The State Government Leadership Foundation is committed to educating decision makers on how to best achieve and foster economic prosperity in their home states. The State Government Leadership Foundation is committed to supporting policies that provide for smaller and more efficient government, which ultimately gives way to the competitive environment and outstanding entrepreneurship that keeps the American economy strong, state by state.

The SGLF further believes that economic prosperity goes hand in hand with lowering the tax burden, while simultaneously decreasing government spending. We believe a lower tax burden will not only help America’s families, but that it will also assist in America’s road to economic recovery. The SGLF also supports lower government spending at the state level, and thus, policies that hold governments responsible for their spending habits.

Free market principles work best in our economy and help foster the entrepreneurial spirit that America is known for. By eliminating harmful and burdensome government red tape and by decreasing taxes and limiting spending, American businesses will be able to flourish.

State leaders must look for ways to incentivize businesses to open or relocate in their state. States that do this best have less government regulations, lower business taxes, more tax incentives, and other economic development programs designed to stimulate growth.

• The ballooning cost of government has forced legislators to consider tax increases as a means to balance their budgets. The SGLF supports making government leaner and more efficient in order to avoid tax and fee increases. Families have had to make difficult decisions on how to save money in this economic downturn, and governments must do the same. Belt tightening is also good for future fiscal policy and helps state governments be proactive rather than reactive.
• Spending too much is not an excuse for raising taxes. In order to stay true to prudent fiscal policy, states must reign in government spending instead of forcing citizens to dish out more of their hard-earned money—especially during these difficult economic times.
• Rainy Day Funds, much like savings accounts, are also wise financial reserves to have in case of emergencies.
• Recurring expenses should not be funded with one-time revenue sources. Once that money dries up, the recurring expense will still be present, thus creating an even bigger issue of how to fund it in the future.
• Identifying cost saving in all areas of the budget serves as a responsible budget strategy, while also ensuring that no area of the budget remain immune from cuts, especially in these economic conditions.