Under our approach the fiscal gap is closed by 2001, under the Governor's approach the gap remains. Spending less also means less taxes. More spending by the Governor means more taxes. This means that we don't have to reinstitute an income tax like the Governor had proposed for next year. You also won't see the Governor's proposed tax increase of 14 cents a gallon on gasoline.
Less spending does mean less taxes.
And we are on track in the third year of our five year plan to close the gap and live within our means. But our plan to live within our means isn't only about reducing spending, it's also about prioritizing. In the last three years we have spent more money on education, more money on public safety, and more money on foster care and child protection while at the same time reducing our fiscal gap. Well educated, safe and healthy kids are our top priority. But spending more money isn't the only answer.