March 21, 2004

Tennessean's Tabor Coverage

It's about the time that the Tennessean did a story on TaBOR, and they did a bang up job (reads terrible job).

Let's take a quick look at it (as I only have a few minutes this morning to write):

Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, is cool to the idea as are Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, a coalition of organizations and individuals that says it is interested in a fair tax structure and adequate funding. They are joined by the national lobbying group Common Cause.

Yes, the pro-income tax groups don't support it...surprise surprise.

Opponents say putting the language in the constitution would hamstring government.

Simply false. TaBOR provides "guardrails," not total restrictions in spending, and taxes can be raised with a simple vote of the people (which is not impossible). Is it too much to ask to let the people decide?

''The governor is skeptical of these kinds of political measures,'' said Lydia Lenker, the governor's press secretary. ''It would completely undercut our ability to catch up in vital areas like education. This administration has been tightening belts and balancing budgets without any mandates like this. Bottom line: The system is working.''

Dear Governor, this isn't meant to target you. It's meant to target future administrations that might deviate from the path of responsible fiscal conservatism (or what you might decide to do in your second term).

Colorado has had a taxpayer bill of rights for 11 years and remains the only state with such provisions. Whether it has been beneficial depends on whom you ask.

A study by the Bell Policy Center last year concluded that Colorado's taxpayer bill of rights ''has seriously impaired the state's ability to set budget and program priorities and respond to crises, such as the current economic downturn.''

Depends on whom you ask? Looks like you pretty much just asked one side there.

Dick Williams, who represents Common Cause and Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, said it is unwise to restrict legislators in their decisions to meet Tennesseans' needs.

Artificial limits make it harder for the legislature to respond appropriately to the needs of government as they understand them, he said.

Yes, as you all know, our state legislature has done such a wonderful job of acting responsibly in the past (and I'm sure they will in the future).

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