February 24, 2005

TABOR Debate

I'm listening to the TABOR debate on Charlie Sykes' "Insight 2005." This is great, informative talk on what TABOR is, why it's needed, and how we got in

State Assembly Speaker John Gard is a passionate, very smart speaker. I'm glad he's fighting for TABOR and not distracted by running for governor. By comparing Wisconsin's tax burden to that of growing countries like China and Ireland puts the issue in a global economic context.

Opponents of TABOR have been defending their side very well. State Rep. John Richards offered the rebuttal that controling government spending is the role of legislators and government officals. If voters have a problem with spending they should vote new people into office. This is a simple, seemingly common sense comeback. However, it doesn't explain why why Wisconsin government spending has been increasing for decades, nor does it include any public choice thinking involving the power of special interests.

For someone like me who doesn't have an in-depth knowledge of TABOR (that's why I've written little on it) this is a bonanza to learn more about the idea and arguments against it.

Bravo, Charlie for putting together a great event.