Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. form letter to constituent, Fall 1991

Date Dear: Many of you have written to me over the past few weeks concerning the 1992 budget deficit, proposals to increase the sales tax, the Governor's plan to cut 83 State Troopers, proposed MEDEVAC and DDA reductions, and state spending priorities in general . Accordingly, I thought it appropriate to respond to your cards, letters, and phone calls by providing you with my views on these important issues: 1) I will not be pressured into supporting any tax increase on the basis of the Governor's "pressure play" at the Board of Public Works last week. The saving of troopers' jobs, MEDEVAC helicopters, the General Public Assistance Program, and drug/alcohol abuse prevention programs simply does not necessitate the draconian measures adopted by the Governor. These cuts were not a legitimate attempt to downsize government, but merely a power play to pressure the Speaker of the House to call for another special session on taxes. Fortunately, Speaker Mitchell is holding firm on his position in opposition to yet another special session this fall. Simply put, I believe government should be downsized, but not in areas like public safety and health where government can and does perform its appropriate function. 2) A number of legitimate cost-cutting measures have been proposed by the House Republican Caucus, of which I am a member. I have enclosed a press release regarding these proposals. Please feel free to communicate with me your views concerning these measures. ^ a_CL9 •