on science and technology; the leading record on
oceans; the leading record on forests; the leading records on
protecting the elephant; the leading records on CFCs. We've got a
good record.
But because I will not sign a treaty that, in my view,
throws too many Americans out of work, I refuse to accept that kind
of criticism from what I consider some of the extremes in the
environmental movement, internationally or domestically.
So we've got a good record to take there, Brit. And I
want to go down there -- we're passing out booklets and little CDs,
you know, little discs to show everything. I was out at Goddard the
other day. The science that we have that can help the Third World is
mind-boggling; we want to share it with these people.
But I want to keep this country growing and I want to
see us have the cleanest, best record in the world. And besides
that, we have a Clean Air Act that others ought to take a look at and
say, you've done wonders in getting what you did through, President
Bush. And so I'm going to go on the offense not defense.
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0 Well, I'm just wondering, sir, clearly, many of
those who are there are aware of the elements of your record and have
come to the conclusions which they so vocally express anyway. How do
you think this can be a plus for you down there?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, hey, listen, I'm used to a little
criticism. I want to go on the offense and say what we've done and
what we're prepared to do. And I wouldn't go along with the extremes
in many of these international negotiations. But I have some
responsibility responsibility for a cleaner environment, and also
responsibility to families in this country who want to work, some of
whom can be thrown out of work if we go for too costly an answer to
some of these problems. And I'm not going to forget the American
family.
And if they don't understand it in Rio, too bad. I'm
not going to be driven though, Brit, by the extremes of these
movements. They started protesting before they even know what our
position was. But I'm going there and take this record and I'm
convinced that it will be very productive.
Q
Mr. President, you say your problems in the
primaries have been caused largely by the anemic economy. Yet the
economy is improving and the voters seem to be walking away from you
in droves, sir. Don't you take it personally, and what are you going
to do about it?
THE PRESIDENT: I don't take it personally. As a guy
that never looks at polls, as you know, I would like to cite a poll
figure for you -- (laughter) -- 70 percent of the people in the most
recent poll I saw that was done for our campaign said that they
thought the economy was getting worse -- and the economy is moving.
There's still some problems. As I say, when a person's
hurting for a job, that worries me. But Gross Domestic Product --
GNP -- is moving. Industrial production is up. Payroll employment
is up. And another thing that's up and then soon will be picked up
in these broad polls is that Michigan survey on business confidence.
So things are turning around. And yet, at this juncture, the
American people haven't felt it. When they do, I think you'll -- I
expect to see some change.
But, no, I don't take it personally. I honestly don't,
Ellen.
Q Aren't the American people --
THE PRESIDENT: I've been in tough times before.
or
Well, sir, aren't the American people right in
holding you personally responsible for the problems of this country?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think they hold me responsible
to some degree, and I think they hold the United States Congress
responsible. I would remind the people that Congress appropriates
every dime and tells me how to spend every dime. It's the Congress
that does that. But, sure, I'll accept my share of the
responsibility for this long recession. And so will the Congress.
But the question isn't blame, the question is what you
do about it. And I've proposed tonight, let's move on the balanced
budget amendment. Let's move on my growth initiatives that would
stimulate investment, like cutting the capital gains, moving on the
investment allowance that speeds up depreciation, first-time home
credit -- credit for homebuyers. This is all good and valuable stuff
that would speed this economy up.
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And so I don't think it's a question of blame. It's a
question of staying in this nonpolitical mode for a while longer,
challenging the Congress to help us help the American people.
Q
Well, sir, the Congress hasn't passed all these
programs you talked about --
THE PRESIDENT: It's not too late. They ought to try
now.
Q
So why don't you tell us what you really think
about Ross Perot?
THE PRESIDENT: (Laughter.) What's that have to do with
it? Come on.
o
Sir, you say that you have a strong international
leadership role. But the new world order that you are promoting is
being challenged in Yugoslavia these days. It appears that the
sanctions are not working against Serbia. When are you going to take
the lead of an international coalition to force Milosevic out of
Bosnia, the way you did with Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait?
THE PRESIDENT: I think the sanctions - I'm not
prepared to give up on the sanctions at all. They've only been in
effect for a few days. And as you know, first on this question of
Yugoslavia, out in front was the United Nations. You had -- Cyrus
Vance as a representative of the United Nations, did a superb job
trying to negotiate, ably supplemented, I might say, by Peter
Carrington. They tried to work that problem; had our full support.
The EC, which is right there in the neighborhood, tried
to have an effective role. It now appears that a U.S. role,
catalytic role, is important. And thus, we are moving forward --
Secretary Baker made a very strong statement on this recently; has
worked closely with the leaders of Europe. And so we are united in
this sanctions question. And let's see if it works. But I'm not
prepared to say these sanctions will not work.
Q
Is the fact that the elections are approaching in
the U.S. preventing a military action?
THE PRESIDENT: I think prudence and caution prevents
military actions. If I decide to change my mind on that, I will do
it in an inclusive way. But at this juncture I want to stay with
these sanctions.
Wait a minute -- Gene, I'm sorry. I recognized him and
did not follow through.
Q
Mr. President, your Budget Director yesterday laid
out a number of ways of bringing the deficit under control, even
without a balanced budget amendment. But all of them would require
taking on tough pressure groups. You have not often seemed to use
the bully pulpit of the presidency to do that, to take a direct head-
on approach. Why not?
THE PRESIDENT: We've got the program up there. There
are some 30 pages of options. We are not -- you don't have to touch
Social Security to do this, and I'm not going to do that. We have
made growth assumptions in there that can be easily net -- four,
four, 3.2, 3.2. Those are the percentages of growth -- can easily be
met if we move with partial growth agenda that I've proposed.
so I will keep repeating, as I did in the State of the
Union message, as I did subsequently right here in this room, get the
Congress to pass this growth agenda.
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But that's what's needed -- plus some direct controls of
spending. And you can do it by controlling the growth of these
spending programs -- leave out Social Security -- to the rate of
inflation and population increase. And it's not a gimmick; it works.
It's not rosy scenario. It works. That is my detailed proposal.
I'd like to see some other detailed proposals, but that
is a good one. It's sitting up there right now. And it won't be
done if we don't control the growth of mandatory programs. That's
where, what, two-thirds or close to three-fourths of the budget is.
0
But the limits on mandatory programs would involve
pain and sacrifice. And yet, neither you, nor Mr. Perot, nor Mr.
Clinton talks about that. Has presidential politics become so sound-
people? bite driven that it's politically suicidal to level with the American
THE PRESIDENT: I don't think it's suicidal. And I
think our program up there that gives many suggestions as to how
achieve this is good. And, yes, it's not easy. Medicare, Medicaid
growth is going through the roof. And, yes, we're going to have to
find ways to control it. But what we've done is detail the areas
detailed program.
that need to be controlled. And I think that is a sensible, sound,
0 Mr. President, a fair amount has been written about
Ross Perot's role with the Reagan administration on the POW-MIA issue
and it relates directly to you. If one news report is correct, he's
going to testify on the subject soon. You said you won't
him on this issue?
characterize him, but can't you tell us what your dealings were with
THE PRESIDENT: I will be prepared to elaborate on that
later on. My dealings -- I was a member of the Reagan
to do something about the prisoners. What happened beyond that -- I
administration. For a while he was over being quite helpful, trying
saw a detailed story today that I simply cannot comment on. We are
-- Marlin Fitzwater, then the Press Secretary for President Reagan,
is on the record at a public press conference commenting on the Perot
role, so I would refer you to that. That was back in, I believe in
'87. And I'd rather leave it right there.
that's good. I hadn't heard that.
But if he's going to explain this to the Congress,
Q
since he has indicated that he is going to endorse you at the Houston
Mr. President, in the interest of party unity and
Convention, would you like Pat Buchanan to have the prime-time speech
that he wants to have at the Republican Convention in August?
THE PRESIDENT: Susan, I'll be honest with you, I
haven't focused on that at all. I welcome the support of all
Republicans. And let's see how he handles this, and let the people
handling the convention work it out. That is not on my agenda.
Q
With the benefit of hindsight, do you think his
primary challenge was damaging to you, or helpful, or what?
helpful. But he got into a long line of people criticizing me --
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I can't say it was particularly
five on the Democratic side and one there. But maybe I'm a little
stronger for it. Maybe I'm a little better -- be a little better
candidate when it comes to the fall. I did not engage with Pat
Buchanan. I don't plan to do that now. But I'll grope around to see
if I can think of some reason it's helpful. (Laughter.) But I have
no hard feelings about that at all.
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Q Mr. President, critics of yours on Capitol Hill
have said your policies toward Saddam Hussein before the Gulf war
strengthened him and made him more likely to make an attack against
one of his neighbors. How do you respond to that? I've got a
follow-up.
THE PRESIDENT: I respond that that's not right. As I
said at my last press conference, we tried -- not through
strengthening his nuclear or biological or chemical weapons has been
alleged; not by giving him part of Kuwait has been alleged. But we
tried to work with him on grain credits and things of this nature to
avoid aggressive action. And it failed. It failed. That approach,
holding out a hand, trying to get him to renounce terrorism and join
the family of nations didn't work. And the minute he moved
aggressively, we moved aggressively and set back aggression.
You've got a lot of people that opposed what happened on
the war, stood there and didn't want to move, that are now trying to
revise history. And so I am not persuaded by the critics at all. I
know what we did. There wasn't anything illegal. We tried hard, and
I've said so. And it didn't work. But we were not going to let
aggression stand. And when he moved into Kuwait, I decided this will
not stand, and it didn't.
Yes, what's the follow-up?
Q
The follow-up -- the House Judiciary Committee
looks like they're going to recommend special prosecutors and
counsel, investigators, and ask the Attorney General to --
THE PRESIDENT: I wonder whether they're going to use
the same prosecutors that are trying out there to see whether I was
in Paris in 1980 and flew home in an SR71 Blackbird? I mean, where
are we going with the taxpayers' money in this political year? So
let them look at it. It's no problem to me.
But I think at some point somebody ought to say, where
is all this money going that goes to pay for these special
prosecutors, rummaging through files and proving nothing? I was not
in Paris. And we did nothing illegal or wrong here. We tried and it
didn't work. And we moved. And that's the answer to it.
Q Mr. President, since you know Ross Perot, if you
were to run into him while you're out campaigning for reelection, for
example, what would you say to him to convince him to --
THE PRESIDENT: Support me?
Q
-- support you and give up his quest for the
presidency? What would you say?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I'd say, Ross, I think I've been a
good President. I believe that a man of your ability and talent
ought to support me. And we've known each other a long time; in my
view, it's been favorable. And just leave it there. I would admit
it might be a little bit of a long-shot in persuading him.
Q
But if he said, well, George, I hear what you're
saying, you want no to follow you, but you've got to tell me where
you're going, what would you say?
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I'd say, let me refresh you on our
domestic agenda. Please give me your support for the balanced budget
amendment that we're trying to pass right now and bring along Bill
Clinton if you've got any influence on him.
We're talking about issues here. We've got a tough
crime bill before the Congress. Help me pass it. We've got an
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education reform bill that literally revolutionizes education. Give
me a hand with this one. If you know anybody in the Congress -- it
appears you may -- give them a call. I'd take this approach, you
see, to him. And I'd try to enlist his help on support for our
approach to the environment. I'd say, help Re help these democratic
countries around the world. Help me help them secure their
democracy.
You see, I think we have a good agenda, and that's the
approach I'd take, anyway.
Q
Mr. President, you've spent much of your life as
part of the two-party system. You've headed one of the major
parties. In this unusual political year, how do you assess the
viability of the two-party system in the future? And why would any
candidate submit himself to grueling primaries if he could just
announce and run?
THE PRESIDENT: I think the two-party system has really
given us the most stable political system in the world. And, yes,
we're going through an unusual period. But the two-party system has
provided us fantastic historical stability. And you look around the
world and compare this system with any other democratic system, and I
think that would avail. I'm sure the Brits take great pride in their
parliamentary system, but I think our two-party system has provided
us with the stability that heretofore we've simply taken for granted.
So my view, as this campaign unfolds, as all of us spell
out our position on the issues, people are going to recognize that
and the two parties will be strong when this election is over.
Q
And the question of why any candidate would expose
himself to the primaries and --
THE PRESIDENT: That's what Barbara was asking me a few
minutes ago.
Q What's your answer?
THE PRESIDENT: Say, hey, I want to continue this job to
help this country. I want to help preserve world peace and
strengthen it -- and we've done pretty well there. And I want to
move forward on these issues that we're talking about here tonight --
the balanced budget amendment -- I won't repeat them all -- but it's
worth finishing the job.
Nobody likes the primary process. I had a call from a
senator, kind of asking how I was holding up because, he said, hey,
you've been criticized a little in the newspapers and on the
television. And I said, hey, that goes with the job. I'll do my
best, and I think things are going to turn around in that regard.
But to get out of the arena, to suggest that you're going to run
because it's not particularly pleasant, that's not the way I operate.
Q
Mr. President, there are many polls that now show
that in California and elsewhere that most Republicans favor the pro-
choice position on abortion. And I wonder, in view of that and in
view of the clear feeling of pro-choice in the party, that you feel
the platform needs to be changed, and what your own view is on the
whole notion of whether the abortion debate is going to be prominent
in the fall?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, no, I hope the Platform Committee,
in their wisdom, adopts the same language as we had before. Having
said that, there is room in our party for people that have different
views on this issue. I am not persuaded that people all across this
country vote on only one issue -- abortion. I think they're
interested in world peace. I think they're interested in education.
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I think they happen to be very supportive of the balanced budget
with amendment. And so my position is well-known, and I'm going to
with me on that issue, and they may disagree with me on the balanced
it. But a I say, we've got many good Republicans who disagree stay
passionately about.
budget amendment or some of these other things I feel very
Q
percent figure about the economy. But, you know, the Cold War 70- is
You mentioned a moment ago the polls -- the
Americans, and people are turning inward and asking, well, Mr.
over, Desert Storm has become pretty much a faded memory for many
the President, American what have you done for us lately? More than 80 percent of
track. people now feel that the United States is on the wrong
Americans that they are better off than they were four years ago?
How, between now and November, are you going to convince
not optimistic, be and they're going to see a recovering economy. It
THE PRESIDENT: Most Americans are fundamentally
feel as robust as we all like, but they're going to say as may
economy, they're going to say, hey, things are getting better.
that and as they see new opportunities and see a growth they in this
to country. them: We've been through a long haul. And then going to say
Americans aren't pessimists. They're not down on the
I think worry about nuclear war? I think that's a significant worry or
less Hey, do your kids go to bed at night with more
historic most every -- every family in America is better off for change.
the changes that my predecessor and I helped bring about. those I use
word "helped."
then I think they're going to say, here's what the President has And been
And so you've got to look at the whole picture.
record balanced budget amendment, strong crime, whatever it is -- --
trying to get through the Congress. And I come back to it the
they're going to have a clear choice to make.
on the environment. And what's he up against here? good And
with I my views on family, and does he share the leadership traits
Then they're going to say: DOES this President identify
focus want to see in a leader, and hose kinds of things. Those aren't that in
now. They're not in focus because five Democrats were
there I just hammering away on the President of the United States. out And
smile and say, look, we'll meet you in the fall. And
Republican was doing the same thing every single night. one Had
room. assistance out here from time to time from one or the other in some the
saying, we're going to get something done, and take the case to the
You know, I'm putting my confidence in the people
American to do it. people on the issues. And that's the way I think you ought
alarmed right now, at the and as fact a matter -- of fact, some of your advisors are pretty
Q But, Mr. President, they aren't anywhere near that
THE PRESIDENT: No, they're not alarmed.
Q
your own poll numbers are on the decline. They are not associating
Well, while the economic figures are improving,
you, sir, with any improvement in the economy.
you, Jim, according to one, I thought it was one of your surveys,
THE PRESIDENT: But 70 percent of the people, as I told
better. seem to think the economy's getting worse. I think it's getting
change. lagging indicator, for example. So it takes a while to see the
It takes a while, there's a lag there. Unemployment's a
MORE
- 11 -
I haven't been in the playing field on the primaries.
I've been trying to get something done for the country. But when we
go to the country and say, do you want a strong crime bill or do you
want this watered-down variety that's up in the Justice Department
controlled by the Democrats that have been there forever; which do
you want -- I think the American people will support me.
I'll say to them, do you want a balanced budget
amendment that will make the Executive Branch and the Legislative
Branch do something about the deficits, or do you want a lot of
reasons from some entrenched politicians on Capitol Hill to tell you
why it can't be done? And, see, I think when that is in focus, I
think that the American people will support ne. I've tried to keep
the faith with the people and I think one heartening point is people
see the President is a strong leader. They may not like the
direction things are going in, but that is something that I find
rather comforting.
Q
So you haven't been tough enough, is that what
you're saying?
THE PRESIDENT: I need your assistance, Jim, in getting
out the message now tonight, loud and clear, on what the President
said about the balanced budget amendment. And if you can put an
editorial or two on there saying this is a good idea, it would help
enormously. I don't think you can do that, but if you could I'd
welcome that kind of support. Because that's what the American
people want, and we've got to get that message to the Congress.
Q Mr. President, you said that your problems stem
from the economy. In addition, are some of your problems also
related to the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings?
THE PRESIDENT: None. We forget. Now we see a
revision. We forget that the American people overwhelmingly
supported Clarence Thomas. He is being a gcod Justice. And the fact
that some candidates are out there trying to revise that part of
history, I'm sorry, I don't agree with that. There may be some.
Now, I can't say some people don't agree, that everyone agrees with
what I said. I support Clarence Thomas. I think he'll be an
outstanding Justice. He passed a Senate that is controlled by the
opposition party. He conducted himself with honor in those hearings.
And that's my position. And I'm proud to have stayed with him when
the going got tough.
Q
Mr. President, you say that the leadership
qualities that are going to come up later are not in focus right now.
But it would seem that leadership is the focus, that's the only thing
that Ross Perot has been running on is leadership. He has not
addressed the issues; you are addressing the issues. How do you
feel; what do you say to Republicans who are going over and
supporting him about your personal leadership qualities?
THE PRESIDENT: I say take a look at what happened in
Desert Storm where I didn't have to get anybody else's action; I
moved. I saw a threat. I did what was required. And I didn't have
to get a Congress controlled by the opposition party to move. The
people saw leadership and action there.
The people know that the House of Representatives and
the Senate control all the legislation. My crime bill, my balanced
budget quest, whatever it is, they control it all. And so I think
when this campaign gets really rolling -- and it hasn't started from
our standpoint when that happens, I think these things will be in
focus.
so I understand the quest for change and the appeal -- I
can bring you the new answer here -- I can understand all that. But
I also think the American people are pretty smart. I think they're
- 12 -
going to look at the overall record. I think they're going to
analyze the proposals. I think they're going to look at a person's
overall values. And I think then I have the confidence that it won't
be just the Republicans that will be supporting me, it will be the
guy in the neighborhood who's wondering, who's going to be the best
to take care of the criminal elements here? Who's going to support
the incentives to improve the economy? That's what I think.
Q
Mr. President, aren't we into a no-win situation
here? Because even if you do win, even if you do defeat Ross Perot,
there are going to be a lot of Republicans out there who supported
him, and there's going to be a lot of reprisal and revenge.
THE PRESIDENT: There's no reprisals. Look, the
Americans -- as Helen says, we're through here, but let ES tell you
something. You're looking at -- you're dealing in a little cocoon
here. We're talking about something big -- faith and confidence in
the American people. And this isn't done because there's something
on the horizon right now and people are going to -- you know, let
them decide. Let them sort out this.
And I can understand that appeal -- "I'm from outside,
I'll solve all the problems." And some day you guys are going start:
How are you going to do it? How are you going to get this through
the Congress? What do you believe? Do you think the President's
right on the balanced budget amendment? Are you with him or against
him? DO you think he's right as he tries to tighten down on crime
legislation? How do you feel on the narcotic problem? How do you
feel on world peace? Were you with him when he had to make a very
tough call on setting back aggression -- a move that was saluted all
over the entire world and put this country together like it's never
been together in the past, since World War II?
And, you see, I think we're dealing in a funny time here
-- a time warp. And I think, come fall, when we're out there taking
our case to the people, with an improved economy behind us, I still
feel confident about the outcome of the political election. And I
feel confident about ability to heal any wounds that may have been
opened along the way.
Thank you all very much. Thank you, Helen.
END
8:43 P.M. EDT
Constitutional
STATE EXPERIENCE WITH
BALANCED BUDGET REQUIREMENTS
The States have had extensive experience with balanced
budget requirements. This summarizes the types of such
requirements and provides information on State experience with
such requirements.
FOUR
Every state except Vermont has some type of balanced budget
requirement. Forty-three states have some type of constitutional
requirement (generally limitations on incurring debt for this
purpose), and 21 State have statutory requirements. Obviously,
some states have both types of measures; only six States
(Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New
Hampshire) rely entirely on statutes.
Types of deficit controls
There are three basic types of deficit control mechanisms.
There are those which: (1) restrict the state's authority to
incur debt (either by limiting the dollar amount or by limiting
debt to a percentage of some tax or revenue base) ; (2) require
submission of a balanced budget by the governor and/or enactment
of balanced appropriations by the legislature; and (3) provide
for managing a projected or actual deficit (by means of, e.g.,
line item veto by the governor, across-the-board pro rata
reductions, or legislated tax increases).
State balanced budget requirements vary widely as to their
stringency and effectiveness, and their means of implementation.
-
Twenty-nine states impose the most stringent type of
balanced budget, which calls for the budget to be
balanced each year with no carry-over of deficits.
-
Seven other states with biennial budget cycles require
that the budget be balanced for each two-year period.
(In general, the most stringent balanced budget states
are those west of the Mississippi River and east of the
California border).
-
Seven other states allow a short-term budget deficit to
be carried over for only one year (even if the deficit
occurs in the last year of a two-year cycle) as long as
new revenues are raised to balance the next budget and
pay off the carry-over indebtedness.
-
Three states (Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada) require only
that the legislature pass a balanced budget; thus no
corrective actions are required if expenditures
actually exceed revenues.
-
Three states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York)
require only that the governor present a balanced
budget; the legislature thus may pass an unbalanced
budget without resorting to subterfuges, such as overly
optimistic revenue assumptions.
(See Table A for further detail).
Methods of Mid-Course Correction
Fifteen states have specific requirements for curtailing
expenditures in the middle of a fiscal period, in case revenue
collections fall short of estimates or unexpected spending
occurs. The states classify these mechanisms in three different
ways:
-
Reduction of appropriations (North Carolina, Oklahoma) ;
-
Reduction of periodic allotments -- that is,
apportionment (Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah,
Washington) ; and
-
Reduction of authorized expenditures (Arkansas,
Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, South
Dakota, Virginia).
The states impose expenditure reduction requirements in various
manners:
-- The Michigan, Missouri and Oklahoma provisions are
expressly imposed by the State Constitution; the
remaining provisions are statutes intended to enforce a
general constitutional requirement that there be a
balanced budget;
The Missouri and New Hampshire spending reduction
provisions are discretionary; the other 13 are
mandatory;
--
North Carolina and Oklahoma require that the reductions
(with certain exceptions) must be made pro rata, across
the board on all accounts; the other 13 states impose
no legal bar to disproportionate cuts in certain
categories, and certain states expressly authorize
differential cutbacks;
-- Authority for making the reductions rests somewhere in
the Executive Branch: either with the Governor; a
subordinate agency head, with or without the approval
of the Governor; an Executive branch board; or (in
Arkansas) individual agency heads;
- 2 -
-- In two states, the Executive official must obtain the
approval of a legislative branch entity (either the
appropriations committee or a special supervisory
panel) i in other states, the Executive must consult the
legislative body before making cuts.
The States' Experience
The experience of the states under the mechanisms previously
discussed varies greatly due to many factors.
First, the portion of any state's budget even subject to the
balanced budget requirement ranges, in one estimate, from less
than 50% to 100%.
Second, most states have separate operating and capital
budgets. It is frequently the case that only operating (or
general fund) budgets are subject to the balanced budget
requirements. (See Table B). There have been assertions that,
if the Federal budget were prepared in a comparable manner, the
Federal government would be able to comply with state-type
balanced budget requirements. (See, e.g., attachment c).
States may evade the fiscal discipline requirements by
moving functions or entities off-budget, such as by creating
authorities or commissions. In addition to being off-budget,
such authorities are frequently authorized to issue bonds or
other indebtedness which are backed only by the revenues
generated by the authority. This is one method by which states
evade balanced budget requirements and debt limitations by
switching from "full faith and credit" borrowing to non-
guaranteed borrowing.
States have also shifted from direct expenditures to tax
expenditures to avoid restraints. For example, Michigan
authorized an income tax credit for contributions to educational
institutions. Further, some states have evaded debt limitations
by defining state lottery receipts not be "revenue". Another
method employed by states for avoiding balanced budget
requirements has been to delegate functions to local governments,
which are not subject to the requirements, or, through political
pressure, shift them to the federal government. States have also
engaged in intragovernmental borrowing of funds, and in
accounting changes which mask transactions.
Attachments
- 3 -
PN6081
P7
WHRC
t:
A
TREASURY
For Speakers, Writers,
OF HUMOROUS
and Home Reference
QUOTATIONS
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW and
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW, Jr.
HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS
NEW YORK, EVANSTON, AND LONDON
1817
84
DEBATE-DEBT
DECENCY-DECISION
85
greater fund of innocent amusement than any other single subject.
1497 God forbid that I should be out of debt, as if, indeed, I could not
Dorothy L. Sayers
be trusted. François Rabelais
1476 All our knowledge merely helps us to die a more painful death than
1498 If you want the time to pass quickly, just give your note for ninety
the animals that know nothing. Maurice Maeterlinck
days. Robert Bailey Thomas
1477 A man's dying is more the survivors' affair than his own. Thomas
1499 A man properly must pay the fiddler. In my case it so happened
Mann
that a whole symphony orchestra often had to be subsidized. John
1478 I know of nobody that has a mind to die this year. Thomas Fuller
Barrymore
1479 Tyrawley and I have been dead these two years; but we don't
1500 In the midst of life we are in debt. Ethel Watts Mumford
choose to have it known. Lord Chesterfield
1501 Debts shorten life. Joseph Joubert
1480 When a man dies, and his kin are glad of it, they say, "He is
1502 The old woman who triumphantly announced that she had borrowed
better off." Edgar W. Howe
money enough to pay all her debts. P. L. Lord
1481 I don't think anything is ever quite the same to us after we are dead.
1503 It is only by not paying our bills that we can hope to live in the
Don Marquis
memory of the commercial classes. Oscar Wilde
1482 Death: to stop sinning suddenly. Elbert Hubbard
1504 You are not in debt, Sextus. I assure you, Sextus, you are not in
1483 Everything comes to him who waits-among other things, death.
debt, for a man is in debt, Sextus, only if he can pay. Martial
Francis H. Bradley
1505 Some people use one half of their ingenuity to get into debt, and the
1484 The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying. Sir Thomas
other half to avoid paying it. George D. Prentice
Browne
1506 A small debt produces a debtor; a large one an enemy. Publilius
1485 We all labor against our own cure, for death is the cure of all
Syrus
diseases. Ibid.
1507 Scientists say that certain musical notes can prevent sleep. So can
1486 The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. Mark Twain
certain promissory notes, professor. Arkansas Gazette
1487 Those who welcome death have only tried it from the ears up.
1508 It is a sure sign of an improved character, if you like paying debts
Wilson Mizner
as much as getting money. Georg C. Lichtenberg
1488 One can survive everything nowadays except death. Oscar Wilde
1509 The two greatest stimulants in the world are youth and debt. Ben-
1489 My wallpaper is killing me. One of us must go. Ibid., as he lay
jamin Disraeli
dying in the Hotel Alsace in Paris
1510 A habit of debt is very injurious to the memory. Austin O'Malley
1490 I am informed from many quarters that a rumor has been put
DECENCY
about that I died this morning [February, 1951]. This is quite
1511 Decency is indecency's conspiracy of silence. George Bernard
untrue. Sir Winston Churchill
Shaw
1491 I cannot forgive my friends for dying; I do not find these vanishing
DECEPTION
acts of theirs at all amusing. Logan Pearsall Smith
1512 The secret of life is to appreciate the pleasure of being terribly
1492 Death rides a fast camel. Arab Proverb
deceived. Oscar Wilde
1493 To his physician, who said, "General, I fear the angels are waiting
1513 If you deceive me once you are a scoundrel; if you deceive me often
for you": Waiting, are they? Waiting, are they? Well
let 'em
you are a smart man. Yugoslavic Proverb
wait! Ethan Allen
1514 It is in the ability to deceive one's self that the greatest talent is
shown. Anatole France
DEBATE
DECISION
1494 It's better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a
question without debating it. Joseph Joubert
1515 Decide promptly, but never give any reasons. Your decision may be
right, but your reasons are sure to be wrong. Lord Mansfield
DEBT
1516 A decision is the action an executive must take when he has informa-
1495 Debt is a trap which a man sets and baits himself, and then de-
tion so incomplete that the answer does not suggest itself. Arthur
liberately gets into. Josh Billings
William Radford
1496 Never run into debt, not if you can find anything else to run into.
1517 They are decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute,
Ibid.
adamant for drift, all-powerful for impotence. Sir Winston Churchill
Table A
Table 3
BALANCED BUDGET REQUIREMENTS, 1984
(explanation of table at end of next page)
Category I
Category II
Statutory or Constitutional?
Nature of Requirement
U = number of points
1) = number of points
(1)
(2)
(4)
(6)
(8)
Gover-
Legis-
May Carry
State
State
Degree
nor
lature-
Over a
Cannot
Cannot
of
Only
Only
Deficit
Carry
Carry
Strin-
(1)
(2)
has to
has to
but Must
Over a
Over a
gency
Submit a
Pass a
be Corrected
Deficit
Deficit
Scale
States and
Statu-
Consti-
Balanced
Balanced
In Next
Into Next
Into Next
(high = 10:
Region
tory
tutional
Budget
Budget
Fiscal Year
Blennium
Fiscal Year
low = 1)
New England
Connecticut
X
S
S
S
5
Maine
X
S
9
Massachusetts
X
c
3
New Hampshire
X
S
2
Rhode Island
X
C
10
No Requirement
0
Vermont
Mideast
Delaware
C
10
Maryland
X
c
C
c
6
New Jersey
X
c
10
New York
X
c
3
Pennsylvania
X
S,C
S
S,C
6
Great Lakes
Illinois
c
c
4
Indiana
X
C
10
Michigan
X
c
6
Ohio
X
X
S,C
10
Wisconsin
&
6
Plains
lowa
c
10
Kansas
10
Minnesota
xxxxxxx
c
X
X
S,C
8
Missouri
X
c
10
Nebraska
c
10
North Dakota
c
8
South Dakota
X
S,C
10
Southeast
Alabama
X
C
10
Arkansas
X
S
9
Florida
X
X
S,C
10
Georgia
X
c
10
Kentucky
X
X
c
S
10
Louisiana
X
c
4
Mississippi
X
S
9
North Carolina
X
X
S.C
10
South Carolina
X
X
S.C
c
10
Tennessee
X
c
c
10
Virginia
X
X
S.C
8
West Virginia
X
C
10
Southwest
Arizona
c
10
New Mexico
X
C
10
Oklahoma
X
c
10
Texas
X
c
c
8
Rocky Mountain
Colorado
X
C
10
Idaho
X
C
10
Montana
X
C
C
C
10
Utah
X
X
S.C
10
Wyoming
c
8
Far West
California
X
c
C
6
Nevada
X
S
C
4
Oregon
X
X
S
c
8
Washington
X
X
S,C
8
Alaska
X
S
c
6
Hawall
X
X
S,C
C
C
10
Source:
ACIR staff compilation based on 1984 surveys of executive and legislative fiscal directors, and Limitations on State Defi-
cits, Council of State Governments, Lexington, KY, May 1976.
Continued on next page.
- 40 -
Table A (cont.)
Table 3 (cont.)
BALANCED BUDGET REQUIREMENTS, 1984
NOTE: The following ($350,000). Arizona ($350,000). Colorado ($100,000). Iowa ($250,000). Kansas New
states have a balanced budget relating to constitutional debt limitations (debt limit ($1,000,000), in paren-
thesis): Alaska Missouri ($100,000), Nebraska ($100,000), New Jersey (1% of appropriations), South Dakota
Kentucky Mexico ($200,000). ($500,000). Ohio ($150,000), Oklahoma ($500,000), Rhode Island ($50,000),
($100,000). Texas ($200,000), and Utah (1.5% of taxable property value).
CALIFORNIA: Article XVI, Sec. 1, requires that the legislature shall not, in any manner, create a debt deficit, in excess as
of $300,000 without a vote of the people. This section has been interpreted to allow a carry-over
long as the deficit is repaid within "a short period of time."
CONNECTICUT: If revenues are deficient by 5% due to lower than projected revenue collections Subsection after the C)
budget has been passed, the General Assembly must approve expenditure cuts. (Statute 4-85; Gen-
DELAWARE: "No appropriation, supplemental appropriation or budget act shall cause the aggregate the estimated State State
Fund appropriations enacted for any given fiscal year to exceed 98 percent unencumbered of funds re-
eral General Fund revenue for such fiscal year from all sources, including estimated for this 2
maining Fund and a 5 percent Budget Reserve Account to be used for an unanticipated deficit. There of general are no
at the end of the previous fiscal year
(Const. Art. VIII, Sec. 6) The state provides
Percent provisions in the constitution that call for specific action if a projected deficit exceeds 7 percent
fund revenues.
INDIANA: "No law shall authorize any debt to be contracted, on behalf of the state, except in the following
cases: To meet casual deficits in the revenue
(Const. Art. 10, Sec. 5)
KENTUCKY: Agencies must set aside 2.5% of their budget each year in the event of a revenue shortfall (KRS
VERMONT: 48.120). Governor is statutorily required to submit recommendation to alleviate deficits from balanced previous budget. years
in his or her budget request. There is no requirement that the governor must submit a
WEST VIRGINIA: "No debt shall be contracted by this state except to meet casual deficits in the revenue
(Const. Art. X, Sec.4)
WISCONSIN: Section $20.004 of Wisconsin statutes requires that no bill may be passed if the bill General will cause Fund the
General Fund balances at the end of the biennium to be less than one percent of total
appropriation.
of Table: The degree of stringency index is based on the number of points each state where can a receive state had for
Explanation as noted above each of the "Nature of the Requirement" columns. In cases is counted. For
its requirement, three features incorporated in its requirement, only the highest for each category and a
more than in case where a state had a requirement that the Governor has to submit a balanced the budget, latter, not 2
example, a that the legislature has to pass a balanced budget, it would only receive 2 points for point) and
requirement in addition for the former [see Category II]. If that state's requirement was both statutory (hypothetical) (1
points (2 points), it would only receive the 2 points for the latter [see Category I]. Such a the subjective
constitutional state would receive a total of 4 points. The weights assigned to different features are based on
judgment of the ACIR staff.
From: Advisory Commission on
Intergovernmental Relations, 1987
SENT BY:N.A.S.B.O. & F.F.I.S. ; 6- 4-92 ;11:30AM ;
(202) 624-7745->
395 6170;# 1/ 3
Budgetary Processes in the States
December 1989
Prepared by
Marcia A. Howard and Laura L. Shaw
Post-It™ brand fax transmittal memo 7671
# of pages 3.
Co. To Barry Anderson
From Marcia Howard
Co. NASB
Dept.
Phone # 624-5382
Fax # 395-6170
Fax # 624-7745
National Association of State Budget Officers
SENT BY:N.A.S.B.O. & F.F.I.S. ; 6- 4-92 ;11:30AM ;
(202) 624-7745->
395 6170;# 2/ 3
NOTES TO TABLE N
Arizona
May carry over "casual deficits," i.e., not anticipated.
New York
Technically, the Governor is not required to sign a balanced budget.
However, in order to consummate the spring borrowing the Governor
must certify that the budget is in balance.
North Carolina
Governor must maintain a balanced budget. He does not sign legisla-
tion.
Ohio
There is no constitutional or statutory requirement that the Governor
submit or the legislature enact a balanced budget. There is a constitu-
tional requirement that the legislature provide sufficient revenues to
meet state expenses. The Governor is required by statute to examine
monthly the relationship between appropriations and estimated
revenues and to reduce expenditures to prevent imbalance.
Pennsylvania
May carry over deficit into subsequent year only.
South Carolina Formal budget submitted by Budget and Control Board, not Governor.
Virginia
The Constitution specifies that expenditures shall not exceed revenues
at the end of the biennial period.
28
SENT BY:N.A.S.B.O. & F.F.I.S. ; 6- 4-92 :11:30AM ;
(202) 624-7745->
395 6170;# 3/ 3
Table
Balanced Budget Requirement
Governor
Legislature
Governor
Must Submit
Nature of
Must Pass
Nature of
Must Sign
Nature of
May Carry
Balanced Budget
Requirement
Balanced Budget
Requirement
Balanced Budget
Requirement
Over Deficit
State
(Y, N)
(C, 9)
(Y,N) N)
(C,S)
(Y,N) (Y,
(C, 5)
(Y,N)
Alabama
Y
C,S
Y
C,5
Y
C,S
N
Alaska
Y
S
Y
s
N
.
Y
Arizona
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
Y*
Arkansas
Y
s
Y
S
Y
$
N
California
Y
c
N
.
N
-
Y
Colorado
N
-
Y
c
Y
c
N
Connecticut
Y
S
Y
$
N
.
N
Delaware
Y
c
Y
C
Y
C
N
Florida
Y
$
Y
c
Y
$
N
Georgia
Y
C
Y
c
Y
c
N
Hawaii
Y
C,S
N
-
Y
C,S
N
Idaho
Y
c
Y
c
N
-
N
Illinois
Y
c
Y
c
N
-
N
Indiana
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
lowa
Y
c
Y
c
N
a
N
Kansas
Y
c
Y
C
Y
c
N
Kennicky
Y
C,S
Y
C
Y
c
N
Louisiana
Y
C.S
Y
S
Y
C,S
Y
Maine
Y
S
Y
C
Y
S
N
Maryland
Y
c
Y
c
N
-
N
Massachusetts
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
Y
Michigan
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
Minnesota
Y
$
Y
$
N
.
N
Mississippi
Y
$
Y
S
Y
$
N
Missouri
Y
c
N
.
Y
c
N
Montana
Y
c
Y
c
N
-
N
Nebraska
Y
c
N
-
N
-
N
Nevada
Y
S
Y
c
N
-
N
New Hampshire
Y
S
N
-
N
-
Y
New Jersey
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
New Mexico
Y
c
N
-
N
-
N
New York
T
c
N
-
N°
-
Y
North Carolina
Y
c
Y
c
N*
c
N
North Dekona
Y
S
Y
S
Y
$
N
Ohio
N*
-
N°
-
N
-
N
Oklahoma
Y
C,S
Y
c
Y
c
N
Oregon
Y
c
Y
c
Y
C
N
Pennsylvania
Y
C.S
N
-
Y
c
&
Rhode Island
Y
c
Y
c
Y
5
N
South Carolina
.
.
Y
c
Y
c
N
South Dakota
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
Tennessee
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
Texas
-
*
Y
c
Y
c
N
Utah
Y
S
Y
c
Y
S
N
Vermont
N
-
N
-
N
--
Y
Virginia
Y
S
N
"
N
-
N*
Washington
Y
S
N
-
N
-
N
West Virginia
N
-
Y
c
Y
c
N
Wisconsin
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
Wyoming
Y
c
Y
c
Y
c
N
Codes:
Y...Yes
C...Constitutional
N...No
S...Statutory
27
(Ferguson/Grossman)
June 3, 1992
BUDGET
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESS CONFERENCE
JUNE 4, 1992
X
X
x
X
TBD
x
X
X
X
Three years ago, in my first address to Congress, I asked
X
x
x
X
x
X
X
x
the Senate and the House to pass a constitutional amendment
x
X
X
requiring a balanced budget. Every year since, I have repeated
smealy
6782
that call. I believed then, and I continue to believe, that a
balanced budget amendment is the surest way to force the federal
government to live within its means.
Like President Reagan before me, I have tried to get
224-0636
Congress to restrain the growth of federal spending. We've tried
compromise. We've tried confrontation. We've tried quiet
Senate maybe
diplomacy with congressional leaders. None of it has worked.
OHB Bruce
X
Now we have reached a turning point. This month both houses
X
X
of Congress will at last vote on a balanced budget amendment.
It is impossible to underestimate the importance of this one
decision: it will effect every other decision the government
makes from that moment on.
Victory will not come easily. Republicans are uniting
behind the amendment, and many responsible Democrats have x joined
X
X
X
us as well. But passage requires a two-thirds majority from both
X
the Senate and the House -- and the majority leadership in both
the House and the Senate have declared their X opposition. Those
who oppose the amendment must understand: this is not a partisan
fight; this is beyond election-year politics. This is a fight
for the economic security of the American people.
268.
2
220
I realize that a balanced budget amendment is a radical
step. It will require a revolution in the way the federal
26, protict traph ? and
government conducts its business That is the point The
federal government's $400 billion annual deficit is an outrage.
The system itself is broken. Nothing short of radical change
will fix it.
Let's be clear about two fundamental facts. First, the
budget will not be balanced without a robust, growing economy,
and higher taxes will only impede future economic growth.
Second, the budget deficit exists not because the American people
are undertaxed, but because government is too big and it spends
too much. That is why a balanced budget amendment should require
more than a simple majority vote for tax increases.
The federal government must at long last learn to live by a
Mc #170 Wisc, clare V+
a basic American principle: it is simply wrong to spend more
money than you take in. Every American family knows what I mean
and state governments are already required to do the same,
through their own balanced budget provisions. [constitutional + status
I urge every American: Make your voice heard. Write or
phone your congressman and senators. Ask that they get serious
about fiscal responsibility. Tell them it is wrong to pass on to
future generations the cost of our present irresponsibility.
Demand that they vote for the balanced budget amendment, and let
them know they will pay a price in November if they don't.
#
#
#
Fresher TP& Attack
3141
Brotis-day?
shipper?
TP
3P
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Feb. 9
sending
U.S.
people out of work-American confidence
government by crisis, will not do. And I ask
question?
on the wane. And our challenge is different.
the Congress tonight to approve several
me.
And
We're fortunate-a much changed land-
wary
scape lies before us tonight. So, I don't pro-
measures which will make budgeting more
is
very
erseas.
But
I
pose to reverse direction. We're headed the
sensible. We could save time and improve
could
right way, but we cannot rest. We're a
efficiency by enacting 2-year budgets.
be
Forty-three Governors have the line-item
with leaders
people whose energy and drive have fueled
our rise to greatness. And we're a forward-
veto. Presidents should have it, too. And at
assistance
looking nation-generous, yes, but ambi-
the very least, when a President proposes to
assistance
tious, not for ourselves but for the world.
rescind Federal spending, the Congress
insidious
Complacency is not in our character-not
should be required to vote on that proposal
poison
our
instead of killing it by inaction. And I ask
the
You
before, not now, not ever.
past.
coopera-
And so, tonight we must take a strong
the Congress to honor the public's wishes
in
Peru-
America and make it even better. We must
by passing a constitutional amendment to
or
address some very real problems. We must
require a balanced budget. Such an amend-
So,
you
establish some very clear priorities. And we
ment, once phased in, will discipline both
question-
must make a very substantial cut in the
the Congress and the executive branch.
Federal budget deficit. Some people find
Several principles describe the kind of
supposedly
strike
that agenda impossible, but I'm presenting
America I hope to build with your help in
big
to you tonight a realistic plan for tackling it.
the years ahead. We will not have the
about
that
to
My plan has four broad features: attention
luxury of taking the easy, spendthrift ap-
prove
of
thought.
to urgent priorities, investment in the
proach to solving problems because higher
future, an attack on the deficit, and no new
spending and higher taxes put economic
taxes. This budget represents my best judg-
growth at risk. Economic growth provides
2:25
in
ment of how we can address our priorities.
jobs and hope. Economic growth enables us
p.m.
House.
Wil-
There are many areas in which we would
to pay for social programs. Economic
Drug
Control
all like to spend more than I propose; I
growth enhances the security of the Nation,
understand that. But we cannot until we
and low tax rates create economic growth.
get our fiscal house in order.
I believe in giving Americans greater
Next year alone, thanks to economic
freedom and greater choice. And I will
growth, without any change in the law, the
work for choice for American families,
Federal Government will take in over $80
whether in the housing in which they live,
Congress
billion more than it does this year. That's
the schools to which they send their chil-
right-over $80 billion in new revenues,
dren, or the child care they select for their
with no increases in taxes. And our job is to
young. You see, I believe that we have an
home
allocate those new resources wisely. We can
to
obligation to those in need, but that govern-
afford to increase spending by a modest
months
and
ment should not be the provider of first
amount, but enough to invest in key prior-
what
friends
resort for things that the private sector can
ities and still cut the deficit by almost 40
best
produce better. I believe in a society that is
my
percent in 1 year. And that will allow us to
America's
free from discrimination and bigotry of any
meet the targets set forth in the Gramm-
kind. And I will work to knock down the
honest
com-
Rudman-Hollings law. But to do that, we
barriers left by past discrimination and to
mission
of
must recognize that growth above inflation
build a more tolerant society that will stop
rtunities
on
in Federal programs is not preordained,
such barriers from ever being built again.
be
praise
that not all spending initiatives were de-
send
signed to be immortal.
I believe that family and faith represent
us
the moral compass of the Nation. And I'll
govern.
I make this pledge tonight: My team and
I are ready to work with the Congress, to
work to make them strong, for as Benjamin
to
this
Franklin said: "If a sparrow cannot fall to
war
and
form a special leadership group, to negoti-
the ground without His notice, can a great
And
8
ate in good faith, to work day and night-if
nation rise without His aid?" And I believe
as
Presi-
that's what it takes-to meet the budget
in giving people the power to make their
inflation
targets and to produce a budget on time.
We cannot settle for business as usual.
own lives better through growth and oppor-
rates
and
Government by continuing resolution, or
tunity. And together, let's put power in the
hands of people.
75
Alaska
907-465-2450
Dare Dienderff
crimail
Leg. Affairs
Yes
- constitutionally
prohibits incorring
debt
west Virginia
304-558-2040
Brian Armentrout
Leg. Services
yes
- Art. 6, sec 51
of stake constitution
toachieve. be easy
2
decision the government makes from that moment on, and it will
bear directly on the quality of life we leave the generations who
follow us.
A
Victory will not consertably. The amendment
requires a It two-thirds majority from both the Senate and the
House. is not a partisan But fight; this goes far beyond
election-year politics.
This is a fight for the economic
security of the American people.
ONE realize that some in
Washington consider a balanced budget amendment a radical step.
I strongly doubt that the American people consider it radical.
It is just common sense. Each month millions of American
families sit down to balance their checkbooks. They They unders fand,
EStaby
simply
tate governments abide by
their own balanced budget provisions. The federal government
do the same
must
The moment is at hand. In the coming days, we will have an
extraordinary opportunity, a rare chance to restore fiscal sanity
to the federal government. If we fail, our grandchildren, and
their grandchildren, will bear the burden. I refuse to believe
we will make them pay the price of Washington's irresponsibility.
For their sake, I urge every Congressman and Senator to join me
in supporting a swift approval of a balanced budget amendment.
Z
4562983-
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 6- 4-92 :10:57AM ;
(Hinchliffe/Gershowitz)
June 3, 1992
11 a.m.
BUDGET Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT RADIO ADDRESS
I want to talk to you today about a big idea -- a big change
in the way your government works. For the past 12 years President
Reagan and I tried to get Congress to restrain federal spending.
We tried compromise. We tried confrontation. We tried quiet
diplomacy with the leaders of Congress. We tried going over
their heads to the American people. None of it worked. And so,
my friends, the time has come to take dramatic action. We must
pass a Constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget.
Our future is at stake, since the biggest obstacle to our
economy recovery is the budget deficit. For most of our history
there was an unwritten rule against deficit financing. But in
recent times we've moved away from that and now we're borrowing
from the future to pay for our indulgences of the present.
I've called for big changes in many areas -- revolutionary
reforms in how this nation's gridlocked capitol does business.
But the balanced budget is where we must start. Beginning well
before I became your President, I've fought for a balanced budget
amendment. As a matter of fact, on February 9, 1989, the very
first legislative proposal I made upon becoming President called
for a balanced budget -- and in each of the three budgets I've
submitted since, I've repeated that plea. If Congress had
supported my proposal back in 1989, we'd be only two years away
from a balanced budget right now.
Why am I so fiercely dedicated to this issue? Look at your
ptupe
soun
Bob
Danus
Ed Mazier
Actig General Comer! of the wry
own house. You know what happens when you spend more than you ofM
make. The devil's going to come, demanding his due. Well that's
B
what our American family faces right now. When you hear about
our $400 billion deficit, remember -- that's not Monopoly money.
That's your money, as sure as your own personal debts will have
to be paid with your money. It's a critical situation when our
interest payments exceed our social spending; when the principal
we owe has nearly doubled in two years; when this spending
riptide has us drowning in debt, dragging us further out to sea.
Boby rady 4844
Dame sayo 43/1
This amendment will bring us back to shore. It says the gov-
ernment can't spend more than it takes in. Nothing could be more
simple. Nothing could be as tough. Nothing could work as well.
It's past time to make this government as accountable with
your money in America's house as you must be with your money in
your house. 34 of our states already demand balanced budgets.
80% of the American people want this amendment, and the tougher
scrutiny of government spending which it will require. You're
fed up. You know it's time for partisan posturing to yield to
responsibility to govern. You know it's time to protect our
children's children -- and you're impatient to enact this solemn
bond between generations.
There's something you can do right now. The House will vote
on this within days. Make your voice heard. Call and tell Con-
gress to stop treating our Federal treasury like the corner cash
machine. Call and tell Congress to stop mortgaging your future.
You know, for a long time on this issue I've felt like a
3
prophet in the desert. Now, I'm glad so many Democrats are
finally clambering on board the motion I've called for so
urgently for so long. We must join together, inspired by Thomas
Jefferson's words: "I
place
public debt as the greatest of
the dangers to be feared." We have within our grasp the power to
conquer that fear. Our country's economy -- our country's future
-- will be the stronger for it. God bless you, and this nation.
#
#
#
#
Mary or aift
Table 3
State Balanced Budgets and Deficit Limitations:
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions
X-6697
Governor
Governor
May Carry
May Not
May Not
Constitutional
Must
Legislature
Must
Over Deficit
Carry Over
Carry Over
Limit on
Submit a
Must Pass
Sign a
For One
Deficit
Deficit
General
Balanced
a Balanced
Balanced
Year
into Next
into Next
Obligation
Budget
Budget
Budget
Maximum
Biennium
Fiscal Year
Debt1
State
C,S
YR
YR
NP
NP
YR
YR
Alabama
Alaska2
S
NP
NP
YR
$350.000
S
S
Arizona
S
NP
NP
NP
YR
YR
NP
Arkansas
NP
YR
YRS
NP
YR'
300,000
California
YR
S
C
C
C
C
C
YR
Colorado
Connecticut
YR
YR
NP
NP
NP
NP
YR
C
C
C
NP
YR
YR
NP
Delaware
S
NP
NP
NP
YR
NP
Florida
C
NP
NP
4
Georgia
YR
YR
YR
NP
C,S
NP
C,S
NP
NP
NP
5
Hawaii
C
C
NP
NP
NP
YR
2,000.000
Idaho
C
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Illinois
C
C
C
NP
YR
YR
0
Indiana
C
C
C
NP
NP
NP
NP
250,000
lowa
$
S
NP
NP
YR
YR
1,000,000
Kansas
YR
C
C
C
NP
YR
500,000
Kentucky
Louisiana
YR
YR
NP
NP
NP
6
YR
YR
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
2,000,000
Maine
Maryland
C
NP
YR'
YR'
YR'
NP
c
t
Massachusettes
C,S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
C
C
C
NP
YR
YR
0
Michigan
CS
CS
S
CS
NP
NP
Minnesota
C,S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
8
Mississippi
C
C
C
NP
NP
YR
0
Missouri
C
C
NP
YR
YR
YR
NP
Montana
C
C
C
NP
NP
NP
100,000
Nebraska
S
C
NP
NP
NP
NP
AV
Nevada
New Hampshire
S
NP
YR
NP
YR
YR
NP
NP
YR
YR
9
New Jersey
C
C
C
New Mexico
NP
NP
YR
NP
NP
YR
AV
C
NP
C
C
NP
NP
V
New York
North Carolina
C
C
C
NP
YR
YR
YR
YR
YR
YR
NP
YR
NP
NP
North Dakota
YR
YR
YR
NP
YR
YR
10
Ohio
S
NP
NP
NP
YR
YR
V
Oklahoma
NP
50,000
C,S
C.S.
NP
NP
Oregon
Pennsylvania
C
c
S
C
NP
NP
YR
Rhode Island
C,S
C.S
CS
NP
NP
YR
V
South Carolina
c
C
NP
YR
YR
11
C
C
C
C
NP
NP
YR
100.000
South Dakota
C
C
c
NP
NP
YR
NP
Tennessee
C
C
C
NP
NP
NP
200,000
Texas
YR
$
C
NP
NP
YR
AV
Utah
Vermont
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
NP
S
S
V,T
NP
Virginia
Washington
NP
NP
NP
YR
NP
T
S
West Virginia2
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
AV
Wisconsin
Wyoming
YR
YR
NP
YR
YR
AV
YR
There are 34 states corrently, which have sone provision
Calling for a batanced State budget
6 Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
(Ferguson/Grossman)
June 3, 1992
BUDGET
Draft Three
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESS CONFERENCE
JUNE 4, 1992
I have just signed a recission bill cutting $8 billion from
this year's federal budget. Eight billion dollars sounds like a
lot of money, and it is. But the fact remains: it isn't good
enough -- not by a long shot. A piecemeal approach simply won't
do the job in the face of a $400 billion budget deficit. Runaway
federal spending threatens our economic future. We need a
constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget, and we
need it now.
Three years ago, in my first address to Congress, I asked
the Senate and the House to pass such an amendment. Every year
since, I have repeated that call. I believed then, and I
continue to believe, that a balanced budget amendment is the
surest way to force the federal government -- both the Congress
and the Executive Branch -- to live within its means.
Like President Reagan before me, I have tried to get
Congress to restrain the growth of federal spending. We've tried
compromise. We've tried confrontation. We've tried quiet
diplomacy with congressional leaders. Nothing has worked.
Now we have reached a turning point. This month both houses
of Congress will at last vote on a balanced budget amendment. It
is impossible to underestimate the importance of this one
decision: it will effect every other decision the government
2
makes from that moment on, and it will bear directly on the
quality of life we leave the generations who follow us.
Victory will not come easily. The amendment requires a two-
thirds majority from both the Senate and the House. This is not
a partisan fight; this goes far beyond election-year politics.
This is a fight for the economic security of the American people.
I realize that some in Washington consider a balanced budget
amendment a radical step. I strongly doubt that the American
people consider it radical. It is just common sense. Each month
millions of American families sit down to balance their
checkbooks. They understand - and live by -- a basic principle:
it is simply wrong to spend more money than you take in. [48]
state governments abide by their own balanced budget provisions.
The federal government must live by that principle as well.
The moment is at hand. In the coming days, we will have an
extraordinary opportunity, a rare chance to restore fiscal sanity
to the federal government. If we fail, our grandchildren, and
their grandchildren, will bear the burden. I refuse to believe
we will make them pay the price of Washington's irresponsibility.
For their sake, I urge every Congressman and Senator to join me
in supporting a swift approval of a balanced budget amendment.
# # #
after the
legis
budget
who
Sun 2 50u,
bad bill
he must ins that revs + exps =
Congress to cut almost 8 boxined
DARMAN
in wasteful spending projects. Tonight, I
change
have just signed the congress' pouse.
(Ferguson/Grossman)
It is not
02
JUN
P6:31
P6:
all that bent I and For,
June 3, 1992
3
it
is
BUDGET
a start.
Draft Four
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESS CONFERENCE
JUNE 4, 1992
just
signed
a
$8
billion
The
from
this
year's
Enderal
that we will save
Eight billion dollars sounds like a
lot of money, and it is. But the fact remains: it isn't good
enough -- not by a long shot. A piecemeal approach simply won't
several hundred-
do the job in the face of a $4.00 billion budget deficit. Runaway
federal spending threatens our economic future.
We need a
constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget And we
need it now.
political
And thereyster as it is now
simply isn't facing upto its responsibility
Three years ago, in my first address to Congress, I asked
the Senate and the House to pass such an amendment. Every year
since, I have repeated that call. I believed then, and I
continue to believe, that a balanced budget amendment is the
surest way to force the federal government -- both the Congress
and the Executive Branch -- to live within its means.
Like President Reagan before me, I have tried to get
Congress to act responsibly and restrain the growth of federal
spending. We've tried compromise. We've tried confrontation.
We've tried quiet diplomacy with congressional leaders.
Nativing
But name 7 this has been enough
Now we have reached a point, This
after years of waiting, both houses of Congress will vote on a
balanced budget amendment. It is impossible to underestimate
the importance of this one decision: it will affect every other
1 2045662181
4562983-
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 6- 4-92 :10:57AM ;
Jush Bolton 2230
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
+ Dare tayler
TELEPHONE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
FACSIMILE:
(202) 456-6697
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
(202) 456-2362
DATE: 6/4/92
TO:
Dan
Fat 6218
FROM:
Ms. Mary McClure
Special Assistant to the President
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Room 163
2 A Bano beth fed paid r state debts
And
for lept
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
pup
balaned budget we dat have that
NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW:
MESSAGE:
48 have sume
sort of balanced ant
315
in
to states Some in cut states delat to 3
budgenes
4.1 states
is for & operating
it
a
"49 States inlestrect then constitution or station
to require a balanced budgett" Vermont
I 2045662181
The White House-
: 4-92 -9 Affect SENT
Table 3
State Balanced Budgets and Deficit Limitations:
44
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions
Governor
Governor
May Carry
May Not
May Not
Constitutional
Must
Legislature
Must
Over Deficit
Carry Over
Carry Over
Limit on
Submit I
Must Pass
Sign a
For One
Deficit
Definit
General
Balanced
a Balanced
Balanced
Year
Into Next
Into Next
Obligation
State
Budget
Budget
Budget
Maximum
Blennium
Fiscal Year
Debt
Alabama
C,S
YR
YR
NP
NP
YR
YR
Alaska²
NP
YR
$350.000
Arizona
S
$
$
NP
Arkanses
S
NP
NP
NP
YR
YR
NP
California
YR
NP
YR
YRS
NP
YR
300,000
Colorado
C
C
C
C
C
YR
YR
YR
NP
NP
NP
NP
Connecticut
C
C
NP
YR
YR
NP
Delaware
Florida
C
NP
NP
NP
YR
NP
4
Georgia
YR
YR
NP
NP
NP
Hawaii
NP
C.S
NP
NP
NP
$
idaho
C
NP
NP
NP
YR
2,000.000
Illinois
C
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Indiana
C
C
NP
YR
YR
0
lows
YR YR C,S YR YR C,S C,S YR NP YR C C.S S C C C C,S c S c C $ C NP c C C S C S $ c C C S C C C c $
C
NP
NP
NP
NP
250,000
Kansas
$
NP
NP
YR
YR
1,000,000
YR
YR
500,000
Kentucky
C
C
NP
Louisiana
YR
YR
NP
NP
NP
8
Maine
NF
NP
NP
NP
NP
2,000,000
Maryland
C
NP
YR'
YR'
YR
NP
Massachusettes
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Miohigan
c
C
NP
YR
YR
0
Minnesota
C,S
CS
S
CS
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
&
Mississippi
NP
Missouri
C
C
NP
NP
YR
0
Montana
C
NP
YR
YR
YR
NP
Nebraska
c
c
NP
NP
NP
100,000
C
NP
NP
NP
NP
AV
Novada
New Hampshire
NP
YR
NP
YR
YR
NP
New Jersey
c
C
NP
YR
YR
.
New Mexico
NP
YR
NP
NP
YR
AV
New York
NP
C
C
NP
NP
V
C
C
NP
YR
YR
YR
North Carolina
North Dakota
YR
YR
NP
YR
NP
NP
YR
YR
NP
YR
YR
10
Ohio
Oklahoma
NP
NP
NP
YR
YR
V
Oregon
C,S
C.S
NP
NP
NP
50,000
Pennsylvania
C
S
c
NP
NP
YR
YR
V
Rhode Island
C.S
C.S
NP
NP
South Carolina
C
C
NP
YR
YR
11
South Dakota
C
c
NP
NP
YR
100,000
Tennessee
C
C
NP
NP
YR
NP
C
C
NP
NP
NEW
200,000
Texas
Utah
C
NP
NP
YR
YR
AV
Vermont
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
$
V.T
Virginia
$
NP
NP
Washington
S
NP
NP
NP
YR
NP
T
West Virginia2
Wisconsin
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
AV
Wyoming
YR
YR
YR
NP
YR
YR
AV
pretent
which
most
a
is maximum
point
on
gungsmiz
41
only ones that would be
as stringent would
- only 9 states
6 Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
be those not able to cary /
over a defecit
Z
The White House-
SENT BY:Intergovernmental Affs; 6- 4-92 :10:03AM ;
Table 3 (cont.)
State Balanced Budgets and Deficit Limitations:
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions
that a meaninal
Key
AV-Percentage of property value
NP-No provision
YR--Yes/restriction applies
T-Percentage of taxes
C-Constitutional provision
S-Statutory provision
of aimed
V-Popular vote required for any debt
1 Different provisions may apply to other long- and short-term debts.
2 Information not available.
attaned
3 May carry over only with legislative concurrence.
budget
4 Not more than 10% of prior year's net general revenues.
6 Not to exceed 20% of average of General Fund revenues for 3 fiscal years preceding: may not be exceeded by popular vote.
a Limited to 10% of 3-year average of Bond Security and Redemption Fund.
, General Fund must have positive balance at end of Fiscal year of proposed budget.
8 5% of General Fund.
9 5% of General Fund.
10 Highway, $500 million; coal, $100 million.
Limited to 5% of last completed fiscal year revenue for capital improvement bonds
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers, Budgetary Processes in the States, 1987.
624-9382 Mangha Howard, Deputy Director
43
a vast majority of states have sureting
258
- 9 states can carry over a defent
-compone
- % foudget required
- Federal proposal will cover it all ?
- For most states
in may states
- most of the
at least 1/2
vay
budget in
all you need is
state
corered
a majority of
by state
- For some only half
the elected - - in
is covered
some you need
maj of voting
a line item veto
in federal: more stringt
makes it easier for
a GOV to balance
the budget
Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations 7
E
The White House-
: 4-92 -9 Affert SENT
Davierdoring
Yrstitutional
Advistatuber
of Leg. Mains prohibits incurry debt
Teny
Lauterback
willing
la
Alaska
907/465-3800
-2450
West vinginia
2040
.304/348-451
I
598-2040
constit
or statutory
Yes
requirements stalu
balanced Art.
const
Armentrout Brian budget. 6 : See 51
Leg. services More Budy Dewritter 68
Amerdment
JIM
MURR 306 O
8 bilic
dolla
recisor-
bill his going
to sign
Thus night
get
Phil Brady