Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) Postponed until January
The state Senate's Republican leader Mary Panzer said today she does not have the votes to pass a proposed constitutional amendment to limit state and local spending this summer - an announcement that will delay a statewide referendum on spending limits until at least 2007. Panzer said that no votes would be taken until the 2005-'06 session, which convenes in January.
"We're taking our ideas for a taxpayers bill of rights directly to the voters over the next several months, and we'll listen to what they have to say," Panzer said, ending weeks of on-again, off-again speculation about whether the Legislature would call itself back into session to meet an early August deadline to recommend a constitutional change.
"We'll use that feedback to craft the best proposal and take it up in our next legislative session," she said.
Panzer's announcement was a bitter setback for Assembly Republicans, particularly Assembly Speaker John Gard (R-Peshtigo), who only days ago pleaded with Panzer to join him in calling the Legislature back into session to agree on a proposed constitutional amendment.
Several versions of a constitutional amendment had been circulated in the Capitol for months, but none received clear support from a majority of the 59 Assembly Republicans and 18 Senate Republicans who control the Legislature.
Panzer conceded that Senate Republicans are badly split on the subject of limiting state and local spending through a constitutional amendment. As Senate leader, she said, she had no duty to schedule a Senate vote until there are the needed 17 votes for such a plan.
The delay in a first vote on a constitutional amendment means that the issue will be a central part of fall campaigns for the Legislature.
Republicans plan to use TABOR to defeat Democratic incumbents whom oppose TABOR. Republicans in both houses plan to attack their opponents on the issue in hopes of obtaining a veto proof majority in one or both houses.
As AFSCME members we must be very aware that TABOR will be the central theme in this election cycle for state public office. Keep reminding your fellow Brothers and Sisters that the fight against TABOR has only begun. If more proponents of this legislation are elected there may be no stopping TABOR.
To read Panzers press release click below: http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=18204
To read Gard’s press release clink below: http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=18206
I would like to thank everyone of you that called, emailed, snail mailed, signed an anti-TABOR postcard, and talked to other members about the devastating affects TABOR would have on not just AFSCME employees but also the general public. ALL OF YOU DESERVE A HUGE PAT ON THE BACK.
We are still going to be holding AFSCME Trainings on TABOR. Currently I have one set-up in Plover for next Thursday and Merrill (July 12) and Superior (July 27). It is extremely important that our members are educated on the issues when they enter the voting booth in November.
AS ALWAYS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG TO OTHER CO-WORKERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Again, Thank You all for your hard work on this issue
AFSCME
Project Organizer,
"Take Back
715-839-8375 (office/fax)
608-792-5220 (cell)
608-836-6666 (AFSCME Area Office)