Columbus, OH – Today the Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity—the nation’s premier advocate of economic freedom—responded to President Obama’s budget proposal with a message that, once again, the President has produced a budget that never balances, creates trillion-dollar yearly deficits, and uses campaign rhetoric instead of pro-growth tax policy.

Americans for Prosperity Ohio State Director Katie Eagan commented, “President Obama has delivered another unrealistic budget proposal. This budget is further proof that the President’s policies are out of touch with Ohioans and the real challenges facing our state. Instead of facing tough problems head on, President Obama has relied on budgeting gimmicks and imposing higher taxes that keep Ohio and our nation even farther from prosperity. When Ohio faced an $8 billion budget shortfall, our leaders closed that gap without the use of tax hikes or one-time money. The Buckeye State is proof that real leaders are willing to make tough choices to ensure responsible government spending and accountable use of taxpayer dollars.”

The budget includes $1.9 trillion in higher taxes while the economy struggles to regain its footing. These tax hikes merely afford Washington politicians more dollars to spend and undermines any attempt to control federal spending. These policies affirm that President Obama is more concerned with campaign rhetoric about taxing the rich than using proven policies to restore economic growth.

Even with all these new taxes, the President foresees a $1.3 trillion deficit for this year; the fourth straight year with a trillion-dollar deficit. For 2013, Obama's budget projects a deficit of $901 billion, but if we strip out the budget’s unrealistic assumptions, yet another trillion-dollar-plus deficit is nearly certain.

While his previous budget was unanimously rejected 97-0 by Harry Reid’s U.S. Senate, President Obama remains unwilling to show real leadership on our nation’s largest budget challenges: Medicaid and Social Security.

Katie Eagan concluded, “The continuation of tax and spend policies does nothing to bring about prosperity and economic growth. President Obama should take a cue from Ohio—address the nation’s budget crisis by controlling spending and having the courage to make tough decisions for the sake of our country.”

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Katie Eagan at (614)600-6500 or KEagan@afphq.org.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org