APSCUF Legislative News

Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)

The proposed Pennsylvania Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) legislation seeks to limit the growth of state spending and impose limits on annual growth in government funding of commonwealth programs. However, the establishment of TABOR would result in serious revenue shortfalls for public services, including quality, affordable healthcare for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as well as services such as public safety, transportation, k-12 and higher education.
Pennsylvania has already secured the title of having some of the most expensive public colleges and universities in the country. TABOR would mean even higher tuition bills for Pennsylvania students and less financial aid to assist them. As Pennsylvania state colleges and universities continue to grow at record enrollment rates, with nearly ninety percent of those students being Pennsylvania residents, this spending cap would be detrimental to the commonwealth, its reputation for quality education, and its residents.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

One piece of TABOR legislation, House Bill 2082 has been amended. The TABOR language has been removed. It is now a non-binding statewide referendum on the matter of local school property tax elimination through the use of sales and use taxes.

Senate Bill 884 passed the Senate on October 26, 2005 by a vote of 50-0. It received second consideration in the House on May 2, 2006. The bill is in the position to be considered by the full House. House Bill 2027 was reported as amended from House Appropriations on October 24, 2005 and also in the position to be considered by the full House.

NEWS:

“So-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights is Proven Failure”
Article from PR Newswire

“The Flawed “Population Plus Inflation” Formula: Why TABOR’s Growth Formula Doesn’t Work”
Article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

OUTSIDE LINKS

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
http://www.cbpp.org/ssl-series.htm

Coalition for Common Sense Priorities
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/tabor_lemon/explanation

The Real Story Behind Tabor - video provided by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

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