Both Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley and Gov. Bob Riley have thrown out their proposals for tax cuts.

While both proposals differ widely, they share a common denominator: no real explanation as to how we pay for it.

We assure you that any tax cuts will require the money to be raised in other places, either other taxes or increased fees. What our leaders should focus on is sustainable economic growth that provides the services our population needs the most.

If we can do that with tax cuts, great. But until someone can explain exactly how we pay for them over the long term, then they are just empty promises.