The cap is back
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The cap is back
A coalition of small-government advocates today launched an effort to place a constitutional cap on local government growth on the 2010 ballot.
The cap would limit growth to inflation plus population, or about 5 percent to 6 percent per year. Cities and counties could break the limit, but only after getting voter approval.
Called "Your dollar, Your decision," the effort is similar to a cap attempted earlier this year by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. But that quickly became bogged down in philosophical differences and logistical problems. "It's difficult to get politicians to restrain politicians," said Adam Guillette, director of Americans for Prosperity Florida.
The Legislature has already placed a cap on local government, but many
cities and counties (40 percent, according to the coalition) voted to
exceed that or raised fees to make up the shortfall. The proposal
attempts to prevent that by placing that authority with voters.
(photo: Kimberly Abelon, 35, of Jacksonville, becomes one of the first petition signers during a news conference in Tallahassee.)
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The cap is back
A coalition of small-government advocates today launched an effort to place a constitutional cap on local government growth on the 2010 ballot.
The cap would limit growth to inflation plus population, or about 5 percent to 6 percent per year. Cities and counties could break the limit, but only after getting voter approval.
Called "Your dollar, Your decision," the effort is similar to a cap attempted earlier this year by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. But that quickly became bogged down in philosophical differences and logistical problems. "It's difficult to get politicians to restrain politicians," said Adam Guillette, director of Americans for Prosperity Florida. ... Read more