
Drawing on her financial background, Sarah advocates for reducing government waste and cutting unnecessary spending.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Shaped by her years of experience managing complex budgets in both her family’s private medical practice and the development of a large multi-specialty real estate project, Sarah deeply understands the importance of fiscal responsibility. She recognizes that Mississippi's economic future depends on careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Sarah believes in the principles of limited government and responsible spending, ensuring that public resources are directed where they are most needed without burdening future generations with unsustainable debt.
​
Drawing on her financial background, Sarah advocates for reducing government waste and cutting unnecessary spending. She supports policies that streamline state and federal programs, ensuring they operate efficiently and without duplication. Her experience managing the financial side of a healthcare practice for over a decade taught her the value of balancing costs while delivering high-quality services, a lesson she believes can be applied to government operations at both the state and national levels.
​
To promote fiscal responsibility, Sarah would push for a balanced budget, reducing excessive regulation that stifles business growth, and fostering an environment that encourages private investment. By focusing on pro-growth policies, she believes Mississippi can strengthen its economy, increase job opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens—all while maintaining a strong commitment to financial discipline and accountability.
​
1. Implement Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) for State Agencies
-
Implementation: Mandate that all state agencies start each fiscal year from a zero base, rather than assuming the previous year’s budget as a starting point. Each agency must justify every dollar requested, ensuring that all spending aligns with priorities and goals. Establish a state-level fiscal oversight committee to audit and ensure compliance with the new budgeting process.
-
Expected Impact: This will reduce unnecessary spending and ensure that state funds are allocated only to essential programs, improving the efficiency and accountability of state government operations. Over time, it could lead to significant cost savings.
​
2. Enforce a Statewide Cap on Government Spending Growth
-
Implementation: Introduce legislation to cap state government spending growth at the rate of inflation plus population growth. Any increase above this cap would require a two-thirds majority vote in the state legislature. Use the cap to force lawmakers to prioritize spending, cut inefficient programs, and redirect funds to areas that are in genuine need.
-
Expected Impact: A cap on spending growth will prevent fiscal irresponsibility, promote long-term sustainability, and reduce the risk of budget deficits. It will encourage efficiency and discourage excessive taxation to cover wasteful expenditures.
​
3. Reduce State Debt by Paying Down Liabilities
-
Implementation: Establish a dedicated "Debt Reduction Fund" where surplus state revenues, instead of being used for new programs, will be allocated to pay down Mississippi’s state debt and unfunded pension liabilities. Prioritize pension reform by transitioning new state employees to a hybrid or defined-contribution plan, gradually reducing the strain on the state’s finances.
-
Expected Impact: By paying down state debt, Mississippi will reduce the burden of interest payments on taxpayers, freeing up funds for other priorities. Pension reform will protect retirees while ensuring long-term fiscal stability.
​
4. Create Public-Private Partnerships to Improve Infrastructure
-
Implementation: Introduce legislation that incentivizes private investment in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and broadband access, through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Streamline the regulatory approval process to make it easier for private firms to partner with the state on infrastructure development.
-
Expected Impact: These partnerships will reduce the need for state spending on large-scale infrastructure projects while still ensuring that Mississippi's infrastructure is modernized and maintained. Private investment will spur job creation and economic growth without overburdening the state budget.
​
5. Increase Transparency and Accountability in Government Spending
-
Implementation: Launch a comprehensive online transparency portal where all state and local government expenditures are made public, updated in real-time. Every taxpayer will have access to this portal to track how their money is being spent. Mandate regular audits of state programs, publishing the results publicly to highlight inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
-
Expected Impact: This level of transparency will increase public trust in government, reduce the likelihood of corruption or wasteful spending, and allow citizens to hold elected officials accountable for their fiscal decisions. Over time, this will promote a culture of fiscal responsibility in Mississippi.