Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie was the most recent Fiscal Fridays guest, stressing the need to reform both the tax code and entitlement programs.
Noting that much of the federal budget is devoted to entitlement programs, the New Jersey governor said last week that if they are not fixed the government’s financial problems will never be brought under control and “we’re going to sell away our children’s and grandchildren’s future.”
First Budget — an initiative of The Concord Coalition and Fix the Debt — is co-sponsoring the Fiscal Fridays interview series with NH1 News Network, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, and the Warren B. Rudman Center.
On taxes, Christie suggested that the government eliminate “every special-interest loophole and deduction” except for the deductions for home mortgage interest and charitable deductions. Ending so many special tax provisions, he said, would make it possible to lower rates without reducing government revenue.
While Christie said he would cut back on many government programs, he said he would seek “a significant increase” in defense spending.
External links:
Chris Christie Interview (Video)
Fiscal Fridays Information and Videos From Previous Interviews
