Teachers are not the only group in Alberta demanding that more tax dollars be spent. As Finance Minister Pat Nelson finalizes Alberta's budget for 2002-03, she faces immense pressure from the Ministers of Health, Learning, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Human Resources, Transportation, Children's Services, etc. Ralph Klein's choice to enlarge Alberta's cabinet to 24 has made Nelson's job even tougher. No doubt she has received many wish lists for more spending. But what about the people who are forced to pay for all of this spending? Here is a taxpayers' wish list for Pat Nelson to consider:

Don't raise health care premiums or any other tax. Before the 2001 election, Premier Klein promised Albertans that "the only way taxes are going in this province is down." It's no coincidence that Alberta, the province with the lowest taxes in Canada, also has the lowest unemployment rate. Raising taxes hurts job creation, and leaves Albertans with less of their own money in their pockets to provide for their families and give to those in need.

Cut spending on government programs to bring it in line with other provinces. Alberta spending on programs, per person, is 21% higher than the Canadian provincial average. If Ontario spends $4,561 per person on health care and other programs, why is Alberta spending $6,513 per person? Alberta government spending has gone up 56% in the past five years, compared to 10% population growth and 14% inflation during the same period. Raising taxes would only encourage more spending.

For every government ministry, program, and project, ask the following questions: is it really necessary for government to perform this task? Can it not be accomplished by charities, communities and other voluntary associations? Is this program or project so important that it justifies taking money away from a young family? Let those three questions guide your spending cuts. Albertans are generous with their time and money when they know that they can make a real difference. Albertans can and will solve social problems with more compassion, and less waste and bureaucracy, than any government program ever can. The quality of life and the dignity of citizens is enhanced when people have more money to support their own families, churches and communities.

Remember what Albertans told you in the "Talk it up, Talk it out" and "It's your money" surveys: debt repayment and tax cuts rank far, far ahead of more spending on government programs.

Cut corporate income tax from 13.5% to 11.5% as scheduled. In today's global economy, we can't afford to lose our Alberta Advantage to B.C. or Ontario. Corporate tax is included in the price of every product and service purchased by Albertans. Reducing that tax puts money in the pockets of consumers, and helps to create jobs.

Limit the increases in government spending to inflation plus population growth. Albertans are tired of massive spending increases, then cuts, then another spending spree, then more cuts, etc. Stop this budget roller coaster. Give health care and infrastructure steady, reliable budgets they can count on year after year. Washington and other U.S. states have spending control laws which save taxpayers billions of dollars while still funding core programs. Let's learn from them.

Good luck, Pat, and put taxpayers first in 2002-03!