Chairman's Blog
What TABOR Opponents Think of Voters
Our permanent political class in Maine doesn't think we're very bright. That's one of the reasons they're so opposed to TABOR. TABOR allows us to decide whether to approve extraordinary tax or spending increases. And while they think we're intelligent enough to vote for them, we're not intelligent enough to vote on tax and spending increases.
Quite a few of Maine's politicos have spoken disparagingly about Maine voters.
continue readingHas TABOR Hurt Colorado's Schools?
Colorado's the TABOR Bogeyman - Just Like 2006
Now that the campaign's under way, it's clear that TABOR opponents have but two arguments: first, that Colorado is a "disaster" because of TABOR, and second, that Maine's TABOR will destroy local control. Of course, there are variations of both arguments, depending on how hysterical the particular opponent happens to be. But Colorado seems to be the all-purpose bogeyman, just like 2006.
We notice our opponents flying in TABOR naysayers from Colorado and we understand very well what's happening: given the mess that Maine's political class has made of the state's finances, none of them have the guts to oppose TABOR openly. So, they import their opposite numbers from Colorado to oppose Maine taxpayers by proxy. That way, they avoid unpleasant questions while they feed their talking points to the Colorado drop-ins.
But it won't work. After lying repeatedly to the taxpayers since 2006, we're all wise to them and we're not fooled by the Colorado dodge. But because we TABOR supporters have a sense of humor, it will be fun to refute each and every misrepresentation our opponents make about TABOR's effect on Colorado.
continue readingWhy TABOR is Necessary
Let's begin with a few notes on why TABOR is necessary - indispensable, really - to Maine's future.
Maine's fiscal house is a shambles. Although the political class in Augusta tries to hide the full extent of the mess, the people of Maine are becoming aware of the disaster that our politicians have created. A few facts (courtesy of the Maine Department of Labor and Maine Legislature):
continue readingSpecial Interests United to Protect Themselves
Yesterday, TABOR opponents kicked off their campaign to continue spending our children's and grandchildren's future. About 50 people attended their little rally on the steps of Portland City Hall.
These TABOR opponents have joined together as "Citizens United for Maine's Future", but their primary concern is protecting their taxpayer-funded government handouts.
Every person or organization present was either a member of Augusta's permanent political class or in synchronous orbit around Augusta's political class. Let's look at some of them, shall we?
continue readingTax Committee Opposes TABOR NOW
On Friday, May 1, the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation voted 7-4 to mark the TABOR bill as 'ought not to pass'. Next, the TABOR bill will head to the full Legislature, where it will likely be voted down. This means that our initiative will be sent instead to the voters for approval in November. You'll recall that the committee hearing on TABOR was held on April 16 with supporters in abundant attendance.
continue readingTABOR NOW has its public hearing
Yesterday TABOR Now supporters attended a hearing in Augusta before the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. Under the citizen initiative process, the Legislature has the option of passing TABOR unchanged as regular legislation. And as a legislative 'bill', TABOR is first considered by the relevant legislative committee, in this case the Taxation Committee, which hears public testimony for and against the measure before making a recommendation on whether the TABOR bill 'ought to pass'.
continue readingA NOTE FROM THE TABOR NOW CHAIRMAN
Thank you for visiting the TABOR NOW website to learn more about our campaign for real tax relief in Maine. continue reading
David Crocker, Chairman
TABOR NOW