State legislatures urge Congress, Obama to 'go big' on deficit reduction

Remember all those calls for the Super Committee to "go big" on deficit reduction? Well, the committee's history, but the "go big" supporters haven't given up.

In a letter sent to congressional leaders and President Obama, the heads of the National Conference of State Legislatures argued the country needs to restore its fiscal well-being. They wrote:

We strongly urge you, President Obama, to include in your FY 2013 proposed federal budget a comprehensive, aggressive and bold plan to address America's long-term fiscal gap. We respectfully suggest that your plan last year that would have reduced the deficit by $4 trillion is a starting point.

We likewise urge Congressional leadership to pass a budget resolution that adheres to the "go big" principle. Putting America on a sustainable fiscal path is crucial. Many members of Congress have reached that conclusion in their own proposals, letters and statements. The private sector has also voiced similar sentiments. NCSL believes that the White House and Congress need to examine all possible avenues for deficit reduction, including discretionary spending, entitlement reform and revenue-related options.

The writers close the letter by saying they "understand that funding targeted for state and local governments has been and will continue to be reduced. However, our message remains the same - states will struggle if a disproportionate and excessive burden is transferred to us."