Noem Talks Fiscal Cliff

With the election over, you may have heard politicians talk about the "fiscal cliff."  If congress does not act, the set expiring tax and spending cuts would automatically begin at the end of this year.

"Well, it's going to be a serious situation if we don't do something to avert it," Rep. Kristi Noem said.

Both parties want to avoid the fiscal cliff, a situation many believe could impact economic growth and lead to another recession.  All the so-called "bush tax cuts" on income, investments, married couples, families and inheritances would expire. It will also cut the budgets of 1,200 government programs. 

Many economists believe that will drive national unemployment above nine percent pushing the country back into recession.

Noem said not moving forward could mean $3,500 more in taxes per year for the average household in America and South Dakota. Noem has said she hopes lawmakers can compromise and work together.

"We can learn a lot from the families in South Dakota. They've tightened their belts; they've gotten rid of spending in areas that they simply can't afford to make sure their priorities are funded. That's the lesson Washington, D.C. needs to learn," Noem said.

If lawmakers cannot agree on a long-term fix, there could be a temporary solution that would keep tax extensions while Congress works out a permanent solution.  Either way, it will need to happen before the calendar turns to 2013.

"People holding public office, their jobs are to be servants. It's not to go there to be concerned about their careers or their futures, but to really make sure they're taking care of families back home," Noem said.