UTAH—Support grew across Utah this week for the TRUST Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation introduced by Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) which would create committees specifically tasked to develop legislation to rescue endangered federal trust funds.
“When I ran for Senate, I talked with folks across our state to learn about their concerns and priorities. I repeatedly heard concerns about out of control federal spending, our skyrocketing national debt, and the risks they pose to future generations. We Utahns place a high priority on fiscal responsibility and living with our means, and I pledged to bring those values to Washington,” said Senator Romney. “Two-thirds of our federal spending is automatic, associated with our entitlement programs. And our entitlement programs and trust funds—Social Security, Medicare, our Highway Trust Fund—will go broke within 13 years unless Congress acts. If these trust funds go broke, middle-class Americans will face steep benefit cuts or massive tax hikes—both of which are unacceptable. I’ve teamed up with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, on the TRUST Act. We introduced this legislation to help rescue our federal trust funds because it’s irresponsible for Congress to keep ignoring a preventable crisis.”
“The Utah Taxpayers Association wholeheartedly supports the TRUST Act and salutes the efforts of Senator Romney to actually do what voters send elected officials to Washington to do – solve problems and make America stronger. The TRUST Act would take critically needed action on our country’s dire trust fund situation. Without action, taxpayers will face massive tax hikes or dramatic cuts to these programs if nothing is done.” —The Utah Taxpayers Association
“For too long, Congress has neglected its responsibility as a steward of public funds. Increasing budget debt and deficits, if not addressed, threaten to weaken the strength of the U.S. economy and erode public confidence. The TRUST Act will help reverse this troubling trend. It will strategically address the most precarious, yet essential programs to Americans. It will restore solvency in these programs and ensure their long term viability. It will also better manage federal spending and restore more prudent budgeting of federal dollars.” —Robert Spendlove, Economist and Utah State Representative (District 49)
“Too many in Congress have kicked the proverbial can down the road for far too long, burdening our children and grandchildren with the costs of their cowardice. I applaud Senator Romney’s courageous leadership in addressing a potentially devastating crisis before it’s too late. He is delivering on his promise to take fiscally conservative Utah approaches to Washington, at a time when it is needed more than ever.” —David Damschen, Utah State Treasurer
“The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce fully supports this bi-partisan effort to bring greater accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to our Nation’s Trust Funds. Our Chamber of Commerce believes that governmental spending without the maintenance of balanced budgets for vital programs threatens their stability and the economic wellness of our local businesses and our citizens. We stand with those willing to take this decisive and corrective action.” —St. George Area Chamber of Commerce
“In business, your word is your bond. The bipartisan TRUST Act will help the federal government keep its word to Americans young and old.” —Rona Rahlf, President and CEO, Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce