Support Legislature

Dear Editor,

The directors of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce at their monthly meeting, unanimously re-solved to support the Legislature's approach to the state's budget problems, and oppose any referendum to nullify the necessary tax increases of the recent legislative session. Citizens may be approached to sign petitions to "repeal the tax increase"; we believe it is important to consider a number of things before signing.

The repeal referendum does not present any plan for funding the necessary functions of state government. Its only approach is "cut spending." The Legislature made all reasonable expenditure cuts before initiating any tax increases. In fact, legislators cut more than $2 for every $1 in the tax package.

The repeal referendum does not specify what expenditures would be cut, or how state and local governments, or the school systems, will continue to function with further cuts. The most obvious targets, K-12 education and Medicaid, represent the largest state expenditures and are fixed costs. The need does not go away if the state refuses to pay; the burden simply shifts to local government. A repeal referendum will result in increased local property taxes.

Both candidates for governor oppose any repeal referendum. Without a plan to pay for government, tax repeal creates havoc. Nebraskans deserve a reasonable approach.

Sincerely,

Wayne Ziebarth

Chairman,

Legislative Committee, SPUCC,

Wilcox