The Observer, April 7, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 23
Free Speech Zone: Column overlooks important amendment's impact
To the Editor:
In reference to the column by Christopher Thomas [March 31, 2006] arguing in support of the tax and expenditure limitation amendment to the constitution, there are a few things that Thomas overlooked.
First, what's conservative about an amendment that places no limit on the ability of the state to increase taxes? Nothing in this amendment would prevent the current legislature or future legislatures from increasing taxes on ordinary Ohioans.
Second, what's conservative about an amendment that is so poorly drafted that it would likely hand over control of local and state budgeting to lawyers and judges? In fact the amendment puts out a welcome mat for lawsuits when it gives standing to anyone to sue their school, library, zoo, airport, or city over enforcement of the Tax and Expenditure Limitation (TEL) amendment. Of course taxpayers get to pick up the tab.
Third, what's conservative about an amendment that tramples Ohio's tradition of local control of government? This amendment is one size fits all for every local community and locks a rigid formula into the state constitution that would be nearly impossible to reverse.
Finally, what's conservative about an amendment that hands control over elections to non-voters? The amendment requires a super-majority to pass local school and community tax and budget issues. If voter turnout is less than 50 percent, the issue automatically loses, effectively giving non-voters veto power over the outcome of elections. Not to mention the fact that it will result in endless special elections costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We don't have to guess about the outcome of this amendment. It's already been tried in Colorado and the results have been stunningly bad. One area in particular, higher education, has been hit particularly badly. The state appropriation for University of Colorado in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 was roughly the same it received in FY 1995 – yet it has an estimated 4927 additional students. This lack of support for higher education translated into a proposal last year to raise tuition at one state university in one year by 28 percent. Investments in higher education remain among the most important investments that states can make in terms of generating economic growth.
All Ohioans, conservatives included, should treat the proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution with great skepticism. The amendment would undermine Ohio's efforts to rejuvenate its economy, hurt education and health care and prevent Ohio's local governments from responding to the needs of their citizens.
John R. Corlett
Senior Fellow and Director of Public
Policy and Advocacy
The Center for Community
Solutions
