Resolution of Opposition Resolution in Opposition to Initiative 423, a proposed amendment to Nebraska's Constitution WHEREAS, the _______________________________________________ is aware of the damage inflicted upon the State of Colorado, its people and its economy due to a similar constitutional amendment that was in effect from 1992 to November 2005; and WHEREAS, Initiative 423's arbitrary spending limits, which would be locked into the State's Constitution, would cause major disinvestments in public infrastructure, including transportation, capital maintenance and construction, and vital public services including public safety, K-12 and higher education and health care, and; WHEREAS, Initiative 423 would increase property taxes in Nebraska; it would force a reduction in state aid to local government which would then have to increase property taxes and fees, sharply cut services, or both, and; WHEREAS, Initiative 423 would reduce funding for rural programs by requiring a shift away from programs important to rural Nebraska such as natural resources, agriculture and rural economic development to fund more rapidly growing programs such as Medicaid, and; WHEREAS, Initiative 423 would lead to a barrage of lawsuits against the state, driving up state costs and tying up the courts, and; WHEREAS, Initiative 423 does not allow the public sector to be an effective partner with the private sector in creating and maintaining a strong economic climate; instead it becomes an anchor that hinders businesses’ ability to be competitive; and WHEREAS, Initiative 423 will not improve a state’s economy; it does not promote job growth or business expansion, and it will hurt the citizens of Nebraska. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the __________________________ opposes Initiative 423 to the Nebraska Constitution and encourages members to take the steps necessary to inform the public about the negative effects of this ill-conceived constitutional amendment.