In the News Hahn Comes Out Against Spending Petition Kevin O'Hanlon / Associated Press. June 05, 2006 Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Hahn said Monday he opposes a ballot initiative aimed at capping state spending. "This petition proposes a change in the state Constitution that would do nothing but make a mess of government services and force the one thing Nebraskans most want government not to do – increase local property taxes," Hahn said. "This proposal is not fiscal surgery, it is irresponsible butchery." The petition drive, working under the name Stop Over Spending Nebraska, seeks a constitutional amendment that would tie state spending to cost of living and population changes. Hahn said the petition drive "represents ridiculous, irresponsible policy." "This is another example of what sounds like an easy way to reduce government spending," Hahn said. "It would make a shambles of the most basic services the people expect from the state, including education, public safety and health care." Sponsors of the petition drive are Mike Groene of North Platte and Americans for Limited Government of Glenview, Ill. Groene, who is with the Western Nebraska Taxpayers Association, rejected Hahn's comments. "This petition puts the people in charge," he said. Groene noted that politicians tend to complain about high taxes and spending during campaigns. "But when they get elected ... the lobbyists take over while the taxpayers all go back to work," he said. "All this petition says is this: 'You live within the same means that we do.'" Groene, who sells farm equipment, noted that state spending will go up 7.8 percent and 7 percent respectively the next two years. "That is irresponsible," he said of state lawmakers. "They are on autopilot." Hahn said the petition plan would send fewer dollars to local governments to fund public services. "Local governments would have to raise taxes, including local property taxes, to provide basic services," Hahn said. "We don't need that in Nebraska. It would hurt, not help, economic growth." Republican Gov. Dave Heineman had not decided if he will support the petition because he has not had time to review it in detail, said spokesman Aaron Sanderford. "As a general rule, he favors limited government, lower taxes and controlled spending," Sanderford said. Hahn noted that Colorado voters in November suspended the state Taxpayer's Bill of Rights – the strictest government spending limit in the nation – and agreed to relinquish more than $3 billion in tax refunds over five years to take advantage of the rebounding economy and restore programs that were cut during the downturn of the past few years. "The good people of Colorado suspended this measure because it hurt Colorado," Hahn said. "It was a disaster there and it would be a disaster here." In order for the Nebraska measure to get on the November ballot, about 115,000 signatures would have to be collected by July 7. Opposition to the petition drive includes the League of Nebraska Municipalities and AARP Nebraska.