National TV Ad: Washington Could Learn a Lot from Greece

Today, Washington Could Learn A Lot, a project of the Public Notice Research and Educational Fund (PNREF), launches its second national television ad, “Washington Could Learn A Lot From Greece.” Beginning on February 13^th, the ad will be airing on Bloomberg, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNBC.

Despite bailouts and tax increases, many European countries are struggling with massive debts that are seriously affecting budgets and hurting economic growth and job creation. We must ask ourselves – could the U.S. be next and forced to make decisions based on the demands of creditors?

Americans are already feeling the effects of out-of -control government spending: a fragile economy, downgraded credit rating and inability to fund necessary programs due to enormous liabilities. The absence of leadership in Washington has left our country more than $15 trillion in debt.

Although President Obama is releasing his 2013 budget today, it is made meaningless because Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated he has no plans to pass any budget. Congress last passed a budget on April 29, 2009 – nearly three years ago. As such, Washington has no plan to get their rampant spending under control.

Gretchen Hamel, President of Public Notice Research & Education Fund, said:

“The U.S. national debt has grown to over $136,000 per household. If leaders – both on the left and the right – in Washington continue to ignore the fiscal predicament facing our country, we could encounter crippling consequences. Those elected to public office have a choice: deal with government overspending now, or allow our creditors to make those choices for us in the future.

“Washington should act upon this with great haste and urgency. We need a sound plan and real reform in order to avoid a future financial collapse. Simply submitting budgets and crafting plans that call for spending cuts and debt reduction doesn't cut it. We need real leadership and decisive action.

“Rather than emulating their irresponsibility, Washington should learn from the fiscal failures of Greece and other European nations. We must act now.”

View ad, click HERE
Fact sheet, click HERE

Script of ad:

Washington could learn a lot from Greece. France. Italy.
Swimming in debt, caused by government spending they couldn't sustain.
Think it couldn't happen here?
California. (Text “California needs to find $3 billion”)
Illinois. (Text “Illinois Budget is dripping with red ink”)
New York. (Text “$2 Billion gap in NY budget”)
Washington's out of control spending and debt are hurting our economy, lowering our credit rating, and right now we have no plan to reign in our spending and debt.
Washington could learn a lot from Europe.
Let's hope they learn it soon.
Visit washingtoncouldlearnalot.com

See first national television ad: Washington Could Learn a Lot From A Drug Addict

If you would like more information on the sources for this ad, or to schedule an interview please call Kate Pomeroy or Victoria Coley at 571-970-6490.

Public Notice Research & Education Fund (PNREF) is a 501(c)(3) that provides the American public with research and information about state and Federal economic policy and how it affects every American. Our mission is to increase the public's awareness and understanding of the economic issues that affect their daily lives, communities, and children and grandchildren.