Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Stopping the Tax Train

I’ve mentioned before the effort to amend the Wisconsin constitution to limit tax increases - similar to Colorado’s amendment.  Now a promising poll has been released.

Of those who responded to the poll, 74% said they would back an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution that would limit government spending; create a “rainy day” fund; return surpluses to taxpayers; and require a referendum if spending limits are to be exceeded. Eighteen percent opposed the plan, 7% were undecided and 1% refused to answer the question.

What’s more, when presented with some of the negative effects of such an amendment, such as cuts in key programs and services, residents still supported the idea of limiting the government’s ability to spend.

After hearing arguments from both sides, 65% of respondents backed the plan, compared with 21% who opposed the idea and 14% who were undecided.

That’s very positive.  To pass a constitutional amendment in Wisconsin, the amendment must be passed by both houses of the legislature for two consecutive sessions and then be voted on by the public.  Both houses of the legislature are controlled by Republicans and this poll indicates that the public vote would be a lock.  The poll smells a little fishy to me (small sample, funded by special interest group, etc.), but I believe it to be fairly accurate.

This effort has longer legs than its critics are willing to believe.

(0) Comments
Posted by Owen at 2114 hrs
Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.