Citizens in Charge

Several state activists have used the initiative and referendum (I&R) process to pass Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) legislation.

TABOR is seen by some as a way of limiting the growth of government. It requires increases in overall state government spending to be tied to inflation and population increases.

In today’s Common Sense post entitiled “They Call It ‘De-Brucing’” Paul Jacob discuss TABOR saying:

“Colorado’s constitutional amendment dubbed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR, has made it difficult for politicians to tax and spend like they want.”

In Florida the issue is currently being considered. The legislation being pushed by Brevard County Sen. Mike Haridopolos is similar to Colorado’s TABOR law. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the proposal is currently stalled in committee and faces strong opposition from many state legislators who are conserved with this kind of legislation during the current economy.  If this proposal passes it would have to go before voters in 2010.