Anders Votes Against the State Budget

I wanted to give you a quick update on why I voted against the state budget—and why I will likely continue to vote no unless there are real changes that reduce the size and scope of government.

This year's budget is $252 million more than last year's. That’s not just a number—it’s an expansion of government at your expense.

Let me be clear: government spending is a tax.

Every single dollar the government spends is taken from someone—from you.

And it doesn’t stop there. Even when the state isn’t directly taxing you, they’re creating new ways to do it indirectly.

I can’t even tell you how many bills I’ve voted NO on this session because they would allow counties or municipalities to raise your taxes—local sales taxes, hotel taxes, service fees—you name it.

It’s a death by a thousand cuts, and it all adds up to less money in your pocket.

On top of that, we’re all feeling the impact of the inflation tax.

When government overspends, it drives up the cost of everything—gas, groceries, housing.

That’s yet another hidden tax, and it hits the hardest-working West Virginians the most.

The current budget goes far beyond the constitutional bounds of government.

I took an oath to uphold the Constitution, and that means I cannot in good conscience vote for bloated spending that grows government and chips away at your liberty.

I voted against the budget and most spending bills unless the funds are going toward the core duties of government: protecting life, individual liberty, and private property.

Every dollar spent beyond those duties only grows the bureaucracy, adds inefficiency, and takes more of your property—your paycheck.

Just because I don’t believe the government should do something doesn’t mean I don’t believe it should be done.

But government is always the least efficient, least effective, and most costly way to do anything.

I’ll keep fighting for a leaner, constitutional government that respects your liberty and your wallet.