I just reviewed recent statistics from the Census Bureau and other government agencies, and was troubled to see our Volunteer State up so high on lists reflecting poorly on our citizens. It seems that we are one of the best states at “volunteering” ourselves to the public trough and adding to the nation’s horrendous national debt.
During the campaign season last fall, some folks were bragging to me that they were proud of our incumbents because Tennessee takes in more Federal dollars than we send to Washington. It’s true. According to TAXFOUNDATION.ORG, Tennessee receives $1.27 for every dollar we send to Washington, D.C. The problem is, 31 other states and D.C. also take in more than they pay. Any wonder why our deficit spending is out of control! My friends were essentially proud that other states were allowed to subsidize our lack of thrift while the Feds still had to borrow to make up the remaining gap.
This would be less troubling if we were getting positive results from our excess share of Federal dollars, but I was truly disheartened to see what made Tennessee such a huge recipient of the federal dole. Here’s some of why we take in so many Federal dollars:
· Tennessee is #5 in per capita Welfare caseloads
· We are #3 (behind D.C. and Miss.) in Food Stamp recipients
· Our state was #3 in the violent crime rate (more Federal costs)
· 33 other states have a better employment record
· We are #11 of 50 states in persons below the poverty level
And for all our extra dollars from Uncle Sam we have the 6th worst high school graduation rate (we’re only 1 point better than the District of Columbia), the 4th worst ACT results, we rank #41 in having people with the skills for the “New Economy” knowledge jobs, and unemployment in West Tennessee remains among the highest in the nation.
I love our state, and we do have so much for which we can be proud. From the cotton fields of West Tennessee, through the streets of Music City, and all the way to good ole “Rocky Top” in the east, Tennessee has so much to offer and lots of braggin’ rights.
But as the boy had to finally say to everyone “The King has no clothes” we must be honest with ourselves and confess that there are many in our great State who would rather live on the dole through our tax dollars than to get up, go out, and get to work.
I know times are tough and there are real needs, but time and experience has shown me that, unfortunately, there are real deadbeats too. Last summer when the unemployment extension was held up for a week or so, my company suddenly had a swarm of applicants ready to work. Just as soon as the unemployment benefits were re-instated, suddenly most of these applicants were no longer interested. Some might argue that I am blaming the “victims”, but as Ted Nugent once responded to Rosanne Barr, “what, the victims of sleeping in?”
Folks, I want Tennesseans to be too proud to take the easy dole, do more directly from the community to help our friends and neighbors in need, and show more concern for the economic health of our country and the future of our kids. We cannot continue adding to the national debt without dire consequences, including the increased sloth and dependency of our citizens.
Ronald Reagan once said “Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." More on the first two points at a later date, but it’s time we stop subsidizing those who can, but won’t work. It’s time Tennessee stop being one of the top 5 Welfare States.
Jim Hardin
