TABOR the best way to
manage state tax burden

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

E-mail this story to a friend

It is ironic that the same day (June 22) that the Morning Sentinel (rightfully) criticizes Gov. John Baldacci for trying to shift the property tax burden from residential to commercial property owners, it ignores what is the best solution for real reform: Voting for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights this November as recommended by Penelope Morrell in her letter to the editor on the same page. Thousands of other Mainers, disgusted by our status as the highest taxed state per capita income, agree. This carefully crafted measure puts taxpayers in charge instead of the spenders.

You go on to say that any tax changes need to consider controlling spending at all levels of government, should avoid politically motivated tax shifting, and should include an understanding that "government may not be able to offer everything in the future that it has offered in the past." The Taxpayer Bill of Rights will do that by limiting the growth of all local and state government spending to the rate of inflation and population growth, generally 3-5 percent a year. There is even an override provision for times when more may be required or desired.

Despite the hysterical misinformation spread by the beneficiaries of higher taxes, this sensible measure has no legal language to mandate any cuts in spending, only limits on its growth. It will make the politicians set priorities and hold them accountable. They may not like that but it's the Taxpayers Bill of Rights not the Tax Spenders Bill of Rights.

Gayle Finkbeiner

Belgrade