Voices Against Tabor

Citizens are gathering at forums throughout the state this winter to talk about the real impact the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) would have on the people of Wisconsin. And you can see and listen to some of their testimonials by clicking on the cities above where forums have been held.

So far, videos are available from the following forums: December 8 in La Crosse, December 14 in Fond du Lac, January 11 in West Allis and January 25 in Cleveland. Videos from the February 8 forum in Eau Claire will be posted soon, and others from the February 15 forum in Green Bay will be available shortly after it is held.

The forums are sponsored by the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that provides education, research and advocacy for the well-being of children and families in our state. WEAC is a co-sponsor.

TABOR is a proposed amendment to Wisconsin’s Constitution that would severely restrict the ability of local governments and the state government to raise funds necessary to maintain quality services. It is being advocated by some powerful legislators.

At a news conference Thursday, February 9, 2006, advocates of TABOR unveiled a new plan which they are calling the Taxpayer Protection Amendment. Opponents point out that it contains the same problems as all of the other versions of TABOR that have been introduced or discussed so far and will have the same negative consequences for Wisconsin residents.

At the community forums, citizens are saying TABOR - and its relatives - would severely threaten the quality of our schools, child protective services, care for seniors, universities and technical schools, parks, libraries, roads and the quality of life in our state.

The final scheduled one-hour forum is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, at Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine Street, Green Bay. The forum is in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 on the lower level. Parking is free at meters on the street in the evening. There is also a ramp one block west of the library.

According to the WCCF, at the forum participants will:

• Learn more about how TABOR takes politicians off the hook for the tough decisions that we elect them to make.
• Hear from people in your community about how this policy would impact you, your family and your neighbors.
• Find out why the people of Colorado stopped this failed policy in a recent referendum.
• Record a video message about your concerns - and let elected leaders and others know what you value and want to preserve and protect.

For more information, visit the WCCF Web site.

Resource page on tax gimmicks
La Crosse forum focuses on 'Taxpayer Bill of Wrongs'
TABOR could take schools 'to the point of no return,' Altoona teacher says
TABOR would 'boil the life out of our schools,' Ashwaubenon teacher says

Posted February 9, 2006