Robert L. Poelstra - May 14, 2012

If we elimated all the programs from the Federal budet that don’t work how much of the tax payers money would we save?
If we were able to deregulate many of the things that hinder private enterprise in this country how many jobs and how much wealth would that create?
If we were able to get past OSHA and the EPA and mine our coal, drill for our oil, drill for natural gas, and build at least 100-150 new refineries, build 100 new nuclear power plants in this country and put everybody on notice in six months all entitlement programs end. How many long term jobs would that create? and how much revenue? Changing the tax code to either a flat tax or fair tax? So everyone pays there fair share. Privatize education, and Deregulate health care, along with major tort reform. Make photo I.D. mandatory in order to vote. Shouldn’t we as citizens be able to arrest our public officals for treason and many other crimes against the citizens of the United Stated?

Ann Van De Water - May 15, 2012

Sounds good on paper, now get it out there for the public to see and perhaps decide to vote Republican after all. What about all the waste in government? All those vacant government buildings and properties costing millions a year. What about all the tax credits going to illegals amounting to over 4 billion a year. Need to do some real digging to get rid of all this waste, then it would go a long way to balancing the budget or used for our defense.

rosech - May 15, 2012

Great way to start America back to the Constitution and reality. We cannot have multiple entitlements, we cannot continue to rob Social Security of our money, we need to either combine and/or remove duplication in departments, employees, remove czars and let Congress know they are OUR employees, we are not their pocketbook! We need to use OUR own resources and not pay through the nose to countries that hate us. We owe them nothing! Withdraw our troops from the way too many countries who only want our money but despise us. Get feds out of our faces, education, health, homes, etc. IDs for everyone for voting, as well as any welfare we permit to be given, and allow welfare recipients to get education to get off the public dole. Print our voting and other documents ONLY in English! We’ll save a bundle just doing that alone.

Claude Masters - May 15, 2012

Looks like it is right on. Probably address the issue of immigration a little better

Duncan Campbell - May 15, 2012

I beleve “we the people”must serch and find theroot of the mess we see in our government in washington and elseware in this land that our GOD put us in charge of. Marxism in DC has an agenda. UN control of OUR land and you might look up “Agenda 21″ Maurice Strong, then George Soros. Education is needed. dc

Roger W. Sheaffer - May 15, 2012

Excellent, common sense plan that will stop our economic decline.

Richard J Hanley, jr - May 15, 2012

If Senator lee’s proposed budget does what you have described, then, by all means let us get on with it. Senator Lee, like all other members of Congress were elected to do the people’s work. sadly, only a few of these men and woman have taken their responsibilities seriously. No Senator is beholden to another senator but, only to the people who elected him. Thank you senator Lee for taking the initiative. Please go the next step and attempt to get the balance of the Senate to go alon g or come up with some alternative. Talk is cheap–this country needs action, Quickly.

Linda Whited - May 15, 2012

I believe this is a budget that starts us on the right track very quickly and if it is from The Heritage Foundation I am a believer in that. Mike Lee is great and sincere!!

Edith Kurie - May 15, 2012

I am so fed up with seeing taxpayer’s hard-earmed monies wasted, not just on loosely-guarded entitlement programs where most recipients basically steal from those who work because they do not want to work, but on so many bloated, over-staffed federal agencies. This is a plan that will streamline the budget and prevent big government waste.

Cynthia G. Hale - May 15, 2012

Senator Lee’s budget sounds like music to my ears! It certainly would be a great place to start.

Our government is so out of control, we need to roll government back like a foul carpet and once again align ourselves with the vision and winning formula of freedom designed by our Founding Fathers and penned in the Constitution.

Further, we must eliminate any department or bureau or law specifically designed to torment We The People. If We The People comprise the government and invest it wth power, then that government ought never be predatory, but remember its place. “Where the people fear the government you have tyranny. Where the government fears the people you have liberty.”

Admiral Robert Lewis O’Dell Jr - May 15, 2012

There is a certain reminder that we are not facing this problem in America as just the Conservative Movement and The Whole Nation needs to here about this, in its entirity too. My Lifetime Republican Membership was thrown out the window because there is a Conspiracy within Our Government that plans on Bankrupting Our Nation and refuses to payoff the debt or Balance the Budget too. The problem is there are too many people making policy and no one backing anything up. Because no one is willing to do the unthinkable and that is to tell the TRuth about the American Dream. This one could well serve Our Nation as a Role Model Plan but there are certain People in Washington and in Utah that don’t like me because I told the Truth. They have been trying to eliminate me through attempts on my Life and Torture as well as National Security Conspiracies to boot, because these People did not want me to talk to The very People that I have known and Been Awarded by, for a long time. Both within the Republican and The Conservative Movements. Even the Democrats will be willing to listen as soon as someone tells the Truth about my Lifetime membership, to the REpublican Party being removed from Washington and The Threats and Life threatening attempts on my life too, both by the President Obama and Mitt Romney too. They will laugh it off and remain in denial, but Heritage knows better and knows of my Rewards for Fighting this war both against Government corruption as well as against Terrorism and Crime too. So now I am the Villain and The Real Villains sre continuing to Tear Down My REputation and destroy my work and Destroy my Country with a massive compromise of Our Nations Treasury. Thanks for The Moment to remind You that I am still Here and registered as a Conservative Broke and Poor left in Poverty and unrewarded for 39 yrs of Patriotism and Scorned by me fellow citizens, but although I have been Investigated by Our National SEcurity and passed the Test, now these creeps are on their heels because I still have memory of what Happened to me. So beware that the enemy is within Our Government and still hates the Truth. Thanks Admiral Robert Lewis O’Dell Jr. SealTeam and Shaodow President under Bush Jr. The Phoenix Group. I voted for McCain too, not for this conspiracy. God Bless

Oscar Borwn - May 15, 2012

I’m thankful that Sen. Lee has put forth a comprehensive act to rein in the massive budget. I prefer the Fair Tax, a national consumption tax that eliminates the 16th Amendment and makes us the tax haven of the world, but otherwise it’s great. Now, to get it to the floor for discussion and a vote.

Tom Harbin - May 15, 2012

It all sounds good and like it could solve problems except for the 25% tax rate. That is a 10% increase in taxes for me.
My annual income is around 27,000 and my taxrate is about 15% now.
It just sounds as if you are wanting us low income folks to pay alot more so higher income folks can pay a smaller percentage taxrate.
Other than giving me less to live on, the plan sounds alot better than what we have now.

Virginia Reaves - May 15, 2012

Sounds to me like Mike Lee has a great grasp of the problem and possibly has the solution

Joseph C. Beck - May 15, 2012

The most important aspect of Mike Lee;s proposal is that it appears to have an opportunity to come to the floor of the senate and be voted on. It would be the first budget passed by the Senate in over 3 years. As I understand the process, this would allow a reconciliation process to begin with the House Ryan budget. This means it would have to come before the American public in some form or other. Hopefully it would present us with a chance to avoid continuing resolutions. If we can hold the Repub. together and find 8 or 9 Democrats we could get it passed.

Jim Hall - May 15, 2012

I am excited about the possibility of a sound approach to a budget from the Senate. If only God will move in the hearts of the senators to enable them to pass it!

Lloyd Smith - May 15, 2012

Senator Lee is on a path for restoration of America’s solvency and integrity. Although the truth is in the details of the implementation a top level commitment would provide a guide for a nation that once again stands out for its innovation and willingness to take action to remain powerful and commited to the freedoms of individuals through the rule of law, equitable applied to all. Citizens of the United States should not be afraid to be identified and standout, while non-citizens should recognize that they are our guests. Our elected officials shall serve their consituents, and shall remain totally accountable for their actions, or in-action. Senator Lee, following The Heritage Foundation “Saving The American Dream”, is right on. I wish him well.

J. Manning - May 15, 2012

I’m all for any plan that will shrink the size of Government,but just remember Social Security is not an entitlement .

Wayne Peterkin - May 15, 2012

There have been several recent budget proposals by different Senators of which Sen Lee’s is one. All have merit and I support them. My primary fear is whether any such sensible changes will happen soon enough. With a $16 Trillion debt, we may be past the tipping point already. Nonetheless, we must try to right the sinking ship, and these proposals are great news if we can get it done.

Gerald Wahlberg - May 15, 2012

Mike Lee’s budget is exactly what our country needs to do. Politicians and the people who demand their perceived entitlements will fight tooth and nail to see that it is not passed, especially in an election year.

William Skinner - May 15, 2012

The ideas about seniors treatment is not clear enough.
What happens to those already on Medicare? If they are cut off, what can they buy at how much with the premium support?

I like the breadeth of the plan, but where does it take
us with seniors?

Tom Lanners - May 15, 2012

Sen. Mike Lee introducing a budget based on Heritage’s Saving the American Dream Plan is great.
Now we have Ryan in the House and Lee in the Senate.

Now, since the lame stream media won’t get the message out, use social media, and possibly Fox News.

Also, make sure you educate Romney and his people.

It would be great if Romney actually believed and understood the plan.

I also recommend Intellectualtakeout.org an organization our Family Foundation helped get going.

Cheers!

Arlene Carle - May 15, 2012

This plan substantially increases my federal taxes. As a retiree, I no longer pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. This plan reinstitutes those taxes for all retirees. Why does the federal government need 25% of all income? By the time you add local property, sales and other taxes, half of all income would go to government.

John Jacksonne - May 15, 2012

I want the best combination of the John Hofmeister (former Shell CEO) Lee, Mack, Paul, Romney and Ryan plans for budgets and the economy.

john - May 15, 2012

sounds like a wonderful plan. do you think any of those people we call congressmen or congresswomen will understand, agree and vote for this plan? I hope they will come to their senses and forget about party alliance.

John Jacksonne - May 15, 2012

Rev. 1: 1) The federal government should use its bully pulpit to force the states to cutting way back by about 75% as a start. After reducing taxes by 75% we can adjust downward for there. 2) I want the best combination of the John Hofmeister (former Shell CEO) Lee, Mack, Paul, Romney and Ryan plans for budgets and the economy.

William F Mc Laughlin - May 15, 2012

If we do not accept this or a similar plan America will be a nation of the past.America is the last car on the train to disaster . Obama and Congress are the conductors. A simplified Tax system is definitely a must. Increased revenue for the government with no exceptions at a lower rate will include all Americans .The present code is too complicated for even the IRS to understand. The people will save money since they will not have pay someone to file their taxes.

Loyd Prior - May 15, 2012

I sincerely believe that this plan or one very similar to it is the only hope this nation has.

Marti - May 16, 2012

Sounds great. Thank God for Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action. We know what needs to be done and now we have these two organizatons to really get the word out and to “educate” our elected officials and more of the citizens. Hopefully, we can actually get some work done.

linda glaser - May 16, 2012

im waiting for someone to start elimination things like free tuition for congress’ kids. roll back congress saleries and all their perks. cut off past presidents perks. no more free anything just because you’re elected. does ryans budget eliminate foreign aid???when are we going to stop subsidizing private industries? and i want hemp to be legalized to grow and to use all of its potential. thank you.

JohnB - May 16, 2012

Senator Lee’s plan is basic, common-sense thinking which, I hate to break the news, is not an epiphany at this point in our nation’s history; we’ve had various people in leadership roles talking about entitlement reform, getting back to First Principles, and trimming back the size and scope of government for decades. The difference lies in who introduces the ideas (again) and how vulnerable that proponent is to attack from the political Left. I’m sure that Senator Lee will be eyed and targeted for attack at some near-distant point; but it is up to the body of citizens to finally become galvanized in doing what has to be done–regardless of the attacks, the spurning, and the derision from the Left. I am a small-business person that knows PLAINLY that the way our government and economic system is being run, CANNOT be sustained, or financed along, or patched up with the duct tape of empty promises. If our system doesn’t get FUNDAMENTAL change to align it with proven economic laws and principles, we WILL transform into a third-world country. And the current shepherding of the system by the status quo is not by accident. The Left, and many in the Republican establishment, CANNOT be ignorant to the fact of where we are going–with the out-of-control spending and entitlements. If you doubt me on this, then for much of you, go try to get a job in the Federal Government, and see how they vet you for not being “at the top of your class” in college, not being a scholar, and not having certain “credentials.” Yet, the people that are in government, who have the “credentials” to fill those roles of power in all the agencies, CANNOT control spending, or the “mission-creep” of government scope. It is intentional what they are doing. Even a guy like me can connect the dots on that one.

JohnB - May 16, 2012

Admiral Robert Lewis O’Dell Jr? Huh?

Who are you? Is that some kind of joke? You don’t even appear on a name search, and you can’t even spell.

William Metcalfe - May 16, 2012

OK! Prior to 1913 we had mortgages, health insurance, and higher education. Eliminate those deductions and close the door to a future “vote grabbing” congress adding more loopholes to the code. Then reduce the flat tax to 10% on 100% of income with future restrictions on increases.

Gregory W. Ganser - May 16, 2012

Bear with me: Social Security was originally set up as a non-taxed “independent fund” for our country’s most-vulnerable and indigent. Lyndon Johnson and the democratic-controlled house moved this fund into the general fund so congress could spend it. Which party put an original tax on Soc Security: democratic party. Which party increased tax: democratic party with Al Gore casting the deciding vote. Which party decided to make this system immigrant-eligible at 65 (without having to pay a dime into it)?…the democratic party. And today the democrats successfuly campaign on telling the voter that the republicans are going to steal your social security.
I get infuritated when we are told that we are “entitled” to such little fruits of our hard-earned years of social security taxes (12.04% tax for us small business owners). The system needs to be redefined as to what purpose it serves: an income replacement program or a safety net for basic survival of the indigent/poverty-stricken minority of the population. If an income replacement program, then don’t tell the productive contributors that they are too wealthy or not eligible to receive after years of contributing.
I like the overall outline, but you have fallen into the liberal trap of the “entitlement mentality”.
Also, it social security is the “gold standard” in supplemental retirement, then congress should move from their Golden Fleece Retirement Plan and contribute/lead/suffer within this bankrupt system.

Perley Patrick - May 16, 2012

Any budget will be better than what we have now, no budget

Tommy Valdes - May 16, 2012

It’s a good beginning and long over due. Politicians should stop deceiving the voters into believing our entitlements are fully funded and realistic while knowing full well that they aren’t. They should stop kicking the can down the street and stand up and be accountable for their actions and positions. Every vote should be for the betterment of societal issues and NOT WHAT WILL GET THEM RE-ELECTED next cycle. If politicians were worth electing in the first place, they would vote term limits to remove career politicians from remaining on the job long before they begin to be self serving. Another dumb idea that should be eliminated is congress’ use of the social security funds as their own ad hoc rainy day budget; it should be off limits to anything other than an insurance fund for seniors who contributed and exclude all foreign aliens as well. Tommy V- May 16,2012

Tommy Valdes - May 16, 2012

While I’m on this soap box allow me to add another pet peeve about our less than honorable politicians. When did they become the royalty of our society here in America? What self serving decisions did they make that allows them to enjoy more entitlements than the constituents that elected them? What makes them so special that they are so entitled to get better pension benefits than any other citizen in the USA? It’s a sad state of affairs that congress has to pass dedicated laws to keep politicians from gaining the system in the stock market when everyone knows full well that insider trading (or knowledge) is unlawful. Do we need new laws to tell them that they shouldn’t act like like indecent citizens? The laws they enact for all of us should apply to them as well and that should be a part of all new legislation passed in congress. What benefits us should benefit them as well. No different. Royalty doesn’t exist in our country and they should stop acting like someone special when they’re not. This entitlement attitude permeates everything they say and do. We as a whole should vote them out each new session to force them to be less self serving.

E. King - May 16, 2012

I believe it sounds so realistic and solves the mess our present government has put us in; lets hope they can find it in themselves to make this change and give this country some real “hope & change that we haven’t seen up till now. The real problem though is Obama doesn’t want the right change, he wants this country to fail and he himself has said so much in some of his speeches, he wants to “rule” over us and make all decisions for us, as he is the truly smart one and knows what’s best for all of us. We are all fools! I agree with Rober L. Poelstra, let’s make some positive changes that are best for this country, not just the Democrats and their “ilk”. Contact Fox news, let Bill O’Reilly and all the news team know about this great plan and start this government back on track and bring back some sanitity to the United States of America!!! First start with our immense debt, get people working again and bring back some hope for people, stop the illegals from crossing our borders and all their entitlements, his crazy Obama health plan, no drilling here, just in Brazil so Soros can continue to make billions of dollars, fire his “CZARS”, our future depends on these changes and very soon!!!!! Sop Michelle & all her friends from taking all these expensive vacations, on our dime while we can’t afford to even go to a restraurant or shop for anything new!!!

M. J. Castro - May 16, 2012

Now get Boehner and his friends out there to armtwist the Senate into action.

Don Raposo - May 16, 2012

I love what you people are doing, keep up the great work and we will defeat these dumb liberals in Washington. I want Mitch to make and executive order in January that will limit all of congress to only two terms, and that’s it. We need to get rid of all this dead thinking in Washington and I know that will correct the problem immediately. Thank you for again. God Bless America

Don Raposo

75 years old and retired
Norcross, GA

Lindley King - May 16, 2012

Hey guys, keep up the good work & get spending under control, balance the budget, if the Harry Reid & the President of propose one. Sincerely, Lindley King

Bob Voris - May 16, 2012

Tax Reform-Tax rate of 25% is too high. Eliminate government involvement in all areas not allowed by Constitution. Eliminate capital gains tax or at least index the gain to the rate of inflation. Earned Income Tax Credit is a wealth transfer payment (welfare). Many respondents have indicated many areas that can be cut to reduce the size and cost of government that should achieve spending cuts to allow a tax rate of below 20%.

Mike Grattan - May 16, 2012

Good start. Just because cutting descretionary spending doesn’t solve the deficit problem doesn’t mean that we should not take a very hard look at duplication, what works and what doesn’t work. I still think that we could do better with a consumption tax vs. a flat tax. A flat tax taxes income whereas a consumption tax would tax all spending. There is a hugh underground economy in this country and a consumption tax would get to those dollars that are not counted as income by many.

Paula Abbott - May 19, 2012

Let’s everyone continue firm in our commitment to keep this nation constitutionally strong, legislating our own hearts to moral upright behavior, and holding our representatives’ feet to the fire to do the same. Only with a good moral people can this nation survive – with God’s help. Lee’s plan is on target.

hartford a henry - May 25, 2012

it is not agressive enough to reduce gov size and does not deal enough with the obligations of wall street speculators and financiers, nor, obligations of the fortunate ceos and large business leaders who with directors of corps….control their own financial rewards take from the corporations, at will….disregarding the many shearholders (indirect…thru mutual funds( who not only have, no vote but may not (as quasi..partners) receive no investment return) because no dividends are declared or paid///