Two ideas for tax relief

Here are two proposals for those taxpayers who are still wondering when Governor Baldacci’s tax relief will come.

First, support the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (TABOR). Simply put, TABOR limits the amount budgets at all levels in the state can be raised. It limits increases to the rise of inflation plus a population growth factor. Larger increases in the budget can only happen with a two-thirds majority vote override. Remember, this limits increases in budgets and does not decrease any budget. I am sure you will be hearing from school and municipal officials how it will decimate their budgets by reducing them. But wait folks, there’s even more. It return’s 80 percent of any surplus to the taxpayers. Windham’s budget increase this year was fueled by surplus funds. Funds that we, the taxpayer, paid for in a previous budget and were not used.

Second, I am proposing we form the Independent Budget Review Committee (IBRC). This committee will be made up of citizens of Windham not directly connected to local schools or government. This will give us a chance to be informed and educated on Windham’s budget as to what is spent where. It’s our money folks and we should know where it’s going. If you are not from Windham, start one in your own community.

The purpose of supporting the TABOR and forming the IBRC is simple. Just look at Windham’s budget increase this year. Nearly 11 percent! Did you receive an 11 percent increase in your pay? I certainly dread this thought but what happens if the state reneges on the increased funding for education. With an increase in the budget of 11 percent this year and if the state fails to fund the increase, our property tax bills will skyrocket.

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