Governor George E. Pataki - Honorary Chairman

When George Pataki was Governor of New York he saw firsthand how a budget deficit can derail an economic recovery. Governor Pataki inherited a $5 billion budget deficit and turned it into a $2 billion surplus without raising taxes. Because Governor Pataki controlled spending, he was able to cut 19 taxes 81 times. The results? A booming economy that added 700,000 private sector jobs.

Governor Pataki understands that an economic recovery requires tackling the debt head-on and making tough and decisive decisions.  After defeating Democrat incumbent Mario Cuomo who had led New York State with excessive government spending and painful tax increases, the Governor knew New York needed a new direction.  New Yorkers experienced Pataki’s successful, fiscally conservative leadership and reelected him two more times in 1998 and 2002 by a 21% and 16% margin, the largest victories by a Republican in the history of New York.

Governor Pataki never lost an election because voters rewarded him for balancing the budget every year, cutting taxes, and creating private sector jobs. He has formed No American Debt because he wants the President and Republican candidates for President to understand that resolving the $15 trillion debt lies at the core of an economic recovery.

Budget

George Pataki inherited a massive budget deficit. But instead of allowing runaway spending to continue, he made the tough choices and turned a deficit into a surplus—without raising taxes.

• Deficit to Surplus: Governor Pataki took a $5 billion budget deficit and turned it into a $2 billion budget surplus without raising taxes. 
• Maximum Rainy Day Fund: Governor Pataki left office with $944 million in the Rainy Day Fund—the maximum allowed by law. 
• Veto More Debt: During his administration, Governor Pataki vetoed more than $2 billion in new debt passed by the State Legislature. 

Taxes

Because Governor Pataki controlled spending he was able to cut taxes.

• Cut Taxes: Governor Pataki cut 19 taxes 81 times.
• Cut Income, Property, and Sales Taxes: He cut income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, the estate tax, energy taxes, gas taxes, and others.
• Pay 25% Less in Taxes: The average family of four making $75,000 paid 25% less in taxes after the Pataki tax cuts. 

Jobs and Business Climate

Because Governor Pataki controlled spending and cut taxes he was able to create private sector jobs while eliminating state employees. America can too.

• Created 700,000 Private Sector Jobs: The Governor created nearly 700,000 Private Sector Jobs—including 140,000 after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
• Eliminated 25,000 State Employees: The Governor eliminated 25,000 state government employees even as the rest of America increased its state government employees by a million.
• Eliminated and Reformed 2,900 Regulations: Eliminated or significantly reformed 2,900 burdensome business regulations.
• Business Climate: Standard & Poor’s rewarded New York with a AAA level credit rating—the highest possible credit rating and New York’s best in 25 years.

Healthcare

George Pataki believes reigning in runaway government spending requires the repeal and reform of President Obama’s disastrous healthcare legislation.

• Repeal President Obama’s Healthcare Bill: Last year, George Pataki served as Chairman of Revere America, an organization dedicated to repealing President Obama’s government takeover of healthcare.
• Healthcare Principles: Governor Pataki believes healthcare must be high quality, accessible, and affordable.