Ehrlich on Washington column, July 14, 1996

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 Week of July 14, 1996 THE NEW MEANING OF INDEPENDENCE DAY On July 4, 1776, the American people declared their independence from a tyrannical British monarchy. On July 4, 1996, the American people achieved their freedom once again — this time from the American government! This past July 3rd was the “Cost of Government Day” — the day on which the average American has finally earned enough money to pay off his or her share of the total cost of government. Ironically, Independence Day 1996 marked the first day that American families could spend their earnings on themselves. This year, the average American will work 1 84.6 days (50.4 percent of the calendar year) just to pay for government programs. Governmental spending at all levels remains excessive and out of control. Federal spending ($1,705 trillion) and state and local government spending ($955 billion) constitute a combined 36.5 percent of the net national product. When calculating the cost of government, it is necessary to include the cost of federal and state regulations as well. Overregulation imposes a hidden tax on businesses and individuals— killing jobs and stifling economic growth. According to the Americans for Tax Reform Foundation, federal regulations will cost the taxpayer $739 billion this year, while state regulations will take another $196 billion. All told, the total 1996 cost of government is a whopping $3,381 trillion — an average of $13,000 for every man, woman, and child in the United States.