To the Editor:

When I read letters to the editor demanding more government spending, it is clear many do not understand what they are asking for. It is a relief to live where the legislature has balanced the budget and lowered taxes. That takes courage, as there will always be those who insist their own area of interest was unfairly ‘attacked’ in the process of bringing spending under control. 

This year the legislature passed a large raise for teachers, yet we see some sneering about it. Those wanting more money for teachers should understand that it will come as the state economy improves. That comes by making the state competitive in drawing and keeping businesses. When people have jobs, when businesses are thriving, revenue to the state grows. In spite of an economy just beginning to improve, the legislature made raises for teachers a priority. Remember, it is the previous governor who cut teacher’s pay. 

Those who think Medicaid expansion is good are listening to the wrong people. It does not mean a cash bonanza for the state! Ask your doctor what the reimbursement rate is for seeing Medicaid patients and compare it to what you or your insurance company pays. Ask yourself if a growing bureaucracy means quality healthcare, and ask if encouraging more people to depend on the government is better than healthcare provided through a growing economy. We all want to help the needy, but it is kinder and more cost effective to do it without the federal government.

These are some of reasons I support state Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, for reelection. Ask yourself if some of the statements printed in letters supporting his opponent could possibly be true. Her website even says the General Assembly has “stolen from the poor and given to the rich.” Please don’t fall for such wild nonsense. Let’s keep North Carolina on the road to an improved economy.

Valerie Niskanen

Otto