First step... cap the extension the unemployed get. Sorry, I have no issue helping those in need, but 2 plus years sitting on unemployment is more of a problem of the person than not finding a job.
Second step.. reform the qualifications for those on assistance. Again.. I have no issue paying my part for those that NEED the help. Not those that have made a career out of skirting the system to get paid.
Then go through the defense budget and can half the shit we don't need.
Close the loopholes and off shore accounts to skirt taxes by the rich and virtually hang every accountant playing the system by their ass in the middle of each town square. Have them pay their proportional share.
It is also time of the local governments to start playing the grant game of taking the money now to earn more later to end. My township spent a million dollars on a 1/2 mile street project.. examples of chewing up grant money were 7k custom made light poles over the 1k alternatives. At 20 some poles that is a huge waste.. one extra was purchased because of molding costs to replace it later was about an extra 5k. The reason.. we had to spend the allotted money to ensure the proper budget in the coming years. Really. For a walking path through the town park at 450k.
After those are solved.. then reassess the tax issue. If it takes us paying more to get this nation back on track.. fine, lets do it.
Personally, it might hurt some now, but I would rather go over the cliff than extend the unemployment benes for the long term unemployed. Sooner or later we have to become a disciplined nation and addressing the issues.. not pushing them out further.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"