DEAR EDITOR:
The Dispatch has recommended a
”
YES
”
vote on state Proposition 56. Your reasoning is that Prop 56,
which would allow budget passage with a 55 percent vote of the
legislature instead of the current two-thirds requirement, would
speed up the passage of state budgets and also return our
legislature to majority rule by not allowing the minority to
dictate spending.
DEAR EDITOR:
The Dispatch has recommended a “YES” vote on state Proposition 56. Your reasoning is that Prop 56, which would allow budget passage with a 55 percent vote of the legislature instead of the current two-thirds requirement, would speed up the passage of state budgets and also return our legislature to majority rule by not allowing the minority to dictate spending.
Our state constitution currently requires a two-thirds vote before the state legislature can increase taxes. You don’t seem to be concerned about replacing that requirement with 55 percent nor do the promoters of Prop. 56 who never mention the change in their TV ads. They would prefer to keep that a secret.
These TV ads pitch only budget accountability, responsibility, but never mention that Prop. 56 would open the door to higher taxes on everything the state can tax including sales, income, gas and even property taxes through a statewide parcel tax.
What particularly concerns me is that the Democrats currently make up MORE THAN 55% OF OUR LEGISLATURE and, along with a weak economy, are responsible for most of our state’s financial problems. They could, upon passage of Prop 56, pass any tax increase they wish without challenge.
“VOTE NO ON PROP. 56”
George M. Lawton,
Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, Feb. 24 to ed****@****ic.com
