Governor Scott Walker believes that “first do no harm,” ought to be the guiding principle when it comes to negotiations in Washington on the fiscal cliff. And harm, in the governor’s view, would result from any tax increase.
“I don’t mean that fiscally or in terms of funding for the state, I mean in terms of the economy,” Walker said. “We’re seeing a slow recovery, but at least it’s heading in the right direction. My number one concern is that anything that would be done in Washington would somehow dampen or stop that recovery.”
AUDIO: Governor Scott Walker (2:00)
The governor said he would favor a short-term solution over any comprehensive fix that might harm the economic recovery. “Long term, the best way we deal with this fiscal issue, is through more revenue coming in, not through higher taxes,” he said.
Asked whether he thought the 2010 report by the Simpson-Bowles Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform would represent a good starting point, Walker said he opposed revenue enhancements. “When people talk about revenue enhancements, what that really means is tax increases,” he said. “I’m not convinced that taking more money out of the economy and putting it in the hand of the government is the best way to see our recovery continue.”
