Wisconsin TABOR to be Reintroduced Today
Report via the Janesville Gazette
Today state Rep. Frank Lasee, R-Bellevue, plans to reintroduce his constitution amendment known as TABOR (TAxpayers Bill Of Rights). The amendment would severely limit government spending.
Constitutional amendments must pass in the legislature for two consecutive sessions and a statewide referendum before it can become part of the constitution.
They tried to pass it late last summer, but couldn't muster enough support in the Senate. Lasee said that he has simplified the language and is getting good vibes from Republican leadership this time.
Governor Doyle and Democrats, have denounced the plan in the past, calling it a political gimmick that could hurt funding for vital local services.
More than likely though Doyle is more worried about funding his own spending sprees. For example his budget proposal earlier this year which includes $2.2 billion in new spending, $800 million in transfers from special-purpose funds, $368 million in tax and fee hikes, and a whopping $1 billion in increased borrowing. Besides emegerency spending can be authorized under the amendment by a two thirds vote.
The TABOR amendment would:
-Limit municipalities' spending growth to the three-year average of inflation plus the percentage growth in their property value due to new construction. The limits could be exceeded by referendum.
-Limit state government, school districts and technical college districts' spending growth according to inflation, just as municipalities, plus growth in the state population or student body.
-Create a state reserve fund to help weather tough economic times.
-Allow the Legislature to authorize emergency spending with a two-thirds vote.
-Limit state government, school districts and technical college districts' spending growth according to inflation, just as municipalities, plus growth in the state population or student body.
-Create a state reserve fund to help weather tough economic times.
-Allow the Legislature to authorize emergency spending with a two-thirds vote.
TABOR is badly needed in Wisconsin, especially with out of control property taxes and spending. Write your state Senators and Representaives and ask them to get behind the amendment.