423 WILL HURT NEBRASKA

Nebraskans will be asked in November to vote on a constitutional amendment called Initiative 423. The amendment would lock an inflexible and impractical spending formula into our state's constitution. The amendment contains the same core provisions as Colorado's so-called "Taxpayer Bill of Rights" (TABOR), adopted by that state in 1992. Here are 5 reasons Nebraskans should vote against 423.

1 423/TABOR is a proven failure in Colorado,
the only state where it exists. Economic development, education, the industrial infrastructure and health care all suffered under Colorado's TABOR. In November 2005, Coloradoans voted to suspend TABOR. The effort was led by a broad coalition, including business leaders, who believe TABOR dragged down their state's economy.
2 423 will raise our property taxes.
Currently, one-third of all state expenditures are sent to local governments. 423 would reduce this state aid. To make up for the shortfall, local government will have to sharply cut needed services, raise property taxes and fees, or both.
3 423 will hurt our economic development
by crippling the services business need – transportation, infrastructure, and quality higher education – making it harder for our state to attract new businesses and create new jobs.
4 423 will harm public safety.
As local aid decreases because of 423, so would funds for local police, fire departments and emergency response teams. This could reduce their ability to respond to emergencies.
5 423 will harm agriculture.
423 would mean less funding to protect the health of livestock, to inspect food, to test samples and to carry out agricultural research. Increased fees would make up for the loss in many cases. It would also put significant pressure on property taxes as state aid to local government and schools is reduced.
 
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